Homeowners Allege Insurance Companies Using Drone & Satellite Imagery to Drop Coverage
Insurance companies are increasingly utilizing aerial surveillance – through drones and satellite imagery – to assess properties, leading to policy non-renewals and sparking concern among homeowners and lawmakers. Several recent cases highlight a trend where insurers are citing issues like roof damage, mold, overgrown trees, or even renovation clutter identified in aerial photos as justification for dropping long-term customers.
One Massachusetts homeowner, identified only as Schueler, recounted being “spied on” by her insurer twice despite 52 years without filing a claim, according to a report by the Daily Mail. She was informed of alleged roof problems based on satellite footage she described as appearing ”like it was taken in 1936,” and the company reportedly refused an in-person inspection despite being located just three miles away. She ultimately spent $1,200 to trim branches after being warned about potential issues, fearing policy cancellation.
Similar situations have been reported in Florida and california. In California,joan Van Kuren,a customer of nearly four decades,was dropped by her insurer after a drone captured images of what the company labeled “hazardous” renovation clutter,as reported by CBS News.
Insurers maintain that aerial photos are a less intrusive method of assessment than sending adjusters to homes for in-person inspections. However, this practice is drawing criticism and legislative action.
Massachusetts State Representative David LeBoeuf has introduced legislation requiring insurance companies to provide homeowners with copies of any photos taken of their property.He noted on social media that the bill “would give homeowners date stamped copies of the images and an prospect to repair any identified damages or identify errors in the findings of the image analysis.”
California Assemblymember Lisa Calderon has advanced a similar proposal, stating in a press release that ”we are in the middle of an insurance crisis and californians are facing non-renewals or policy cancellations, sometimes without justification.” She added that constituents “deserve to have access to significant information regarding the coverage of one of their most valuable assets.”
Despite these legislative efforts, some advocates believe the proposals don’t go far enough. Emily Rogan, senior program officer at United Policyholders, suggests implementing time stamps on aerial images and limiting how old the imagery can be. She argues that customers “should have the chance to correct misinformation or errors and stay insured.”
The increasing use of aerial surveillance is also fueling mistrust at a time when many households are already facing soaring insurance premiums and coverage cancellations.
