Joan Van Kuren, a resident of Modesto, California, recently had her home insurance canceled by CSAA after being a loyal customer for nearly 40 years. According to CBSnews, the insurance company claimed that a drone had detected debris and unsanitary conditions on her property, leading to the cancellation of her coverage.
Van Kuren was in the midst of a costly home renovation project, having invested hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past three years. Despite her efforts to improve her property, CSAA cited the presence of debris and clutter as the reason for terminating her insurance.
The incident has raised concerns about the growing use of aerial imagery by insurance companies to assess property risk. While CSAA denied using a drone, stating that they rely on third-party aerial imagery captured by fixed-wing aircraft and satellites, the company maintained that the images showed unacceptable hazards and liability exposure on Van Kuren’s property.
Consumer advocates advise homeowners to request specific images used by insurers when canceling policies, as this can help clear up any misconceptions or misinterpretations. It’s important for property owners to be aware that insurance companies can inspect the outside of their homes as part of their terms, and tools like Google Earth can be used to determine what insurers can see and access.
As the use of aerial imagery becomes more common in the insurance industry, questions about privacy and the potential for misinterpretation of images continue to arise. This incident highlights the need for greater transparency and communication between insurance companies and their policyholders to ensure fair and accurate assessments of property risk.
Insurance Company’s Response
As reported by local12, CSAA denied using a drone to inspect Van Kuren’s property. The company stated that they rely on third-party aerial imagery captured by fixed-wing aircraft and satellites to assess risk.
According to CSAA, the images showed debris on the side of the house. They considered this an unacceptable hazard and liability exposure.
Consumer advocates, like Amy Bach from United Policy Holders, advise property owners to request the specific images used by insurers to cancel policies. This can help clear up any misconceptions, as the images may be blurry or misinterpreted.
By requesting these images, homeowners can better understand the insurance company’s decision. They can then take steps to address the issues or dispute the findings if necessary.
Homeowner Rights and Responsibilities
You have the right to know what your insurance company can see and access when it comes to your property. Insurance companies are allowed to inspect the outside of your home as part of their terms, but they must provide you with 75 days’ notice before canceling your coverage.
To stay informed, you can use tools like Google Earth to view your property from above. This will give you an idea of what insurance companies can see when they assess your home.
If your insurance company does decide to cancel your policy, they must provide you with specific reasons and evidence to support their decision. You have the right to request the images they used to make their assessment.
It’s important to address any issues or concerns raised by your insurance company promptly. If you’re in the middle of a renovation project, communicate with your insurer and provide them with updates on your progress.
Remember, you have time to find alternative insurance coverage if needed. Use the 75-day notice period to shop around and compare policies from different providers.
By staying informed and proactive, you can protect your rights as a homeowner and ensure that you have the insurance coverage you need.
Image credit: Wikimedia
