BELLE GLADE, Fla. — As nighttime drone sightings keep making news around the country, drones flying in daylight hours are increasingly doing inspection work for insurance companies.
This fall, a drone flew over Otis Browning's home in Belle Glade to conduct an inspection of his roof.
A couple of months later his insurance company told him they weren't renewing his policy
"According to their report they say my shingles are missing, they're either loose or damaged," Browning said. "I was up on top of the roof with a roof guy, and he couldn't find anything."
According to his insurer, Security First, the drone inspection took place on Sept. 4.
"We don't just show up and take drone pictures of someone's house," Security First President Melissa Burt DeVriese.
She said advanced notice was given to Browning and after examining the photos of his roof, a decision was made not renew his policy this coming March.
According to DeVriese, Browning could make repairs or replace his roof before March.
As for the drone, DeVriese said the cameras and the overhead views gave them a more accurate view of roofs and it's safer.
"The great thing about drones is it enables us to get a great image of the house exterior, especially the roof and it's much safer than putting somebody on the roof," DeVriese said.
She adds the use of drones and new technology are a growing part of the insurance industry.
Matt Sczesny is determined every day to help you find solutions in Florida's coverage collapse. If you have a question or comment on homeowners insurance, you can reach out to him any time.
Read WPTV's latest "Coverage Collapse" stories below:
-
Why the need for affordable housing is only expected to grow
Palm Beach County staff members on Tuesday presented the latest report on affordable housing to commissioners and found the need is expected to be even greater in the next decade.
This new insurer was just approved in Florida
A new homeowners insurance company is coming to Florida. Mangrove Property Insurance has been cleared by the state's insurance regulators.
How Palm Beach County will penalize condos on inspection violations
We're looking into the milestone mandate from Florida state leader as the deadline for condos buildings to have their inspections ended at the end of last year.
Could special session help Florida condo owners?
Now, Gov. Ron DeSantis wants condo reform to be a part of a special session he wants to take place later this month, something that residents are optimistic about.
