Tennessee and Kentucky Are Sending A Similar Message To Insurers: Remote Imagery Has Limits
Insurers are using satellite images, drone photos, and other aerial imagery more often in underwriting and property claims. Tennessee addressed that trend in Bulletin 25-03, warning that aerial imagery should be only one tool among many and that blurry, outdated, or imprecise imagery cannot reasonably justify denial of a property-damage claim. Tennessee also tied that issue directly to unfair claims practices.
Kentucky’s new Bulletin 2026-01 reinforces the same concern. Kentucky says satellite images alone do not capture all available claim information and cannot reasonably justify a property-damage claim denial standing alone. It also says aerial imagery may generally be used only if it is clear enough, accompanied by a written summary, and date-stamped within the last 12 months.
The practical takeaway is straightforward: remote images may help identify issues, but they should not replace a reasonable investigation.
For policyholders, contractors, and claim professionals, that means asking:
- When were the images taken?
- Are they clear and current?
- Do they show the right structure?
- What else did the insurer do to investigate?
- Will the insurer provide the images it relied on?
This is a useful issue to watch in Tennessee because it sits at the intersection of technology, underwriting, and first-party property claim handling.
Brandon McWherter has dedicated his practice to assisting insurance policyholders with their claims against insurance companies, including claims for bad faith. He is licensed in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Learn More