Technology is reshaping property underwriting, and aerial imagery now is a routine part of how carriers assess risk. From satellite photography to high resolution flyovers, insurers have more data than ever before about the condition of insured properties.
There is real value in these tools. Aerial imagery can increase efficiency, reduce inspection costs and help identify potential exposures early.
However, when technology advances faster than transparency standards, problems arise.
New York state S.9156, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes, D-26, addresses that gap. The legislation would establish clear and reasonable guardrails for how aerial images may be used in homeowners insurance underwriting, particularly when those images lead to cancellation, nonrenewal, coverage reduction or a premium increase of more than 10%.
For independent agents and the consumers they serve, this bill represents a balanced and necessary step forward.
The growing concern
Aerial imagery has become a common underwriting tool. In many cases, it works exactly as intended. However, concerns have emerged when adverse decisions are based solely on images that may be outdated, low resolution, taken from misleading angles or lacking context.
PIANY has heard from agents statewide who report that their clients have received nonrenewal notices or significant premium increases due to alleged roof or exterior conditions—issues that clients believe are inaccurate or already have been addressed. In some instances, neither the agents nor their clients were even aware that aerial imagery had been used in the underwriting process.
This creates frustration for consumers and places agents in a difficult position. Often, independent agents find themselves explaining underwriting decisions triggered by photographs they have not seen and conditions their clients dispute.
The result can be strained relationships and diminished trust.
S.9156 would not prohibit aerial imagery. Instead, it would ensure the technology is used responsibly and transparently.
What the bill requires
The legislation would amend the Insurance Law to create a framework governing when and how aerial imagery may be used to support adverse underwriting decisions.
First, insurers would need to notify policyholders if aerial images may be taken or used during the policy period. Transparency begins with awareness.
Second, if an adverse action is based in whole or in part on aerial imagery, the insurer would need to provide date stamped images that clearly show the specific condition that allegedly fails to meet underwriting standards. If a decision is based on a photo, the policyholder has the right to see it.
Third, the bill would prohibit insurers from relying on aerial images that are more than 180 days old when making an adverse decision. Exterior property conditions can change quickly. Roofing repairs, tree removal, siding replacement and maintenance work may have been completed. Decisions should reflect current conditions, not outdated snapshots.
Fourth, policyholders would need to be given at least 60 days to remediate identified issues. If a risk can be corrected, homeowners should have a fair opportunity to address it before facing cancellation or nonrenewal.
Finally, the legislation would require a clear appeals process, including the option of an in-person inspection when imagery does not conclusively demonstrate material damage.
Together, these provisions would create a structured and predictable process that benefits both insurers and insureds.
A balanced approach for a challenging market
The homeowners market remains under pressure from catastrophe losses, inflation, rising construction costs and reinsurance volatility. Carriers need effective tools to evaluate and manage risk.
Aerial imagery is one of those tools.
This legislation acknowledges that reality. It does not restrict innovation or eliminate technological advancements in underwriting practices. Instead, it aligns underwriting guidelins with basic principles of fairness and due process.
Other states have adopted similar standards requiring that imagery used in underwriting decisions to be recent and reliable. New York state would be following emerging best practices, not breaking new ground.
For independent agents, this balanced approach matters.
When underwriting actions are transparent and supported by current information, agents can better explain decisions, help clients remediate issues and maintain coverage. Clear standards reduce confusion and improve communication among carriers, agents and policyholders.
Strengthen consumer confidence and market stability
Insurance functions best when policyholders believe the system is fair and transparent. When consumers feel blindsided by abrupt underwriting decisions based on unseen or outdated images, confidence erodes. As trust declines, regulatory friction increases and market stability can suffer.
S.9156 would reinforce consumer confidence without undermining underwriting integrity. By requiring clear notice, limiting the age of imagery used in adverse decisions, mandating documentation and ensuring opportunities for remediation and appeal, the bill would promote accountability and accuracy in the underwriting process.
These are not anti-carrier principles. They are pro-market principles.
At its core, S.9156 recognizes that technology should enhance underwriting, not weaken transparency. By establishing clear standards for the use of aerial imagery in homeowners insurance decisions, New York state can protect consumers while preserving insurers’ ability to assess risk effectively.
For independent agents committed to professionalism, advocacy and long-term client relationships, this legislation represents a thoughtful and practical step forward.
Innovation and consumer protection do not have to be in conflict. With S.9156, New York state demonstrates that they can move forward together.
Joseph Ritchie
Joe Ritchie joined PIA Northeast as government and industry affairs coordinator for the Government & Industry Affairs Department in 2025, where he supports the association’s legislative, regulatory and member-advocacy initiatives across the Northeast. Prior to joining PIA, Joe served as the Advocacy & Policy Coordinator at Riverkeeper, working closely with municipal leaders, environmental organizations, and state agencies to advance clean water protections in the Hudson Valley. Previously, he worked as the Administrator of Government Affairs at Spectrum, where he managed statewide regulatory filings, supported broadband deployment efforts, and coordinated communications with policymakers. Joe also spent time in the New York State Assembly, assisting Assemblymember Kevin Cahill during his tenure as Chair of the Insurance Committee, where he contributed to committee meeting preparations, legislative research and constituent support. In addition to his government affairs work, Joe is the co-founder and Chair of Lights Out Norlite, a community-based environmental justice initiative focused on improving public health and industrial oversight in the Capital Region. He received his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and remains an active supporter of Syracuse Football. Outside of work, Joe enjoys cooking Italian meals for his wife, spending time with his family and camping throughout the Adirondacks.
