On October 14, 2025, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) issued Bulletin 25-03 regarding the use of aerial imagery. The bulletin provides reminders to insurers about how aerial imagery should be used in decision-making and claims settlements.

The bulletin states that insurers must be mindful that aerial imagery has limitations and should not be the only tool used to gather information in the insurer's decision-making process. Insurers should ensure that any aerial imagery used to inform a decision is recent and accurate, as older aerial images may be unreliable or inaccurate. Additionally, insurers should advise homeowners when action is being taken based on aerial imagery, provide copies of the images, and allow the homeowners to provide updated information or dispute the accuracy of the images. 

The DCI also referenced regulations related to unfair claims settlement practices and stated its position that denying a claim based solely on satellite or aerial imagery that is unclear or imprecise constitutes an unfair claims practice.

Please see Bulletin 25-03 for more information. For any questions regarding the bulletin, please contact Emily Marsh, Senior Policy Advisor, at Emily.Marsh@tn.gov.