On August 18, 2025, the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation issued Insurance Bulletin Number 2025-3 regarding the use of aerial imagery in the underwriting of homeowners insurance policies and the settlement of claims.

The bulletin clarifies that images used to evaluate a property risk must provide a clear, accurate, and current view of the property. Images that are low-resolution, out-of-focus, blurry, or taken 15 or more months prior do not provide an accurate representation of the property and cannot alone justify a cancellation or nonrenewal or be utilized to determine a claim settlement.

If an insurer uses aerial imagery as a basis for nonrenewal, it is best practice to notify the homeowner before initiating the nonrenewal, provide copies of the aerial images, and allow the homeowner to provide updated information.

Please see Insurance Bulletin Number 2025-3 for more information. For any questions regarding the bulletin, please contact dbr.insurance@dbr.ri.gov.