The Sky’s the Limit: How Aerial Imagery Impacts Your Home Insurance

Understanding How Aerial Imagery Impacts Your Home Insurance

Insurance companies are using technology more than ever, and one of the biggest tools is aerial imagery. These are detailed drone, airplane, or satellite photos of homes and properties. Insurers use these images to evaluate a property’s condition, roof quality, and potential risks — without ever setting foot on site.

Why Insurers Use Aerial Imagery

Aerial imagery provides insurers with a clearer, faster way to assess property risks. Instead of waiting for in-person inspections, they can instantly see things like:

• Roof age, wear, or missing shingles

• Tree limbs hanging too close to the home

• Pools, trampolines, or other liability risks

• Building additions or unreported structures

These details help insurers confirm that the property information matches what’s listed on your policy.

How It Affects Your Premium

If the imagery shows your home is in good condition, it could work in your favor. But if it reveals damage or risks not previously disclosed, your premium may increase—and your policy may be updated to reflect those findings.
For example:

• A damaged or aging roof can result in higher rates or policy cancellation.

• A pool could trigger a liability surcharge.

• Unreported sheds or home additions might change your coverage needs.

Insurers use this data to make sure your policy reflects the real level of risk they’re covering and that you’re insured properly. They may also use it to cancel or non-renew the policy altogether if there are unacceptable risks, such as an unfenced swimming pool or overhanging tree branches.

Accuracy and Fairness

While aerial imagery improves efficiency, it’s not perfect. Shadows, seasonal changes, or poor image quality can sometimes misrepresent your property. If you ever notice a sudden change to your policy or rate and believe it’s based on inaccurate images, contact your insurance agent. We can help review the findings and work with the carrier to correct any errors.

How to Protect Yourself

You can’t control aerial images, but you can stay proactive:

• Keep your property well-maintained.

• Trim overhanging trees and quickly repair roof issues.

• Notify your agent before adding pools, decks, or outbuildings.

• Review your policy annually to ensure it matches your home’s condition.

At Hanby Insurance, we stay informed about how new technology like aerial imagery impacts your coverage and premiums — so you don’t have to.

Also, read Your Home Insurer May Be Spying on You From the Sky.