The cost to rent a drone varies depending on the type of drone you want to rent. A drone rental costs between $50 and $100 per day on average.
Hello, fellow drone enthusiasts! My name is Lavelle, I am a drone pilot and I have been flying drones for the past decade. I have always owned my drones and while I do recommend buying over renting, there are some benefits to renting a drone.
In this article, I will discuss some of the factors that drive the price of drone rental and provide tips to consider when renting. I will also answer some of the frequently asked questions about renting a drone.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Drone rental costs vary depending on the type and size of a drone being rented, as well as the duration of time needed.
- Before deciding to rent a drone, it is important to first determine your needs.
- Get the appropriate insurance coverage for your drone rental.
What is the Price for Renting a Drone Dependent on?
The cost of renting a drone depends on several factors including the type of drone, your intended use for the drone, the duration of the rental, and insurance costs for renting.
1. Type of drone
There are two types of drones to consider for rental. One is a consumer or hobby drone (also known as a recreational drone) and the other is a commercial or professional drone. The cost of renting each drone really depends on which drone you choose.
2. Intend of use
After choosing what type of drone you want to rent, it is then necessary to determine your intended use for the drone rental. If you are renting it for commercial or professional purposes, the rental may cost more and you will need to ensure that you have all the requirements in place for the use of the drone, i.e. Part 107 license, drone registration, insurance, etc.
If you are renting the drone for recreational purposes, the costs may be lower than the rental for professional use. You should still ensure that you are adhering to all FAA regulations.
3. Rental duration
Another factor that contributes to the rental cost is the length of your rental. In some cases, you may get a discount for longer rentals, however, there are instances where the per-day rental cost is set and doesn’t change regardless of how long you rent the drone. Nonetheless, you should factor in your rental duration as you calculate your rental costs.
4. Insurance
Insurance is an important consideration when renting a drone. If you are renting for commercial use, you should consider insurance that covers the drone for damage or theft and liability insurance that covers you while performing the project specifications. Should you injure anyone or any property while operating the drone, insurance will prove to be a valuable asset.
If you are renting the drone for hobby purposes, you may still consider insurance to cover the drone in case of a crash or other accidents that may damage the craft. In some cases, recreational drone users are not as experienced as professional drone users and insurance becomes an even more important consideration.
Drone Renting Cost Examples
Here is a list of some of the popular drone rentals.
Drone Model | Drone Type | Description | Estimated Rental Price |
DJI Mavic Mini | Recreational | 30 mins of flight time with 2.7k camera | $35/day |
DJI Mavic 3 | Recreational/Professional | 40 mins of flight time, professional camera, obstacles sensing; 15GHz range | $100/day |
Skydio 2+ Pro | Recreational/Professional | 5GHz Radio for the extended range | $55/day |
DJI Matrice 600 | Professional | Aerial photography and industrial applications use | $15/day |
Autel Nano | Recreational/Professional | 28 mins of flight time, 4k camera, image sensor | $30/day |
Tips for Renting a Drone
Here are a few things to consider when renting a drone.
Define the Drone You Want to Rent
Understand and define the actual drone that you need for your intended use. Every drone has specific technical specs and depending on your needs, one drone may be a better fit than another for you.
Do Your Research
Compare the companies and their prices, terms and conditions, and reputation. Read forums and find out what others say about the drone you intend to rent. Find user ratings and customer reviews.
Get a Discount
Look for discounts and deals, rent for a longer period instead of just a few days, and book in advance. These are a few of the ways that you might be able to get a discount on your rental costs.
Check the Insurance
Check if the company provides insurance or consider if you need one, depending on your need and use of a drone. Ensure that you read and understand all the conditions of the insurance policy that you choose. If you have questions, reach out to an insurance consultant before choosing your insurance option.
Be Careful with a Drone and Return It in Good Condition
Whether you are an experienced drone pilot or a novice user, be careful with the drone that you rent. Follow all the FAA guidelines and take care of the aircraft. It is important that you return it in the same condition that you received it in. Doing so will ensure that you do not incur any additional costs and will help you develop a good business relationship with the rental company.
FAQs
Here are a couple of answers to some frequently asked questions about drone rentals.
How Much Can I Rent My Drone?
The cost of the drone rental varies depending on the type of drone you choose and the duration of the rental. The average cost per day is between $50 and $100.
How Much Does a Drone Cost per Hour?
There are not many, if any, places that rent drones by the hour. Most companies rent them by the day. With the average daily cost being approximately $50 per day, hourly rentals may cost more. I have seen hourly rentals for around $25 per hour.
Final Thoughts
Renting a drone is a serious consideration. Depending on your intended use for the drone, the costs may vary. It’s important to determine your needs, do your research, and look for good deals. It is also important to have proper insurance coverage when renting a drone.
Have you ever rented a drone? Do you have any tips for those, who are going to do it for the first time? Share your drone rental experience in the comments section below.