ABSTRACT
Globally there are differences in opinion or approach in relation to compulsory third-party liability insurance for drones. This is not surprising. Inevitably there will be significant variations in drone regulations and insurance requirements from country to country as regulatory authorities struggle to adapt current and prospective laws to new technology and to national social, economic and political priorities.
Nevertheless it is argued that a national policy that omits a considered and effective implementation of compulsory liability insurance is ignoring a vital dimension in managing the risks and impacts associated with the use and deployment of drones and other emerging aviation technologies.
In the particular case of drones, it is suggested that an adaptation, with appropriate modifications, of relevant compulsory third-party motor vehicle schemes with associated nominal defendant arrangements or of other accident compensation arrangements could provide a tried and extensively tested pathway to resolving problems flowing from unregistered and/or uninsured drones.
