DJI vs Insurance

DJI Care Refresh vs Drone Insurance

Two different kinds of protection, often confused for each other — here's how manufacturer programmes and specialist insurance actually differ.

Short answer

DJI Care Refresh is generally a manufacturer accidental-damage replacement programme for the aircraft. Drone insurance is a broader product covering liability, theft, payload and commercial use. Many pilots use both.

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DJI Care Refresh and specialist drone insurance are often compared as if they are the same kind of protection — they are not. This guide explains the general difference in what each is designed to address, so you can decide whether you need one, the other, or both. DJI programme terms can change, so always confirm current details directly with DJI before relying on this as a complete comparison.

Two different kinds of protection

Manufacturer protection programmes like DJI Care Refresh are typically built around replacing or repairing the aircraft itself after accidental damage, usually within defined terms set by DJI. Specialist drone insurance, by contrast, is built to address a broader set of risks — including your liability to other people, cover for payload and equipment, theft outside a manufacturer's scope, and commercial use of the aircraft.

How the two generally compare

DJI programme terms, pricing and availability change over time and by region. The comparison below describes how these two categories of protection typically differ in structure — always check DJI's current South African terms directly before making a decision.

Area	Manufacturer programme (e.g. DJI Care Refresh)	Specialist drone insurance
Accidental damage	Typically the core focus — replacement or repair of the aircraft.	Usually included as part of hull cover.
Replacement process	Handled directly through the manufacturer.	Handled through an insurer's claims process.
Theft	Coverage for theft varies by programme and region — check current terms.	Dedicated theft cover is a standard component of drone insurance.
Third-party liability	Not typically the focus of manufacturer programmes.	A core component — covers injury or damage caused to others.
Commercial operations	Manufacturer programmes are not generally structured around business/commercial risk.	Commercial cover, including client and site requirements, is a standard offering.
Payloads and other equipment	Usually limited to the specific aircraft covered by the programme.	Can extend to cameras, sensors, spray systems and ground equipment.
Claims philosophy	Manufacturer-defined replacement terms and conditions.	Aviation-specific underwriting and claims assessment.

Where the two can work together

For many pilots, these are not competing choices. A manufacturer programme can offer a straightforward path to replacing a damaged aircraft, while a drone insurance policy fills the gaps that programme was never designed to cover — particularly third-party liability, which is often the largest financial exposure a pilot faces, and cover for commercial operations if you fly for payment.

Questions worth asking before you decide

Before relying on a manufacturer programme alone, it's worth checking: does it cover theft, or only accidental damage? Does it apply if the drone is being flown commercially? Does it cover payload equipment mounted on the aircraft? And critically — does it provide any third-party liability cover at all if your drone injures someone or damages their property?

Where to go from here

If you fly a DJI drone and want to see cover built specifically around DJI aircraft, start with DJI drone insurance. Recreational pilots should also review personal drone insurance, while anyone flying for payment should look at commercial drone insurance. If liability is your main concern, see public liability insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DJI offer drone insurance?

DJI offers manufacturer protection programmes such as DJI Care Refresh in various markets, which typically focus on accidental damage replacement for the aircraft itself. This is different from insurance products that cover third-party liability, theft in the broader sense, or business use — check DJI's current terms for what is offered in South Africa.

Do DJI drones have insurance?

A DJI drone is not automatically insured. Manufacturer programmes like Care Refresh may offer accidental damage replacement if purchased separately, but this is distinct from an insurance policy covering liability, theft, or commercial operations.

Is DJI Care Refresh insurance?

DJI Care Refresh is generally structured as a manufacturer replacement/protection programme rather than a regulated insurance product. It typically focuses on the aircraft itself rather than third-party liability or broader business risks. Always check DJI's current terms, as programme structures can change.

Do I still need insurance with DJI Care Refresh?

Many pilots use both: a manufacturer programme for straightforward accidental damage replacement, and specialist drone insurance for third-party liability, theft outside the programme's scope, payload and equipment, and commercial use. Whether you need both depends on how you fly and what DJI's current programme actually covers.

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