Farmers Insurance has enlisted a fleet of unmanned aerial aircraft systems to enhance the claims experience for customers who have suffered significant damage to their roof following major weather events.
After field tests to assess the most effective and customer-centric ways of leveraging drone technology with its existing claims operation, Farmers will now expand the use of UAS technology to assist with residential property damage assessments and deliver an even more enhanced experience for its customers.
Keith Daly, chief claims officer for Farmers Insurance, says: “Farmers investments in technology and innovation are driven by our commitment to deliver a better experience for our customers at every point of engagement.
“We believe our new drone program will help improve response time and safety for our claim representatives during their evaluations, and ensure Farmers maintains a leadership position in the insurance industry.”
Drone use provides numerous benefits to Farmers and its customers, including potentially faster inspection times and less safety risks to field adjusters.
The initial squadron of Farmers drones will be provided by Kespry, a well known provider of aerial intelligence platforms designed specifically for use in industrial sectors such as insurance.
Kespry’s fully-automated industrial drone system will enable Farmers to more quickly and safely gather rooftop imagery and data, generate analytic reports, supplement ladder assist capabilities, and resolve more claims with greater efficiency and accuracy, says the company.
“Through our relationship with Kespry, we believe that Farmers will have access to the latest advancements in aerial imaging equipment and software, in addition to superior training resources,” added Daly.
A “unique” feature of the Farmers drone program will be its exclusive use of Farmers claims professionals throughout the claim handling process.
Unlike other carriers who may engage third-party drone pilots as part of the evaluation, Farmers will utilize its own, FAA-licensed drone operators, who are also Farmers-trained claim representatives, to provide customers with a Farmers experience throughout.
For this initial deployment, Farmers will concentrate drone efforts in areas most impacted by hailstorms and other severe weather events.
The drones will deliver high-resolution, 3D imagery, capable of detecting granule loss and other physical damage data of residential roofs.
Farmers claim representatives will have access to comprehensive roof dimensions and automated damage detection, with onsite availability of rooftop imagery made possible in just minutes.
