Hiring a Drone Pro for Insurance Photos & Video: The Ultimate Client Guide

When you’re filing a claim after wind, hail, water, or a fallen tree, good aerial evidence can speed approvals and reduce back-and-forth with your insurer. This guide gives you exactly what to ask for, how to compare quotes, and the deliverables that make adjusters happy.

Note: Drone imagery is visual documentation, not a structural or engineering assessment.

1) What insurers actually need (so you get fewer delays)

High-resolution photos (20–48MP) with EXIF time/date & GPS preserved
Nadir (top-down) coverage of each roof plane, plus oblique angles (edges, flashing, vents, chimneys)
Close-ups of suspected damage (hail impacts, lifted shingles, creases, punctures, tree strike points)
Context shots (street number, lot, surroundings) for scale
Clear file naming and a simple overview PDF highlighting the most important frames
Optional: short 30–60s video pass, annotated PDF, or a stitched orthomosaic (top-down map) for larger sites

2) Before you call: gather this info (copy/paste list)

Property address + best site contact
Claim number (if issued) and any insurer directions
Known hazards: power lines, steep slopes, nearby airports, trees, pets
Requested deliverables (see SOW template below)
Deadline/turnaround need
Access windows, gate codes, parking notes

3) What to ask the pilot (quick vetting checklist)

Compliance & safety

Are you FAA Part 107 certified and insured? Can you provide a COI?
Will you obtain LAANC or other airspace authorizations if needed?
What weather/wind limits do you follow?

Experience & gear

How many insurance/inspection jobs have you completed?
Camera specs (4K video; 20–48MP stills)? Can you capture nadir, oblique, and close-ups?

Deliverables & timing

Exactly what files will I receive and when?
Will EXIF (time, GPS) remain intact?
Can you provide an overview PDF and optional annotations?

Pricing & terms

Base price, travel, and any add-ons (rush, annotations, orthomosaic)
Reshoot policy for weather or ATC delays
Usage rights (me + my insurer can use media)

4) The deliverables you should request (client SOW template)

Copy/paste this to any provider:

Scope: Visual documentation for insurance. Capture nadir images with overlap for each roof plane; oblique angles of edges, flashing, penetrations, chimneys; and close-ups of visible damage. Include context shots (address, lot).
Deliverables:
- 40–80 edited JPGs (or as needed) with EXIF time/GPS preserved
- Folder structure: /01_Context/, /02_Roof_Nadir/, /03_Oblique/, /04_Closeups/
- Overview PDF (6–12 key images + captions); optional annotated PDF if selected
- Optional: 30–60s video pass (4K) and/or orthomosaic (TIFF + web JPG)
Turnaround: Photos & overview PDF in 24–48 hours (unless otherwise agreed).
Notes: Visual documentation only; no structural assessment.

5) Photo plan checklist (for you and the pilot)

House number & wide context (front, back, lot)
Nadir passes: each plane covered with overlap
Oblique passes: eaves, rakes, flashings, ridge, valleys, penetrations
Close-ups: every suspect area (hail marks, creases, lifted tabs, punctures)
Extra: gutters, downspouts, soffits, fascia where relevant

6) When to add video, orthomosaics, or 3D

30–60s video pass: Great for adjuster context; not a replacement for photos
Orthomosaic (stitched map): Larger or complex roofs; shows seam-to-seam coverage with georeferencing
3D/point cloud: Useful for construction claims; less critical for standard roof damage

7) How to compare quotes (apples to apples)

Ask each provider to list:

Base rate (includes how many photos + overview PDF)
Travel beyond base service area
Add-ons: annotations, rush delivery, orthomosaic, raw files
Reshoot policy and turnaround guarantees

Transparent pricing examples you might see: Roof Photos $179 · Roof Report w/ Markups $249 · Orthomosaic (≤5 acres) $450 · Rush +$75 · Raw files +$50

8) Red flags to avoid

“We don’t need Part 107 for this.” (You do for commercial work.)
Won’t provide insurance or COI.
Can’t describe nadir vs. oblique or a coverage plan.
Removes or strips EXIF metadata.
Only delivers a sizzle-reel video with no usable stills.

9) Day-of-shoot prep (saves time & reshoots)

Clear driveway and access points; secure pets
Move vehicles that block roof lines
Provide gate codes and contact phone
Avoid yard crews or sprinklers during shoot window
If HOA/PM approvals are required, secure them in advance

10) After you receive the files

Back up the folder to cloud + external drive
Share the overview PDF first with your adjuster; provide the full set on request
Keep links active for 60+ days (ask your provider to retain raw files the same period)
If the adjuster requests alternates (different angles/close-ups), forward exact filenames

FAQ

Can you fly in controlled airspace?

Often yes via LAANC. Some locations or temporary restrictions may delay or block flight—confirm this during booking.

Do insurers accept drone imagery?

Yes—clear, high-res, time-stamped imagery is commonly used. Some carriers have specific preferences (PDF summaries, naming). Share any instructions with your pilot up front.

Is this a structural inspection?

No—this is visual documentation to support your claim. For structural opinions, a licensed contractor/engineer is required.