For many years, the process of inspecting roofs for insurance claims involved manual labour, high risks and high costs. However, with the advancement of drone technology, insurance inspections have become more efficient, safer and more cost-effective.
Drone insurance inspections have quickly become the go-to option for insurance businesses, providing them with an opportunity to save money, reduce risks and improve customer satisfaction. With increased data capability, insurance companies can reduce their operational costs and benefit from improved efficiency with regards to claims processes.
Benefits of drones for insurance inspections
Drone roof inspections are useful for identifying damage to hard-to-reach areas, such as chimneys, gutters and steep roofs. When it comes to using drones for insurance inspections, the accuracy of the data and the speed with which it can be captured make it a perfect solution for busy insurance firms.
In the case of storm damage, for example, in-person assessments would require scaffolding, rope access and more equipment, which would add time and expense to the claim. With drones, the process of gathering evidence of the damage is smoother and quicker. This means insurance firms can process more claims every day while still keeping costs low.
But they’re also safer – insurance companies can mitigate the risks that come with manual inspections by removing the need for inspections in hazardous or inaccessible areas. In terms of lengthy disputes or insurance claims, having access to drone roof inspection data can result in a quicker settlement, which is beneficial for claimants and insurance firms. Aerial surveys provide clear photographic and video evidence of the damage, and the historical state of the building.
Insurance inspections using drones also provide more accurate results than traditional inspections. The high-resolution images and videos captured by drones can detect even the smallest of damages, such as cracks and chips, that might be missed during a manual inspection. The accuracy of drone inspections leads to better and more comprehensive reports, allowing insurance companies to make more informed decisions when processing claims.
Drone insurance coverage can also be beneficial for improving customer satisfaction for insurance organisations. With a drone inspection, clients don’t need to be present for the inspection process and the inspection will be carried out much faster, which means claims can be completed in less time and with less inconvenience to the client. The in-depth data and accuracy of the information gathered means more informed decisions can be made, which benefits all parties.
Drones can capture data from even the tightest of spaces or dangerous areas, such as after a fire or natural disaster. Drones can also capture 3D models of the property, which can then be used as a reference to back up a claim.
Traditional property inspections come with several issues, ranging from the potential for inaccuracies and human error to the fact that they’re more time consuming and expensive. Drones enable insurance firms to overcome these challenges and deliver a more accurate report to clients, while also completing the roof inspection more efficiently.
Drones can capture 4k, high resolution images and videos of a property, so they’re the perfect tool for insurance inspections and assessments, and they can help minimise time delays which are a common problem for insurance businesses.
What to consider when choosing drones for roof inspections
The first step to using drones for insurance purposes and roof inspections is to choose a credible and experienced drone provider. Not all drones are created equal and you need to be sure that those carrying out the inspection not only have the best equipment at their disposal but will also have the necessary skills to operate the drone properly and safely.
Some drones are autonomous while others require someone to operate them. In addition to these details, you also want to ensure you’re factoring in image quality, the accuracy of the data gathered and the customer experience delivered. Camera quality is vital to ensure it has the right level of zoom capability to zone in on certain features and details – higher end drones can provide full 360-degree gimbal features and will provide stability for clearer images and videography.
Safety features are also important to bear in mind to prevent accidents or damage to the drone. For example, you want a drone that’s capable of obstacle avoidance and will automatically return home if connectivity is lost or the battery level dips. Weather durability is also critical to ensure the drone performs well in harsh weather conditions.
Weight limits are also essential to roof inspections, because there are legal limitations when it comes to the use of a drone over 250g in the UK, where appropriate training and accreditations are necessary for safety. Working with a reputable firm will ensure these factors are considered, that drone pilots are used where necessary and that ground and air conditions are taken into account.
Drone-based roof inspections have entered a new era and drone technology is now faster, more efficient and more accurate than ever. Removing the need for people to inspect roof damage in-person, it’s a much safer alternative to traditional inspections and for insurance firms, it allows companies to close claims faster and reduce operational costs.
Final thoughts
Investigating insurance claims is vital to ensure they’re valid and fair, but the process can take weeks. Access to this type of technology makes an otherwise time-consuming task much easier and efficient. Drones are powerful tools in the insurance sector, and post-natural disaster damage is just one of the great examples of why.
Insurers will often need to check for themselves if damages that are being claimed for are genuine or just wear and tear, and accessing a roof after such an event is incredibly hazardous, as well as adding delays and costs to the claim. Hiring a drone company to handle these inspections is a worthwhile investment, providing insurance firms with clear evidence throughout all stages of the claim process, both for historical data purposes and for evidence that the roof has been well maintained.