Insurance companies are reportedly using drones to deny insurance claims

A brand new report has revealed this some insurance companies use footage captured by drones to deny homeowners insurance. Some homeowners claim that the photos used to justify insurance cancellations are inaccurate.

However, this was said by Cindy Pecos, a resident of California conducted an independent investigation that denied the corporate had terminated the contract, its insurer rejected it anyway based on the photos it had on file.

Despite the inaccuracies of images captured by drones, including outdated photos, insurance companies are increasingly using a network of drones, planes and high-altitude balloons that covers a lot of the United States. The companies then use images captured from these sources to screen and deny insurance to homeowners insuring them.

In 2023, CJ Sveen said this the insurance company informed him that he had lost his insurance based on aerial photos showing threats in his yard. Like Pecos, he was denied access to photos of his property. After receiving a letter saying the insurer was canceling his policy due to “debris, unsafe conditions, tires or a damaged car” on his property, he called them because nobody had come to his home to physically check.

“And they said, ‘Oh, we sent a drone,’” Sven recalls. “And, for example, they have a drone that they sent over my property. I just flew into my yard. So I’m very shocked, yes. I guess the old-fashioned way would be to knock on your door; I don’t think they do that anymore, they send a drone.”

The insurance group California State Automobile Association (CSAA) said it didn’t have a drone but relied on “proprietary aerial photos” and said the photos might be taken by a “fixed-wing aircraft or satellite.”

They also told the ability that individuals can use services like Google Earth 3D in the event that they want to learn what insurance companies consider when deciding on a homeowners policy.

An investigation by Rhett VanScoter, an insurance agent who runs the VanScoter Insurance Agency, revealed that insurance companies use these images to avoid risk the necessity to repay claims. As a result, they purchase aerial photos taken by third parties.

VanScoter also informed the ability that he believes insurance companies using the photos is legitimate, although homeowners are not notified that their policies are being reviewed until they receive a denial letter from the insurer.

“I believe it’s (justified). Insurance companies have unfortunately lost money on homeowners insurance for five of the last six years. So they have to do all the things of their power to return to profitability.