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Rhea County approves $4,241 drone insurance policy for county UAS
Summary
Rhea County commissioners approved an unmanned aircraft systems insurance policy covering two drones, liability and medical expense limits, and an annual premium of $4,241 after staff presented a Global Aerospace quote and coverage details.
Rhea County commissioners voted Aug. 19 to buy an insurance policy for the county’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), agreeing to an annual premium of $4,241 to cover two drones and associated equipment.
The policy approved by the commission covers a 2025 Skydio X10 with an insured value listed at $16,108 and a 2025 DJI Matrice 30T insured at $15,000, along with accessories and spare parts. The coverage summary presented to the commission lists a single-limit liability cap of $500,000 and medical-expense coverage of $5,000. The county packet included a Global Aerospace quote that said coverage is effective only after the online application is completed and a policy is issued.
Why it matters: Rhea County’s aviation equipment, used for public-safety and mapping operations cited in the underwriting, is now insured for both physical damage and third-party liability, shifting risk away from the county general fund for accidents or damage involving the listed UAS.
Details and decision: County staff shared a written insurance summary and an insurer submission from Global Aerospace showing itemized insured values (the Skydio and DJI aircraft, payloads, spare engines and accessories) and an overall annual premium of $4,241. The commission first voted to remove the item from the table and then approved the policy (motion to accept: Commissioner Cashman; second: Commissioner Welch). The Global Aerospace materials in the packet note the insurer will not provide coverage until the applicant completes an online application and receives confirmation that a policy is in force.
Next steps: The county will complete the application process with the producer or Global Aerospace and maintain the liability protections in force while continuing to insure an older county drone under TN Risk Management for liability, per the packet. No additional municipal budget appropriation was listed in the minutes beyond the premium amount.
Provenance: County commission meeting packet and motions read during oral business (topic introduced and approved in the Aug. 19 meeting; details in the insurer summary and Global Aerospace quote included in the county packet).
