What Homeowners Should Know Before the Drones Fly-In
It’s more important than ever to schedule a roof inspection. Why? Because you want to know the condition of your roof before your insurance company gives you an ultimatum.
In 2025, changes to roof insurance coverage are catching some homeowners off guard. Insurance companies have faced increasing losses due to natural disasters, and as a result, they’re tightening up their policies. Some of them are using drones and satellite imagery to do it, which means…. your roof might be under surveillance. Right now, this trend is only expected to continue increasing, with possible daily updates anticipated by 2030.
It’s not as scary as it sounds. Let’s break down what’s happening, how it (might) affect you, and what to do if you find yourself on the receiving end of an unexpected notice.
So, What’s Going On With Roofing Insurance?
Insurance companies are taking a hard look at their liability. So, they’re reviewing homes they already cover, and they’re trying to get the most accurate information for the least cost. That means more tech and fewer boots on the ground.
Using drone or satellite images, insurers are flagging roofs that look worn, old, or potentially damaged. If your roof makes the list, you might get a letter saying it needs to be repaired or replaced, or risk losing your roof insurance coverage entirely.
Of course, there’s a catch. These images aren’t always accurate. Some are outdated. Some are grainy. And sometimes, they’re just plain wrong.
But once that letter arrives, the clock starts ticking. Many homeowners get just 30 days to respond, which is barely enough time to line up a roofing company for a proper inspection, never mind completing the work.
Why Introduce Drones Now?
The insurance industry has taken a hit over the last few years. Fires out West. Hurricanes down South. Severe weather in the Northeast. It’s added up.
To manage risk, insurers are getting stricter. Roofs older than 15 years? That’ll get you flagged. Visible wear? Flagged. Minor issues like curling shingles or discolored patches? You guessed it—flagged.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the game. Regular inspections and maintenance can help avoid surprise cancellations and give you a stronger position if you do need to challenge an image or a decision.
What You Can Do About It
If you get a notice from your insurer, don’t panic. You’ve got options:
- Ask for a copy of the image, request a copy of the report, and find out when the picture was taken.
- Challenge any errors in writing, especially if the image is outdated or unclear. A paper trail is your best friend.
- If your roof does need work, call in a pro. Much of the time, simply having something scheduled is enough for you to contact the insurance company and request an extension.
If that kind of notice shows up in your mailbox, you don’t need to figure it out alone. A good first step is to get your roof professionally inspected. We can help with that! Our team will give you a clear picture of what’s going on and what, if anything, needs to happen next.
How Bachman’s Can Help
We’re not just a roofing company, we’re your partner. And being GAF Master Elite certified doesn’t hurt! When dealing with these new roofing insurance challenges, we’ve got your back.
- Need a fast inspection? We’re on it.
- Need documentation for your insurer? We’ll handle it.
- Need to replace a roof under a time crunch? We’ve done it before; we’ll do it again.
Over the past 50 years, the tools have changed almost as much as the rules. But our goal is still the same: helping you protect your home with solutions (and prices) that make sense.
Don’t Wait for the Drone
If 2025 is the year you finally schedule that roof inspection, do it now rather than after your insurance gives you an ultimatum. The new wave of roof insurance coverage policies means waiting until something goes wrong could cost you big time.
Call Bachman’s Roofing today for your free inspection. Your roof deserves a second look— before the drones.