FLORIDA – For years, property insurance companies have used drones to inspect property damage after a natural disaster.
But now, they have started implementing that same technology to inspect policyholders’ homes, specifically looking at their roofs.
Insurance Information Institute Spokesperson Mark Friedlander said aerial inspection of roofs is vital because the roof is the first line of defense in storms.
“It’s a much more precise way of determining the condition of properties versus sending out an inspector and having them climb up on your roof,” Friedlander said.
Friedlander said a drone inspection is a safer and more efficient method. He also explained what would happen if the drone images showed visible problems with a roof.
“A flag will be raised, and the homeowner will be notified. In most cases, the homeowner will be given the opportunity to make repairs to continue their coverage. If they don’t make the repairs that are identified in the drone report, they may lose their coverage,” Friedlander said.
If a drone report shows a tree limb hanging over a roof, the homeowner could be told to remove it so it doesn’t fall on or through the roof.
Friedlander said the focus isn’t always on a homeowner’s roof during a drone inspection.
“When drones are used to capture visualization of a home’s condition, they’re looking at the roof, but they are looking at the overall property as well,” he said. “Sometimes, they detect other issues. For example, undeclared trampolines or inground swimming pools. A Florida homeowner has installed a swimming pool and never declared it. So, it’s not covered under the policy.”
Although most drone inspections will be conducted at the start of a new policy agreement or when the policy is renewed, Friedlander said, insurance companies can legally conduct inspections at any time during the course of the policy.
The inspections are also controversial because some see them as an intrusive method.
“If you’re concerned about the intrusiveness of a drone capturing images of your property from above the property, just think about the other scenarios where some companies still send out inspectors, especially for older homes, that want to look at the plumbing, heating, and electronic systems of homes. They’re going to send someone out and ask for entry into your home,” he said.
Drone inspections are also effective in cutting down on insurance fraud.