Homeowners insurance policies cover storm damage to roofs but typically not damage related to old age, also known as standard wear and tear. As such, when homeowners file claims related to roof damage, an inspection is typically necessary to validate the origins of the damage to the roof.
Historically, insurance companies have sent adjusters or specialized contractors to homes to physically inspect damaged roofs as part of an insurance claim. In recent years, technology has provided an alternative. Companies may now use drones to capture images of a roof from the air.
Is drone footage sufficient to justify denying a policyholder’s claim?
Technology isn’t infallible
Drones can capture high-resolution images, but they may overlook details that an experienced professional could easily identify if they inspected the roof in person. Additionally, drones may be far enough away to obscure signs of storm damage that could be readily apparent to someone close to the roof. As if those shortcomings weren’t bad enough, some companies now use artificial intelligence (AI) software to assess claims. AI software can make flawed decisions or improperly analyze images.
Even if a person looks at drone images and video footage, they may make the wrong determination. In cases where a denied claim or a reduced payout stems from the insurance company’s use of a drone, AI or other relatively new technology, the decision they made may have been an error.
Drone flybys may not be enough to adequately resolve a roof damage claim. Working with an attorney familiar with complex insurance claims and bad faith insurance lawsuits can help residential property owners get the coverage they deserve.