At Archer Exteriors, we specialize in ensuring your home's exterior—from roofing to siding, windows to gutters—is in top condition. Recently, many homeowners have encountered a new challenge: insurance companies are using drones to conduct home inspections, mainly focusing on roofs. This can lead to unexpected demands for a roof inspection and potential threats of policy cancellation if the required actions aren't taken. Understandably, this can be stressful and confusing.
This guide will help you understand what's happening, how to respond, and why working with a trusted roofer is crucial to maintaining your homeowner's insurance coverage.
The Problem: Drone Home Inspections and Insurance Threats
Home insurance companies are increasingly using aerial images from drones and even high-altitude balloons to assess the condition of properties. These drone inspections are often used to identify potential risks, such as damaged roof shingles, debris in the yard, or undeclared items like swimming pools. Insurers want to avoid insuring 'risky' homes, and if your property is deemed high risk, you might face sudden demands for roof repairs or replacements, or even the threat of policy cancellation.
A report from the New York Post highlighted a significant rise in homeowners losing coverage based on aerial images. For instance, a homeowner in Northern California was told her roof had "lived its life expectancy" after her insurer reviewed drone photos, despite an independent inspector stating the roof was good for another ten years. The insurer refused to reconsider or show her the photos, forcing her into a tough decision.
Why This Can Be Alarming
Receiving a notice that your homeowners' insurance is at risk can be overwhelming. You may feel like your privacy has been invaded and that you have no control over the situation. But it's important to stay calm and take action to protect your coverage.
What Should You Do Next?
If you receive a notice from your insurance company following a drone home inspection, here's what you should do:
Stay Calm and Gather Information
Start by carefully reviewing the notice from your insurance company. Understand the specific issues they've identified with your roof. If possible, request the drone photos or ask for a detailed explanation of the problems.
Get a Professional Roof Estimate
Before rushing into any repairs or replacements, get a professional opinion to confirm what is being claimed. At Archer Exteriors, we offer free estimates, where our experienced team will thoroughly inspect your roof and provide an honest assessment of its condition. This helps you determine whether repairs or a complete replacement is necessary to ensure your roof is insurance-approved.
Make an Informed Decision
Here’s where things get tricky. If your trusted roofer tells you that your roof has another ten years until a replacement is needed, you’ll need to make a tough decision:
Find New Insurance: If you believe your roof is still in good condition and don’t want to replace it prematurely, you may consider shopping around for a new insurance policy. However, be aware that other insurers may also use similar aerial imagery and could arrive at the same conclusion.
Get a New Roof: On the other hand, if keeping your current insurance is essential, you might opt for a new roof even if it’s not strictly necessary right now. This decision ensures your home remains covered, but it could mean replacing your roof sooner than expected.
Work With a Trusted Roofer
If your roof does need work, choose a contractor who understands the intricacies of roofing and insurance requirements. Archer Exteriors, with renovation branches in New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Alabama, is well-versed in providing roofing solutions that meet insurance standards. We'll work with you to ensure that your roof is insurance-approved so you don't face any coverage issues in the future.
Act Quickly to Avoid Coverage Lapses
Insurance companies often give a short window for addressing roof issues identified during a drone home inspection. If you delay, you risk having your policy canceled. Archer Exteriors prides itself on a quick turnaround for roof replacements, ensuring that you remain insured without unnecessary stress.
How to Ensure You Have an Insurance-Approved Roof
To avoid future surprises from drone home inspections, understand the essentials to ensure that your roof meets the standards set by insurance companies. Here's how:
• Regular Inspections: Schedule regular roof inspections, especially after severe weather. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues before they escalate, ensuring your roof remains insurance-approved.
• Quality Repairs and Replacements: Use only high-quality materials and experienced contractors for any roof work. A well-maintained roof is less likely to trigger red flags during drone inspections, making it easier to keep your homeowners' insurance intact.
• Documentation: Keep records of all inspections, repairs, and replacements. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to contest an insurance company's assessment or prove that your roof is in good condition.
Protect Your Home and Insurance Coverage
Drone inspections by insurance companies are becoming more common, and they can be unsettling. However, with the right approach, you can protect your home and maintain your homeowners' insurance coverage.
At Archer Exteriors, with our presence across the country, including New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Alabama, we're here to help you navigate this process. Whether you need a simple repair or a full roof replacement, our team is dedicated to providing fast, reliable service that meets insurance standards. Don't risk being uninsured—contact us today for a free estimate and ensure your roof is insurance-approved. Thank you for reading.