The Impact of unmanned Aerial Vehicles on Risk Situations and Insurance Interests: Problem Statement

The study is devoted to identifying the impact of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on changes in the risk situation and insurance interests in the Russian Federation. The relevance of the topic under consideration is determined by the large number of UAVs at the disposal of the population and organizations, and the high level of freedom in their use, which generates significant risks. The aim of the work is to identify specific changes in the risk landscape and the corresponding insurance needs that arise from the widespread introduction of UAVs. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were formulated and solved: the risks associated with the use of UAVs were classified and the specifics of their manifestation were analyzed; the interrelationships between changes in the risk situation and the development of insurance interests of potential policyholders were identified; ways to increase the effectiveness of insurance protection, primarily against the risks of illegal, sabotage and military use of UAVs, were proposed. When writing the article, analytical and statistical methods were used to assess the quantitative and qualitative indicators of the Russian and international drone markets. The article systematizes the risks of using UAVs by subjects and purposes of use, and provides a comparative analysis of insurance products of Russian insurers. It has been established that the mass use of UAVs generates specific risks. For UAV owners, the risks of Comprehensive Insurance and liability are relevant; for third parties, there is a risk of physical/material damage from the use of UAVs, as well as from military and terrorist attacks. In the face of growing demand, Russian insurers offer products that insure UAV deaths, liability, and cargo, but exclude military and terrorist risks. The results show a need to adapt existing insurance protection mechanisms to meet new insurance requirements. The authors argue for the need to develop military/terrorism risk insurance for the use of UAVs through reinsurance mechanisms, pools, mutual insurance, and government support. The authors emphasize the importance of a more inclusive discussion of the issue, involving all stakeholders.