Since 2010, the number of drone users in the United Kingdom has grown by 500%, and so has risk to both individuals and major operation hubs such as airports.

Consequently, on July 9, SkyWatch.AI, the world’s first on-demand, telematics-based insurance platform for commercial drones, is making its U.K. debut with a new, flexible insurance platform. SkyWatch.AI is offered by on-demand, usage-based specialized mobility insurance provider VOOM, and will provide U.K. drone pilots with data analysis and active risk-reduction capabilities for users. Policies will be underwritten by international specialty insurance and reinsurance group Chaucer.

The SkyWatch.AI platform leverages the power of machine learning to assess and mitigate risks. Using Skywatch.AI, commercial drone pilots can receive instant, flexible and affordable insurance, while lowering their rates by flying safer, according to today’s press release. Drone pilots can purchase third-party liability insurance via SkyWatch.AI’s mobile application, choosing either a monthly or per-flight coverage plan.

SkyWatch.AI’s telemetry-based risk analysis platform will provide pilots with a risk map to help them plan their flights, get real-time weather updates and proactively avoid potential hazards. During flight, pilots will be able to use the in-app, DJI-compatible flight module and get real-time safety alerts, as well as post-flight analysis. SkyWatch.AI also calculates a proprietary “Safety Score” for each flight based on the operator’s behavior. The telemetry-based Safety Score, which differentiates SkyWatch.AI, sets an industry benchmark for operators to improve their score as they practice safer flights, as well as contribute to lower premiums with leading insurance carriers in the aviation industry.  

“Drone pilots are innovators in the way they use technology and run their businesses, and they need flexible coverage they can control and adjust to reflect this,” said Tomer Kashi, CEO and co-founder of VOOM and SkyWatch.AI. “Our service currently covers thousands of drone pilots in the U.S. We’re proud to expand SkyWatch.AI to the U.K. and provide a solution that helps drone pilots fly safer  while saving money on their future insurance policies.“

“The drone industry is fast growing and dynamic and UAV operators want insurance that responds to the unique set of risks that drones confront,” said Grant Halliwell, head of aviation at Chaucer (re)insurance. “SkyWatch.AI definitely does this.”