Over the past few years, more and more insurers have begun using drones, satellites, and other types of aircraft to take photos of insured's property. While this save the companies time and money, since they don't have to send a person to physically inspect the property, there are some downsides. What about pictures that aren't clear, or are blurry? What if the photo isn't distinct enough to clearly show whether the streaks on the roof are just cosmetic or indicate an increase in risk or deterioration of the property that would make the property ineligible for coverage?

Insurance departments take such issues seriously. Is it fair to the insured for a policy to be cancelled or nonrenewed simply because of a picture that may not be clear? Many departments don't think so. So far, 22 departments have issued bulletins addressing this issue, including definitions of aerial imagery and clearly issuing guidelines as to when images can be used, how they should be handled, and how the insureds should be notified.