New regulations: mandatory TPO insurance for drone operators

As from 13 November 2025, all operators of drones weighing between 250 grams and 20 kilograms must have compulsory TPO insurance. The requirement stems from the Regulation of the Minister of Finance of 24 October 2025 amending the Aviation Act, which implements EU regulations on the operational safety of unmanned aircraft.

The new law aims to improve the safety of drone operations and protect third parties from the consequences of ensuing damage. The TPO insurance covers the costs of repairs or compensation in the event that a drone causes property damage or bodily injury, e.g. if it damages a car, destroys a piece of infrastructure or injures a pedestrian.

The policy must be taken out no later than the day before the first flight. Checks for insurance cover will be carried out by the relevant authorities, and failure to hold a valid policy may result in a fine of PLN 4,000. The requirement does not apply to public services, such as the army, the police and the border guard.

Insurers have prepared a range of policies that ensure compliance with the new regulations. The minimum guaranteed sum is 50,000 SDR (Special Drawing Rights of the International Monetary Fund) — currently around PLN 270,000 in total. Operators may also choose higher options, tailored to their individual needs and the nature of the flights.

The number of drone operators is constantly growing, both among aviation enthusiasts and in business. At the end of October/beginning of November, the number of registered drone operators in Poland exceeded 411 thousand.