The insurance industry is at a crossroads after challenging years of storms and rising loss ratios. When old ways aren’t working, it’s time to turn to new solutions. Among those are drones, AI, and software-powered property inspection tools. They’re here, they’re spectacular, and they’re transforming claims and risk management. But adopting new technology doesn’t have to mean a massive overhaul overnight. For insurance carriers, experimenting with drones in targeted areas can deliver game-changing results while keeping risk low, giving you cover to test and experiment while you find the right formula for your workflow. Here are three ways to start small, test the waters, and scale up.
1. Start with High-Volume, Low-Complexity Claims
Not all claims require a human adjuster climbing a ladder. High-volume, low-complexity cases like hail damage, wind claims, and routine roof inspections are perfect for drone pilots adjusters.
Here’s why:
- Speed and efficiency: Drones can inspect properties in a fraction of the time it takes for manual inspections.
- Reduced risk: Adjusters don’t have to scale ladders or work on steep roofs.
- Streamlined workflows: AI-powered tools like IMGING analyze damage, direct adjusters where to focus their attention, and generate actionable reports faster than ever.
How to start: Pilot a drone program in a single region with a high concentration of these claims. Measure the impact on inspection times, claim processing, third-party inspection savings, and customer satisfaction.
2. Deploy Drones in Catastrophe Response
When disaster strikes—whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, or hailstorm—carriers are overwhelmed with claims and policyholders are just flat out overwhelmed. This is where drones shine.
Here’s the play:
- Speed up claims processing: Quickly survey widespread damage and prioritize claims based on severity.
- Improve adjuster safety: Use drones to assess hazardous areas, minimizing risks for on-site teams.
- Customer trust: Policyholders appreciate fast, transparent claims resolutions during stressful times. Ultra high-resolution inspections that are easy to share build trust and calm nerves to affected policyholders.
How to start: Deploy drones as part of a catastrophe response team. With tools like IMGING, you can capture and analyze data at scale, helping communities recover faster.
3. Use Drones for Pre-Loss Inspections
Why wait for damage to occur? Drones can help carriers proactively identify risks before disaster strikes, especially in high-risk regions or high-value properties. From storm-prone areas to historic structures to large manufacturing plans, we’ve seen IMGING effectively deployed across risk scenarios to aid in loss prevention and risk management.
Here are some examples of how it can help:
- Underwrite with confidence: Pre-loss inspections provide a clear picture of a property’s condition, reducing guesswork in policy pricing.
- Baseline data: Compare pre- and post-event imagery for faster, more accurate claims assessments.
- Strengthen policyholder relationships: Show customers you’re proactive about managing their risks and share your findings when appropriate.
How to start: Run a trial program in a storm-prone region ahead of storm season. Use drone data to refine underwriting models and demonstrate the value of proactive inspections.
The Bottom Line
Drones, AI, automation aren’t just flashy tools—they’re a practical solution to some of the biggest challenges in claims management. Starting small with targeted experiments can help carriers see the benefits without disrupting their operations.
Whether it’s handling routine claims, responding to catastrophes, or improving underwriting with pre-loss data, drones are the key to faster, safer, and more efficient claims management.
Ready to take the first step? Get in touch to hear real-world case studies on how carriers have found success in each of these scenarios. We’d be happy to tell you more.
