Document storm damage before the insurance deadline.
A licensed drone pilot captures date-stamped, high-resolution proof of every shingle, dent, and leak path — before a tarp covers it up. FAA-licensed pilots in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and the Northeast fly same-day after a storm so your claim is backed by evidence, not guesswork.
How Storm Documentation Works
Fly first. Tarp second. File with proof.
The storm hits
Your roof takes wind, hail, or water damage. The adjuster can't come for days, but every hour you wait, evidence disappears — or you need to tarp before the next rain.
A licensed pilot flies
A Part 107 pilot launches a drone over your property within hours. High-res photos, 4K video, and optional thermal capture every damaged face, flashing, and leak path — all date-stamped.
You file with proof
You hand your adjuster an annotated report with overhead imagery of the damage. No more 'is that really storm-related?' — the evidence speaks for itself. Your claim moves faster.
Why Drone Documentation
Your adjuster can't un-see overhead proof.
Captures damage before tarping
Fly before temporary repairs cover the evidence. The raw, unmodified roof condition is locked in with time stamps.
Adjuster-ready reports
Annotated PDF with each damage location flagged, described, and photographed. Hand it straight to your insurer.
Thermal finds hidden water
Infrared detects trapped moisture behind shingles and under membranes — damage that's invisible from the surface but drives claim value.
Escrow Protected
No deliverables, no payment released.
When you fund a storm inspection project, your money is held in escrow by Stripe. The pilot only gets paid when you confirm the photos and report match what was agreed. If the flight doesn't deliver, you can open a dispute and get your money back.
Typical cost: $150–$900
$150–$400 for residential photo/video documentation. $400–$900 for formal annotated damage reports with thermal moisture scan. You set the budget, pilots bid.
Post a storm inspection project
Describe your property, the storm, and your insurance deadline. Licensed pilots in your area will see it immediately and bid on the job. Free to post, escrow-protected, and your first project has 0% platform fee.
Post Now — FreeBrowse inspection pilots
See every licensed pilot on the platform who flies roof and storm inspections. Filter by location, compare rates and response times, and contact the pilot directly.
Browse PilotsJoin the Waitlist
No storm-response pilot in your state yet? Get notified.
We're lining up FAA-licensed, storm-ready pilots state by state — especially in FL, GA, NC, and NJ. Enter your details and we'll reach out the moment one is ready to fly in your area. You can also post a project now — pilots in nearby states may travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Storm damage drone inspection questions, answered.
Will my insurance company accept drone storm damage imagery?+
Yes. Most major insurers — including State Farm, Allstate, USAA, and Farmers — accept drone-based imagery for storm and hail damage claims. The high-resolution, date-stamped photos and annotated reports are often stronger evidence than a phone snapshot or a ladder walk. Drone documentation is now standard practice in the insurance industry. Check with your adjuster on any specific format requirements, and your pilot can tailor the deliverables to match.
What deliverables does my insurer need for a storm damage claim?+
Most adjusters want: date-stamped overhead photos of every roof face, close-ups of damaged shingles, flashing, and gutters; a 4K video pass showing the full roof; and an annotated report flagging each damage location with a description. If you're filing for hail, they may want impact marks documented individually. Your pilot confirms the exact deliverable list with you before the flight so nothing is missing when you file.
How fast can a pilot get out after a storm?+
Response time depends on pilot availability in your area, but many storm-response pilots offer same-day or next-day flights — especially during peak hurricane season in FL and GA. When you post a project, pilots see it immediately and can respond within hours. You can filter by response time and location. Tell the pilot your insurance deadline and they'll prioritize the flight.
Should I add a thermal/moisture scan?+
If your roof has suspected water intrusion — stains on ceilings, leaks after the storm, or a flat roof — a thermal pass is worth it. The infrared camera detects trapped moisture that isn't visible from the surface, which is critical for documenting the full extent of water damage before the insurance adjuster arrives. It typically adds $100–$300 to the inspection cost and can prevent a denied or underpaid claim.
Why do I need to document damage before tarping or repairs?+
Once a tarp goes on or repairs begin, the visible evidence of storm damage is covered up — and your insurer may dispute whether the damage was storm-related or pre-existing. A drone inspection captures the raw, unmodified condition of your roof with date and time stamps before any temporary fixes. That documentation is what your adjuster uses to validate the claim. Fly first, tarp second.
Is the payment protected?+
Yes. When you fund a storm inspection project, your payment is held in escrow by Stripe — the pilot doesn't get paid until you confirm the deliverables match what was agreed. If the pilot doesn't deliver, you can open a dispute and request a refund. There's no risk to you, and your first completed project has 0% platform fee.
Are you a licensed drone pilot in a storm-prone state? List your storm inspection service free on Avionic Ledger — we'll connect you with property owners and claim filers who need documentation fast. List your service →