DJI Care Refresh Guide: Best Warranty Plans for Drones

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

⚠️ What’s New in 2025: DJI Care Refresh faces significant availability restrictions in the US due to ongoing customs delays under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. While existing policies remain active, new purchases are extremely limited. Updated pricing reflects DJI’s 2023 service improvements with reduced replacement fees and extended coverage options.

DJI Care Refresh provides comprehensive protection for drone investments, but 2025 brings unique challenges for US customers. After eight years testing DJI drones across Colorado’s demanding terrain and navigating multiple claims—including a successful flyaway replacement during wind testing near Pike’s Peak—I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about this essential protection service in today’s complex regulatory environment.

Table of Contents

Quick Decision Framework

✅ Buy DJI Care Refresh if you:

Own an existing DJI drone (within 48-hour activation window)
Fly frequently in challenging mountain or coastal conditions
Need protection for drones worth $500+
Can access Care Refresh through authorized third-party dealers
Plan long-term drone ownership (2-3 years)

❌ Consider alternatives if you:

Need immediate new drone protection (limited US availability)
Fly rarely in controlled environments
Prefer comprehensive drone insurance with theft coverage
Face customs delays affecting replacement logistics

What is DJI Care Refresh?

DJI Care Refresh is DJI’s comprehensive protection service covering accidental damage, water exposure, flyaway incidents, and normal wear for eligible DJI products. Unlike standard warranties limited to manufacturing defects, Care Refresh protects against real-world mishaps that destroy drones during field operations.

According to DJI’s official support documentation, the service underwent major improvements in July 2023, upgrading the 2-Year Plan from three to four total replacements while reducing replacement fees and eliminating fee increases for additional claims.

Core Protection Features:

Express replacement service (2-3 business days when available)
Comprehensive accident coverage including water damage and flyaways
Up to 4 replacements over 2 years (updated 2023)
Free two-way shipping for replacement services
Worldwide coverage for international travelers
Extended warranty integration with official DJI support

Real Colorado Field Test: During high-altitude testing near Breckenridge in 2024, sudden mountain winds sent my DJI Mini 4 Pro into rocky terrain. The $65 replacement fee through Care Refresh saved over $700 compared to retail pricing—demonstrating the service’s value even in extreme conditions.

2025 DJI Care Refresh Cost & Plan Comparison

Current Pricing Structure (Updated July 2025)

Drone Model	1-Year Plan	2-Year Plan	Replacement Fee	Flyaway Fee
Mini 4 Pro	$104	$165	$65	$235
Air 3/3S	$149	$229	$129	$299
Mavic 3 Pro	$309	$459	$189	$459
Avata 2	$89	$135	$75	$225
Neo	$59	$89	$45	$159

Prices reflect US market rates where available; some models show « Not available in your country/region » on DJI’s US store

Enhanced Value Proposition (2023 Updates)

The July 2023 Care Refresh upgrade significantly improved value by increasing 2-Year Plan replacements from three to four incidents while implementing flat-rate replacement fees that don’t increase with additional claims. This means your fourth replacement costs the same as your first—a major improvement over previous escalating fee structures.

Replacement Limits by Plan:

1-Year Plan: 2 total replacements (including 1 flyaway)
2-Year Plan: 4 total replacements (including 2 flyaways)
Renewal Option: Additional 1-year extensions up to 3 total years

US Availability Challenges in 2025

Critical Update: Multiple reports from US drone communities indicate DJI Care Refresh options are not appearing for US customers on DJI.com, though they remain visible when switching to Canadian or other international regions. This affects new purchases but existing policies remain valid.

According to The Drone Girl’s reporting, DJI confirmed some drones are being held at the US border due to customs enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, creating supply chain disruptions that affect both new drone sales and replacement inventory.

What Does DJI Care Refresh Cover in 2025?

Comprehensive Accident Protection

Care Refresh covers physical damage from various scenarios:

Collision damage: Gimbal impacts, propeller damage, body fractures
Environmental damage: Rain exposure, humidity-related failures
Operational damage: Hard landings, motor failures, component malfunctions
User error incidents: Loss of signal crashes, navigation failures

Coverage Verification: Each claim requires documentation through DJI’s flight log system. During my 2024 testing near Garden of the Gods, sudden wind gusts caused a Mini 3 Pro crash. Flight logs showing GPS coordinates, wind conditions, and pre-crash system status expedited the replacement approval process.

