Drone Roof Surveys for Insurance Purposes
Visual roof condition records without physical access
Drone roof surveys requested for insurance review
Insurance providers increasingly rely on drone roof surveys when they require clear, up-to-date visual evidence of roof condition but physical access is not appropriate or permitted. This is now a routine part of how insurers assess risk, review claims, and make decisions on policy renewal or new cover.
Rather than relying on historic records or assumptions made from ground level, a drone survey allows insurers to review the visible condition of the roof as it is at the time of inspection. This helps them make informed decisions without the cost, delay, or safety implications associated with scaffolding, ladders, or access equipment.
For property owners and managing agents, being asked to arrange a drone roof survey is a normal request. The survey outputs are supplied to the commissioning party, who can then provide the imagery to insurers, brokers, or professional advisors as required to support the insurance process.
Common reasons an insurance drone roof survey is required
Insurance-related drone roof surveys are typically requested where insurers require current visual evidence of roof condition without physical access.
Visual Confirmation
A policy provider requests visual confirmation of roof condition to support a claim, renewal, or underwriting decision.
Access Restrictions
Access to the roof is restricted or unsafe conventional method such as ladders, scaffolding, or other access equipment.
Up to date Inspections
Previous inspection records are unavailable, incomplete, or no longer reflect current roof condition.
Condition Evidence Required
A claim, policy renewal, or change in cover depends on the current roof condition and evidence of this is required.
What an insurance-focused drone roof survey includes
A drone roof survey for insurance purposes provides a visual record of the roof and associated features at the time of inspection.
Where required, surveys can be supplied as image-only deliverables or accompanied by a written condition report containing visual observations.
Deliverables
- Comprehensive still images covering all accessible roof areas.
- PDF report outlining roof condition and key observations.
- Marked-up visuals highlighting specific issues or areas of concern.
- Access to all high-quality originals for your own records.
- Organised image sets suitable for insurers or professional advisors
Roof features commonly reviewed for insurance inspections
Insurance-related surveys often focus on visible areas that may affect risk assessment or ongoing cover. These commonly include roof coverings such as slipped or missing tiles, ridge and hip tiles and associated mortar joints, valleys and leadwork where visible, chimney stacks, crowns, and flaunching, flat roof areas including signs of water pooling, and gutters, hoppers, and downpipes where accessible by drone.
The survey documents what is visible at the time of inspection and should be read in conjunction with other professional advice where required.
Who typically requires an insurance-related drone roof survey
This type of survey is usually commissioned when an insurer, broker, or loss adjuster has requested current visual evidence of roof condition as part of a claim, policy renewal, or underwriting review.
In practice, the instruction may come directly from an insurer, or via a managing agent, surveyor, or advisor acting on their behalf. Property owners are often asked to arrange the survey themselves and submit the resulting imagery as supporting evidence.
Insurance-related drone roof surveys are carried out on residential, commercial, and multi-occupancy buildings where insurers require confirmation of visible roof condition without physical access or working at height.
Compliance and operation
All surveys are carried out by a CAA-authorised and insured drone operator, in accordance with current UK aviation regulations. Flight planning and site-specific considerations are reviewed in advance of each survey to ensure compliant and appropriate operation.
CAA Approved & Insured
Fully licensed under GVC with £5m public liability insurance for commercial operations across the UK.
Nationwide & Compliant
Fully coordinated permissions, flight planning, and RAMS for efficient delivery anywhere in the UK.
Insurer-Ready Reporting
Accurate, high-resolution imagery and reports for insurers, housing associations, and facilities managers.
Nationwide Coverage
We carry out insurance-related drone roof surveys nationwide. An example of regional coverage and how these surveys are applied locally can be seen on our drone roof surveys in the Cotswolds page.
Requesting a drone roof survey for insurance purposes
If you require a drone roof survey to support an insurance enquiry, please provide brief details of the property and the reason the survey is required. This allows scope, access, and deliverables to be confirmed before a quotation is provided.