WV Commissioner Posts Pointers on Insurers’ Use of Aerial Pictures

After receiving a number of inquiries about using aerial photos in property insurance coverage nonrenewals, West Virginia’s insurance coverage commissioner has posted tips for insurers’ use of the know-how.

In a bulletin this month, Commissioner Allan McVey reminded insurance coverage corporations that aerial imaging has its limits.

“Whereas aerial imagery can present advantages when used appropriately, its misuse may end up in inaccurate selections and shopper confusion,” McVey famous. “For instance, aerial imagery will be misused if an insurer depends upon aerial photos which can be obscure, not latest, present the improper construction or property, or don’t clearly present harm or disrepair.”

The bulletin stated carriers and adjusters ought to observe three foremost guideposts when utilizing aerial gadgets for nonrenewals, cancellations, underwriting and claims:

• Aerial imagery must be just one device within the toolbox. Pictures which can be outdated or blurry, purportedly exhibiting roof harm, are usually not sufficient to point the roof should be changed. The insurer ought to present a more in-depth inspection and acquire newer info.
• Insurers ought to notify householders earlier than nonrenewal motion is taken and if aerial photos had been used to make the dedication. Householders must be supplied with copies of the photographs and must be allowed to supply their very own pictures and an opportunity to dispute the accuracy of the insurer’s photos. “If a house owner recordsdata a grievance with the OIC, the house owner can be entitled to view proof relied upon by the insurer in making the nonrenewal or cancellation dedication,” the bulletin reads. Many shopper complaints are based mostly upon an absence of communication, and plenty of will be resolved when insureds can evaluation the proof, McVey stated.
• Insurance coverage corporations ought to use solely latest photos and shouldn’t depend on aerial images or footage which can be old-fashioned and should not mirror latest modifications to the property.

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