Aerial data can be of great value to the insurance industry, but it has some lawmakers worried about the images' accuracy and their potential to introduce bias.
As with any other technology, aerial imagery also invites the use of AI to sift through the vast amounts of information it generates.
Digital Insurance tracks all of these factors to provide the most complete view of the industry's adoption of aerial imagery. Here are the top stories on the subject from 2026:
Does AI help imagery 'see' better?
AI is rapidly becoming a valuable tool to help insurers manage data, identify fraud, handle more mundane tasks and see things the human eye could miss. Digital Insurance has been exploring AI's role across a number of areas, and its introduction into the imagery space is transforming how carriers can use photos and other images for underwriting and claims.
Insurance data: Finding it, protecting it and the role of AI - Part 1
By Patricia L. Harman
External data generally comes from sources outside of the carriers such as hazard and risk data for flooding or wildfires, historical and real-time weather data, aerial imagery, health records or driving data from telematics, valuations for property values, geospatial data for elevations, proximity to water sources, a range of public records, and even social media insights.
Applying AI to aerial images raises insurers' compliance risks
AI increasingly plays a role in insurers' use of aerial images to determine home property coverage.
States that do regulate the use of aerial images tend to do so through regulations, not laws. NAIC, the association of state insurance regulators, is looking at how AI is used to select aerial images and apply them to coverage decisions.
State lawmakers to try again on standards for insurers' use of aerial images
An organization of state legislatures will try again in April to agree on regulation for insurers' use of aerial images to determine home property coverage.
The National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) P&C Committee may reintroduce its Model Act Regarding Insurers Use of Aerial Images, which failed in a September 2025 vote, according to Pat Gilbert, director of policy, administration and member services, NCOIL. The Council has put a discussion of the issue on its agenda for its spring meeting April 16-19.
Travelers Institute: How aerial imagery and geospatial data have transformed property insurance
Innovative solutions and analytics have transformed the property insurance market, enabling carriers to better assess customer needs and more accurately identify property risks, according to the Travelers Institute. Travelers shared insights into the evolving market of property insurance, the main drivers of change and where there are opportunities to better serve customers.
California proposes ban on aerial imagery for insurance non-renewals
As California's state legislature considers bills to facilitate home insurance claims estimates and payments, especially in natural disasters, another insurance consumer issue is also on the agenda.
California Assembly Bill 1559 would prohibit insurers from using aerial imagery as a basis for not renewing home insurance policies.
