Eyes In the Skies – How Aerial Imaging is Helping Insurers and Policyholders

Aerial imagery covers 85 percent to 90 percent of residential homes in the United States at least annually, with more densely populated areas photographed more frequently. The use of satellites, fixed-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems with cameras by insurers is not new, but its proliferation and sophistication in recent years has garnered increased attention. This is because insurers of all sizes are seeking to use aerial imagery to enhance the accuracy and fairness of underwriting, rating, and monitoring disasters on the front end and with inspections, claims adjudication, and fraud prevention following a loss. Still, the use of aerial imagery may give rise to safety, privacy, and liability concerns at the federal and state levels. This session will discuss how these conversations are playing out in legislative and regulatory bodies in Washington and across the country.