Orange County homeowner says insurer used drone to inspect her roof

Homeowners have, in some cases, gotten a free ride when insurers did not have access to this data. They’re closing the gap with cheap, accessible property data.

> “We're seeing an overreaction by insurance companies to data that they're now getting through new technology," Bach said. "We're seeing them drop homes that they've been insuring for decades - and nothing's changed on the homeowner's part."

> For Bennett, time is ticking. She said she has contacted other companies but has not found one willing to insure her home. She is also consulting with roofers as she weighs her options ahead of a May 1 deadline.

Observing that a roof is at the end of its service life using drones or satellite imagery is entirely reasonable, as would be consuming public permit data to determine the same. The homeowner does not need to take action for the risk assessment to change; the insurer is simply accurately pricing the risk in this scenario.

(State Farm customer)

The "eligible materials" bit combined with other insurers refusing indicates some key details about the roof are being left out of the story.

roofs have different materials and tech so that sets the expected lifespan.

boots off inspection avoids having someone walk around on the roof which can actually cause leaks near the end of life.

not only the material, but the workmanship of the install can be evaluated as well.