Next Step For Claims Drones: Automated Flight

The use of drones to collect claims images from hard-to-reach places has grown exponentially since insurers began exploring the technology seriously only a few years ago. The movement has benefited from a number of developments over that time. For example, federal aviation regulators have taken several actions to lower barriers to entry, and the hardware has advanced quickly while prices have fallen. And the next major innovation is not far off: Like cars, drones are moving in a driverless direction. “With the increasing automation and software sophistication in drones, you can literally have the drone fly itself over the property and take all the photos,” says Patrick Gee, chief claims officer for Travelers.