LANSING, Michigan (Michigan News Source) – A growing number of homeowners across the nation are finding out the hard way that their insurance companies have eyes in the sky – and they’re using them to raise rates, deny renewals, or cancel policies outright.

From missing shingles to overhanging limbs and “threatening” trampolines, drone inspections are becoming the norm across the country. You may not even know your home’s under surveillance until you get a letter demanding you fix imaginary issues or lose coverage.

Insurance adjuster or aerial predator?

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Nationwide, companies like State Farm, Liberty Mutual, and Allstate are deploying drones to scope out your house without you ever opening the door. These tech toys are pitched as helpful tools for safer, faster inspections. But in reality, they’re often used to hunt for reasons to raise your premiums or drop you altogether – sometimes based on outdated or unclear images.

One homeowner even got a policy cancellation over what turned out to be a skylight misread as roof damage. Class action lawsuits are already circling, alleging privacy violations and shady practices like using grainy drone footage to demand thousands in repairs. And in many states, the insurers don’t even have to show you the drone photos.

Michigan says not so fast, sky spies.

However, the State of Michigan isn’t letting insurance companies fly completely out of control. Under Bulletin 2025-12-INS, issued June 6 by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), insurers must play by a stricter set of rules when using aerial imagery for cancellations, nonrenewals, or underwriting decisions.

In the bulletin, DIFS states that when using aerial imagery for nonrenewals, cancellations, underwriting, claims handling and similar activities (“adverse actions”), the company must comply with all applicable insurance laws and regulations, including laws that address unfair business practices. They go on to say that the insurers must exercise due diligence and ensure that their actions are based on accurate information that shows actual and current conditions.

Here’s a brief overview:

• No Cancelling Over a Streaky Roof: Cosmetic issues like roof discoloration are not valid grounds for canceling or not renewing a policy.
• Got Drone Pics? Prove It: Insurers must offer homeowners a chance to challenge or clarify any issues flagged by drone – preferably with a real-life inspection or contractor verification.
• Transparency Required: Insurers must give you 30 days’ notice before cancellation or nonrenewal and share the actual drone images used to make their decision.
• No Surprise Attacks: Any aerial-imagery-based decision must comply with filed underwriting rules, and consumers must be informed of their right to appeal or correct the record.