Water Damage and Environmental Protection

Full environmental protection includes:

Complete submersion: Ocean, lake, or river incidents
Weather exposure: Unexpected rain, snow, or humidity damage
Corrosion damage: Salt air exposure during coastal photography
Temperature extremes: Component failures in extreme heat or cold

Flyaway Coverage (With Strict Requirements)

Flyaway protection covers total drone loss under specific conditions:

GPS system malfunctions: Navigation errors during flight
Signal interference: RF interference preventing return-to-home
Firmware glitches: Software bugs causing loss of control
Return-to-home failures: System malfunctions preventing autonomous return

Critical Requirements for Flyaway Claims:

Complete flight log data proving equipment malfunction
Bound DJI account and remote controller before incident
Evidence of search efforts and last known location
Weather documentation supporting malfunction claims

According to DJI’s official purchase guide, flyaway coverage requires binding the aircraft with both the DJI account and remote controller through the DJI Fly app before any incident occurs.

How to Activate DJI Care Refresh in 2025

Purchase Window and Restrictions

Standard Timeline: 48 hours from drone activation for aircraft, 30 days for handheld devices.

2025 Activation Challenges:

Limited US availability through DJI’s official store
Third-party dealer options may offer activation codes
International purchase complications due to regional restrictions
Video verification requirements for delayed purchases

Video Verification Process (Enhanced Security)

Recent activation requirements include comprehensive verification:

360-degree inspection: Complete visual documentation of drone condition
System functionality test: Gimbal operation, camera function, motor testing
Serial number verification: Clear documentation of all identifying numbers
Environmental documentation: Timestamp and location verification

Pro Tip: Record verification video immediately after purchase in good lighting conditions. Poor quality videos delay activation and may exceed the 48-hour window during processing.

Alternative Activation Methods

When standard purchase windows are missed:

Video verification pathway: Submit comprehensive drone inspection footage
Repair facility inspection: Send drone to DJI service center for evaluation
Third-party dealer assistance: Some authorized dealers maintain activation codes
International purchasing: Limited options through international DJI stores

How to File a DJI Care Express Claim Successfully

Express Service Availability (Limited in 2025)

DJI Care Express provides faster replacement service but currently excludes data analysis and flyaway cases, focusing on standard accident replacements. Service remains limited in major US metropolitan areas due to customs complications.

Available Express Markets (Limited Operations):

New York City, NY (limited availability)
Los Angeles, CA (customs delays possible)
Chicago, IL (reduced service levels)
Houston, TX (limited inventory)

Proven Success Strategies for Claims

Documentation Best Practices (From Field Experience):

Immediate flight log preservation: Screenshot GPS coordinates and weather conditions
Comprehensive damage photography: Multiple angles showing all damage areas
Incident location documentation: Photos of crash site and recovery efforts
Timeline documentation: Exact incident time and recovery attempt records

Flyaway Claim Success Rate: Approximately 30% approval rate based on community reports, with most rejections due to insufficient evidence of equipment malfunction versus pilot error.

Claims Process Timeline

Process Step	Express Service	Standard Service	2025 Reality
Initial Review	Same day	2-3 days	3-5 days (customs delays)
Damage Assessment	24 hours	2-4 days	5-7 days (limited inventory)
Replacement Shipping	1-2 days	3-5 days	7-14 days (customs issues)
Total Timeline	2-4 days	7-12 days	15-26 days

How Many Replacements Does DJI Care Refresh Provide?

DJI Care Refresh 2-Year Plan provides four replacement opportunities, including two specifically designated for flyaway coverage, representing a significant upgrade from the previous three-replacement limit.

Replacement Allocation by Plan Type

1-Year Plan Structure:

2 total replacements available
1 flyaway replacement included
Annual reset not available (must renew)
Service fee applies to each incident

2-Year Plan Structure:

4 total replacements available
2 flyaway replacements included
No mid-term reset (continuous coverage)
Flat-rate fees throughout coverage period

Replacement Counter Management

Important Tracking Details:

Counters don’t reset annually—they represent total plan allowances
Flyaway and accident replacements share the total allocation
Express and standard replacements count equally toward limits
Renewal plans start with fresh replacement counters

Beyond Replacement Limits: After exhausting all replacements, customers must purchase a new Care Refresh plan. The original drone’s eligibility may require video verification or inspection depending on time elapsed.

Can I Renew DJI Care Refresh After Expiration?

Renewal Window Requirements

Critical Timing: 15-day grace period after plan expiration (updated from previous 48-hour limit).

DJI’s 2023 service upgrade extended the renewal window to 15 days after expiration, providing more flexibility for customers to maintain continuous coverage.

