Can I copy files automatically from a hard-drive when it is inserted?

I think I've once used Allway Sync for exactly that purpose. It offers one-way sync and bidirectional sync for external drives.

This sync process can be triggered automatically when a drive is inserted. I guess you'd have to plug in the receiving drive first and then the source drive.

The tool is free, but with a (very generous) limited amount of files per month. Just try and see if it fits your needs!