Imagine this unsettling scenario: you receive a letter from your insurance company informing you that your home insurance is being canceled. The reason? According to satellite imagery, your roof appears damaged. The frustrating part? The satellite image is simply wrong.
This is a growing concern for homeowners across the country. Insurance companies are increasingly relying on aerial monitoring to assess properties. While this technology has the potential to streamline the claims process, it can also lead to inaccurate assessments and unfair denials of coverage, as reported by NBC Nightly News ([Broaddus, Adrienne. “Insurance Companies Are Monitoring Homes from the Sky, Causing Headache for Some Homeowners.” NBC News, NBCUniversal News Group, 24 Sept. 2018.
The Problems with Satellite Reliance
One homeowner featured in the previously mentioned article, John Doe (a pseudonym to protect privacy), had his insurance canceled because satellite imagery showed what the insurance company believed to be damage to his roof. Upon closer inspection by a qualified professional, it was determined that the image was simply a reflection from the sun. John was left scrambling to find new coverage, and he wasn’t alone.
There are several significant problems with relying solely on satellite imagery for insurance purposes:
Inaccuracy:
Satellite images can be outdated and may not provide a clear view of a property. This can lead to misinterpretations of the condition of your home.
Lack of Context:
Images cannot take into account the situation surrounding potential issues. For example, an image may show a pile of debris on a roof, but it can’t tell you whether the debris is from recent repairs or a storm.
Protecting Yourself
By taking proactive steps, you can help to ensure that you get the fair and accurate coverage you deserve. Here are a few tips:
Pre-Renewal Inspection: Before renewing or switching insurance companies, have your home inspected by a qualified inspector. A professional inspector, like Disaster Smart, can identify any potential problems with your home and provide you with a detailed report that you can share with your insurance company. This report will serve as valuable documentation of your home’s condition.
Policy Review: Carefully review your insurance policy to ensure you understand what is and is not covered. This will help you avoid any unexpected surprises down the road.
Advocate For You: If your insurance company denies your claim based on questionable satellite imagery, be prepared to appeal the decision. Don’t hesitate to seek legal representation if necessary.
For additional information on protecting your home and ensuring accurate insurance assessments, contact Disaster Smart Inspections, at 888-964-8776 ext. 2. Disaster Smart can provide you with a comprehensive home inspection report that can be used to address potential risks and support your insurance needs.
By following these tips and taking a proactive approach, you can help to ensure that your home insurance accurately reflects the condition of your property and provides the peace of mind you deserve.