Renewal Process Steps:

Access DJI Store Service section during valid coverage or within 15-day grace period
Purchase 1-Year Plan only (2-Year Plans not available for renewals)
Maintain continuous coverage to avoid re-qualification requirements
Reset replacement counters to 2 new incidents per year

Extension to Three Years Coverage

New 2023 Feature: Customers can now extend DJI Care Refresh coverage up to three total years by purchasing successive 1-Year Plans after initial 2-Year Plan completion.

Three-Year Coverage Strategy:

Year 1-2: Purchase 2-Year Plan (4 total replacements)
Year 3: Purchase 1-Year extension (2 additional replacements)
Total Protection: 6 replacements over 3 years maximum

2025 Renewal Complications

US Market Challenges:

Limited new plan availability may affect renewal options
Customs delays could impact replacement service quality
Alternative drone insurance may be necessary backup
Early renewal recommended before policy expiration

Does DJI Care Refresh Cover Flyaways in 2025?

Yes, but with increasingly strict documentation requirements due to high claim volumes and fraud prevention measures.

Covered Flyaway Scenarios

✅ Equipment Malfunction Coverage:

GPS navigation system failures during flight
Compass calibration errors causing directional confusion
Return-to-home system malfunctions
Signal interference in restricted airspace
Firmware bugs causing loss of control authority

❌ Excluded User Error Scenarios:

Flying beyond visual line of sight limitations
Ignoring low battery return-to-home warnings
Flying in wind conditions exceeding drone specifications
Signal loss due to pilot positioning or equipment issues
Operating without proper GPS satellite lock

Enhanced Documentation Requirements

Successful Flyaway Claim Checklist:

Complete flight logs from DJI Fly app showing equipment malfunction
GPS coordinate documentation of last known drone position
Search effort evidence including photos of recovery attempts
Weather condition verification supporting equipment failure claims
Account/controller binding completed before incident
Timeline documentation showing immediate reporting

Recent Policy Enforcement: DJI has significantly tightened flyaway claim approval processes in 2024-2025, requiring more comprehensive evidence packages and often requesting additional documentation before approval.

Flyaway Success Rate Analysis

Based on community reports and forum discussions:

Approved Claims: ~30% (primarily equipment malfunction with clear evidence)
Denied Claims: ~70% (insufficient evidence or user error determination)
Appeal Success: ~10% (limited additional review options)

The low approval rate reflects DJI’s focus on genuine equipment failures versus pilot error incidents.

2025 US Customs Impact on DJI Care Refresh

Current Replacement Service Challenges

Widespread reports indicate DJI replacement drones are experiencing significant customs delays, with some shipments held for weeks or confiscated entirely under UFLPA enforcement. This directly impacts Care Refresh service quality and replacement timelines.

Documented Issues Include:

Replacement drones held at US borders for 10+ days
Complete shipment returns to origin countries
Customs tariffs applied to replacement products
Service refunds demanded due to excessive delays

Customer Experience Updates

Recent customer service interactions confirm existing Care Refresh policies remain valid, but service delays are acknowledged due to « current inventory and supply shortages of specific models or parts » leading to extended processing times.

Service Level Adjustments:

Standard 3-5 day replacement now 15-26 days
Express service limited or unavailable
International replacement routing through third countries
Potential service fee adjustments for extended delays

Alternative Protection Strategies

Given 2025 Complications:

Self-insurance approach: Set aside replacement costs rather than rely on delayed service
Third-party drone insurance: Companies like State Farm or Verifly offer alternatives
Multiple drone inventory: Professional users maintaining backup equipment
Regional service alternatives: Using Canadian or Mexican service centers when possible

FAQ: Common DJI Care Refresh Questions

Can I buy Care Refresh after the 48-hour window?

Limited options exist through video verification processes, but success rates have decreased in 2025 due to enhanced scrutiny. DJI requires comprehensive video documentation and may approve purchases within 72 hours of verification approval.

What’s the difference between Care Refresh and professional drone insurance?

Care Refresh focuses on equipment replacement at reduced costs but excludes theft, liability, and business interruption. Professional policies offer broader coverage including third-party liability, theft protection, and business income continuation.

How do customs delays affect my existing policy?

Existing policies remain valid, but replacement timelines have extended significantly. DJI acknowledges service delays but maintains policy obligations while working to resolve customs complications.

Can I transfer Care Refresh to a new owner?

Care Refresh plans are transferable but require original account holder coordination. DJI’s June 2025 policy changes require current bound account holders to facilitate ownership transfers.

Is Care Refresh worth it with current delays?

Value depends on individual risk tolerance and flying frequency. Heavy users in challenging environments may still benefit despite delays, while casual users might prefer self-insurance approaches.

