Has it been awhile since you’ve checked on your roof? When was the last time you replaced it? You might want to call a few roofing companies sooner rather than later to determine the remaining life of your roof and get some estimates should it need to be replaced. Why?
Home insurance companies attempt to maintain their profitable bottom lines by determining whether or not they will drop your policy. This weapon now uses aerial drone footage to assess your roof and property. Here’s what you need to know.
It’s Annoying, But Legal
When we think about drones, it might elicit memories of old classic Hollywood spy movies, a kid neighbor who got one for his birthday, or dreams of package delivery if Amazon gets it together. However, being at the receiving end of an unsolicited yet targeted inspection of your home and property might feel like an invasion of privacy. However, it is within the rights of insurance companies to do so in order to determine whether or not your home is still eligible for coverage.
Drones are an economical way for insurance carriers to assess locations they deem “higher-risk properties” for assessing roof conditions and other factors such as nearby tree limbs or bodies of water.
This selection aids insurers in dropping certain homes and, therefore, reduces claims rates and payout amounts. However, the industry practice is far from perfect. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, one woman had her home photographed by a drone and was warned by her insurance company to replace her roof or risk being dropped. After getting her roof inspected and informed, it had at least ten more years of remaining life. Despite providing this proof, she did not win her case, and the carrier terminated coverage.
Other applications of drone technology include roofing companies that solicit business to repair or replace your roof based on what they find in their footage. Harness the flying spy’s capabilities by asking for proof of quality work and requesting a live flyover of your roof. Be aware that the Real Estate industry’s drone footage which showcases your beautiful property for sale could come back to haunt you should your listing agent keep the aerial footage visible on their website. A casual Google search of the property’s address will return the footage for any and all to see.
Beware Google Earth
Insurance companies also use Google Earth to zoom in on your address to glimpse your roof and property. If you suspect your insurance company might be using this method to check on the status of your home, you can request that your home be blurred on Google Earth’s images by following these steps. It might take a few weeks, but once it’s done, these pictures of your home cannot be used against you regarding your insurance policy. The bonus is increasing you and your family’s privacy and personal safety by removing the image from internet sleuths.
What Can You Do?
If your home insurance company has dropped or threatens to drop your coverage, here are actions you can take.
- Ask your insurance company why they’re not renewing your policy and request specific details.
- If possible, obtain the drone footage and note any date or timestamps. Perhaps the photos are old.
- If the carrier suggests roof tile damage, consider the possibility that shadows, solar panels, or skylights are the culprits. Correct these mistaken identities with proof if needed.
- Don’t let your home insurance lapse while trying to fight this decision. Get replacement coverage as soon as possible.
- Report your predicament to your state’s elected officials or the Department of Insurance.
At Organized Instincts, our daily money managers help safeguard you and your home and advocate for privacy. Send us a message to discuss how a daily money manager can help you avoid insurance headaches or heartbreak.
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