Homeowners across Pennsylvania are facing a new challenge when it comes to keeping their insurance coverage. Major insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, Travelers, USAA, Erie, Liberty Mutual, AIG, and Farmers are now using drones and satellite images to monitor properties. Reports from CBS, Yahoo Finance, United Policyholders, and the Wall Street Journal show that this technology is being used for risk assessment and underwriting decisions—and in some cases, it’s costing homeowners their policies.
What Insurance Companies Are Looking For
Insurance providers are reviewing aerial and satellite images—sometimes even outdated ones from Google Earth—to check for issues such as:
• Overhanging tree limbs too close to a roof
• Debris or clutter on rooftops
• Damaged or clogged gutters
• Pools, trampolines, or unpermitted structures
• Signs of neglect or property damage
Unfortunately, many of these assessments are done without notifying the homeowner. In some cases, policies have been canceled based on years-old satellite photos that no longer reflect the condition of the property.
The Risk for Homeowners
A CBS Boston investigation found that Massachusetts residents were dropped by their insurers after aerial images showed supposed risks—sometimes inaccurately. The Wall Street Journal also reported that insurers are contracting third-party services to regularly scan properties and flag concerns.
That means even if your home is in good condition, outdated images could make it appear otherwise—putting your coverage at risk.
Why Gutter Cleaning Matters More Than Ever
From above, clogged gutters can look like roof clutter or damage. To an insurer reviewing drone footage, that could signal neglect and raise your risk profile.
Routine gutter cleaning and maintenance helps protect your home against water damage, foundation issues, and roof leaks—but it also ensures your property looks well-kept from aerial inspections. Keeping your gutters clear could be the difference between keeping your coverage or losing it.
If you’re a homeowner in Berwyn, West Chester, Glen Mills, Newtown Square, Downingtown, Exton, Radnor, Chest Springs, Devon, Kennett Square, Swarthmore, Chadds Ford, or Unionville, staying on top of exterior maintenance is one of the best ways to safeguard both your home and your insurance.
How to Protect Yourself
• Schedule seasonal gutter cleaning to prevent buildup and visible debris.
• Trim back tree branches that hang over your home.
• Clear your roof and yard of clutterafter storms or heavy winds.
• Request updated images from your insurer if they rely on outdated aerial photos.
Final Thoughts
Technology is changing the insurance industry, and homeowners need to stay one step ahead. By keeping your gutters clean and your property maintained, you not only prevent costly damage—you also reduce the risk of losing your insurance coverage due to an unfair aerial assessment.
At ClearFlow Gutter Cleaning, we specialize in helping homeowners throughout Chester and Delaware Counties keep their homes safe, clean, and insurance-ready.
📞 Call us today at (215) 932-7968 or visit clearflowguttercleaning.com to schedule your gutter cleaning in Berwyn, West Chester, Glen Mills, or any of our surrounding service areas.
Sources:
• CBS News – I-Team: Insurance companies using aerial images to drop Massachusetts homeowners
• Yahoo Finance – Insurance companies using drones to monitor homes
• United Policyholders – 4 things insurance companies are looking for with drone monitoring
• Wall Street Journal – Home insurers increasingly use aerial images to assess risk