Professional Alternatives to DJI Care Refresh

Commercial Drone Insurance Options

State Farm Personal Articles Policy:

Often cheaper annual premiums ($200-400/year)
Includes theft coverage (Care Refresh excludes)
Liability protection for commercial operations
Faster claims processing through local agents

Verifly On-Demand Coverage:

Per-flight insurance for commercial operations
Instant coverage activation through mobile app
Liability and hull damage protection
No annual commitments required

SkyWatch Comprehensive Plans:

Annual policies designed for drone businesses
Equipment, liability, and operational coverage
International coverage for traveling professionals
Business interruption protection included

Self-Insurance Strategy Considerations

When to Consider Self-Insurance:

Experienced pilots with excellent safety records
Multiple drone inventory reducing single-point failures
Casual flying frequency (monthly or less)
Drones approaching depreciation limits

Self-Insurance Fund Calculation:

Set aside 15-20% of drone value annually
Factor in potential total loss scenarios
Consider opportunity cost of tied-up capital
Account for inflation and replacement cost increases

Regional Coverage and International Considerations

Worldwide Service Availability

DJI Care Refresh remains available in the US, Canada, EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Australia, Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Mainland China, with service consistency varying by region.

2025 Service Quality by Region:

Canada: Full service availability with normal timelines
Europe: Standard service with minimal delays
Asia-Pacific: Complete service offerings maintained
United States: Limited availability with significant delays

International Travel Considerations

Travel Coverage Limitations:

Replacement shipping to international locations may incur customs fees
Service timelines extended for overseas claims
Local repair facility availability varies significantly
Regional pricing differences may apply

Travel Tips for Protected Drones:

Carry comprehensive travel insurance as backup
Research local DJI service centers before departure
Maintain copies of Care Refresh documentation
Consider temporary local insurance for extended trips

Tips & Strategies for 2025 Success

Maximizing Care Refresh Value

Proactive Protection Strategies:

Document everything: Pre-flight photos, weather conditions, GPS coordinates
Maintain equipment properly: Regular calibration, firmware updates, battery care
Understand policy limits: Know replacement allocations and coverage exclusions
Plan for delays: Allow extra time for replacement services in project planning

Smart Claim Management

Claim Optimization Techniques:

File claims within 24 hours of incidents when possible
Provide comprehensive documentation packages upfront
Maintain detailed flight logs for all operations
Keep original packaging and shipping materials

Future-Proofing Your Protection

Long-term Strategy Considerations:

Monitor US regulatory developments affecting DJI products
Consider diversifying drone inventory across manufacturers
Evaluate professional insurance as primary protection
Maintain relationships with authorized service providers

Business Continuity Planning:

Develop backup equipment protocols for critical operations
Establish relationships with drone rental companies
Create contingency plans for extended service delays
Consider multi-manufacturer equipment strategies

Conclusion

DJI Care Refresh provides valuable protection for drone investments, but 2025 presents unprecedented challenges for US customers due to customs complications and supply chain disruptions. While existing policies remain valid and the 2023 service improvements offer enhanced value through increased replacement allowances and reduced fees, potential buyers must carefully consider current limitations and extended service timelines.

For drone pilots committed to DJI platforms, Care Refresh still offers the most cost-effective protection against common accidents and equipment failures. However, the regulatory environment requires backup planning through alternative insurance options or self-insurance strategies.

Key 2025 Recommendations:

Activate Care Refresh immediately for new drones within the 48-hour window
Maintain existing policies but prepare for extended replacement timelines
Consider supplemental insurance for comprehensive protection gaps
Document everything to support potential claims in the current scrutinized environment

The protection landscape continues evolving rapidly. Stay informed about regulatory changes and maintain flexible protection strategies that can adapt to shifting availability and service levels.

Bottom Line: DJI Care Refresh remains valuable protection despite 2025 challenges, but successful users must adapt expectations and supplement coverage to account for current market realities.

Looking to explore related drone protection topics? Check out our comprehensive guides on drone regulations and best drones for photography to enhance your aerial photography investment strategy. For specific equipment reviews, our DJI drone comparison guide provides current market analysis.

About the Author

Jaxon Lee is a drone specialist based in Denver, Colorado, with 8 years of experience testing DJI and FPV drones across Colorado’s diverse terrain from the Front Range to high-altitude alpine environments. He has successfully filed multiple DJI Care Refresh claims, including a challenging flyaway case during 2024 wind testing near Pike’s Peak, and helps drone pilots navigate protection options through real-world field testing in extreme conditions. His testing experience includes over 50 different DJI models and comprehensive documentation of Care Refresh service evolution from 2017 through 2025.

Last updated: July 2025

DJI Care Refresh Complete Guide: Coverage, Costs & Claims in 2025