How home insurance companies use drones to inspect homes

Do insurance companies use drones?

Yes, some homeowners insurance companies use drones to inspect property. Drones offer an efficient and cheaper means of checking for potential risks. Inspectors can avoid dangers, like climbing a steep roof, and insurers can check multiple properties quickly.

However, some homeowners are concerned about privacy. While most insurance policies are written in a way that allows a drone inspection, homeowners may be suspicious of photos taken without their knowledge.

Additionally, insurers may use these photos to cancel your home insurance or refuse coverage, causing unjustified problems, especially if the image quality isn’t good. For example, a grainy image may show a damaged roof when in reality, it’s a solar panel.

In most states, an insurer must give the homeowner a detailed list of problems found. Insurers typically give the homeowner time to repair damages. However, if the damages are severe enough and the home fails the inspection, the insurer can deny coverage.

When do insurance companies use drones for home inspection?

Insurance companies can use drones for a home inspection at any time. In some cases, an insurer may do both - an inspector may look at the inside of your home and a drone can be used for inspecting the outside of the house and property.

Insurance companies may use drones for a home inspection:

• When preparing for a policy renewal
• When underwriting a new policy
• After major renovations
• After a claim is filed to verify the damage
• After work is complete on a claim to verify the repairs

If an insurer uses drone photos to complete your inspection, be sure to ask questions. Make sure the correct house is being looked at and double-check any issues they find. While using a drone is helpful in most cases, there is a chance for error.

Why do home insurance companies use drones for inspections?

Drones are more efficient than sending an inspector to evaluate property. They can also go places that may be too dangerous for humans, such as on a very steep roof or in an area with a lot of storm damage. This means insurers can get a more comprehensive inspection without putting anyone at risk.

Drones make it easier to spot potential risks, such as missing shingles, clogged gutters, overhanging tree limbs, yard debris and undeclared trampolines and swimming pools. Identifying these risks early can help homeowners prevent more severe issues down the line and accurately rate policies.

"Drones bring a safer, faster and more detailed approach to home inspections. Drones can easily reach difficult areas like rooftops and gutters to capture high-resolution images that help spot potential issues early on,” says Fred Humbert, senior VP of sales for FlyGuys, an aerial imaging company.

“This means fewer surprises for homeowners, quicker inspections and a more thorough understanding of the home's condition. With minimal disruption, drone inspections offer a more efficient and complete way to ensure the property is in good shape, ultimately helping prevent costly repairs down the line," he says.

How home insurance companies use drones to inspect homes

An insurance company can fly a drone over your home for an inspection or use pictures from another company, such as the Geospatial Insurance Consortium. Either way, the insurer examines the images to identify potential risks and needed repairs.

After assessing the risk, the insurer will inform you of the findings and any policy changes. For example, a new roof may lower insurance rates, but standing water around your foundation may raise them. Sometimes, the insurer may either non-renew your policy or decline to write a new one. You may be given time to complete necessary repairs to keep your policy.

How does the drone inspection process work?

A drone inspection of your home can happen in two ways. First, the insurance company has an employee or a third-party company fly a drone and take detailed pictures of your house. Secondly, the insurer uses drone images from an insurance technology company or the Geospatial Insurance Consortium, both of which have a database of drone photos.

Once the insurer has the drone pictures, they are thoroughly examined for potential risks. The insurer then details items the homeowner needs to address, like overgrown tree limbs, and gives the homeowner time to fix the problems. In some cases, the drone images may lead the insurance company to immediately non-renew your policy

In addition, an inspector may come to look at the home's interior to complete the inspection process.

What happens if the drone finds damage or issues with my home?

As with any home inspection, you’ll be notified if any damages or issues with your home need your attention. In most cases, your insurer will send you a list of items you need to repair or replace and give you a time period to make the corrections. However, if the damages or issues are severe, your insurer may decide to drop your coverage or refuse to write a new policy.

While the insurer has to share the findings with you, it does not have to share the images.

Can a drone inspection be useful for a claim?

A drone inspection can significantly speed up the home insurance claims process and may find damages you’re unaware of, such as a broken gutter or damaged roof. Additionally, drones can reach places an inspector may have difficulty getting to or where it may be too dangerous to enter the property, particularly after severe damage. 

Drones can also help insurance companies recognize fraud, which reduces costs and lowers premiums overall. 

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