State Farm forced into humiliating climb down after drone spying scandal

State Farm has finally agreed to renew the insurance of a Santa Ana homeowner after drones were used to spy on her house.

Linda Bennett said she felt an enormous relief after the insurer reversed its decision to pull her policy following the scandal last year.

“Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” Bennett told ABC7, expressing her relief. State Farm will now continue her coverage starting May 1.

Bennett first received a letter warning her that her homeowner’s policy would be canceled unless she replaced her roof — a project she estimated could cost between $20,000 and $50,000.

“I don’t have that kind of money, and I’ve been in this home since it’s been new,” she said.

The dispute highlights a growing trend among insurers to use drones, aerial photography, and, in some cases, artificial intelligence to evaluate properties. Bennett suspects this is how her roof came under scrutiny.

“When I got the notice, I thought to myself, ‘Nobody came out.’ Nobody’s called and said, ‘We need to inspect your roof for your policy,’” she recalled. “I just got that saying I had to get a new roof… no explanation.”

Bennett had already planned minor repairs to her roof. After hiring a contractor to assess the situation, she learned the roof was in good shape and could last another nine years.

“What started happening is I got a call from my agent… and he said, ‘Just to let you know, good news, they’re not going to require you to replace your roof, and they will renew your policy as of May 1.’ So I was just… yay!” Bennett said.

Consumer advocates caution homeowners to act quickly if they receive similar notices.

“Write back immediately or call,” advised Amy Bach of United Policyholders. “Ask, ‘Am I being non-renewed on the basis of an aerial image?’ Then say, ‘I want to see that image. Let me have those pictures, and give me a chance to fix whatever the problem is—or maybe I can explain it.’”

Bennett described the anxiety she felt when faced with the potential loss of coverage, which can be especially challenging to replace in her area.

“They were just [like] ‘That’s it. I’m sorry. You have to replace your roof, or you’ll have to find another agent or policy.’ Well, you can’t do that,” she said.

Now that her coverage is secure, Bennett is grateful for the support she received.

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