Insurance companies in the U.S. are using aerial images of homes to identify properties deemed as higher risk, leading to nonrenewal notices for many homeowners.

This practice, which involves drones, airplanes, and balloons capturing images without owners’ knowledge, aims to assess risks such as damaged roofs or undisclosed features like swimming pools.

Despite concerns from consumer advocates about accuracy and privacy intrusion, insurers defend the use of aerial surveillance as less invasive than traditional home visits.

However, customers like Cindy Picos, dropped by her insurer based on unseen images, highlight the lack of transparency in this process, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

While some states limit reasons for nonrenewals, insurers continue to leverage aerial images, prompting worries about consumer rights and privacy.

As technology advances, the frequency and detail of aerial monitoring raise further concerns about privacy and surveillance.

Written by B.C. Begley