Allstate to use drones to assess storm damage in Oklahoma
Allstate Insurance is using drones to assess spring storm related property damage claims across four states, including Oklahoma, the company said Thursday.
A fleet of drones are ready in Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas to help evaluate property damage issues after storms this spring.
The multistate launch is Allstate's largest use of drones to date and represents a major step forward in the use of aerial imagery for property damage assessment among insurers, the company said.
"Allstate has been at the forefront of drone research for more than two years now," said Glenn Shapiro, Allstate's chief claims officer. "Aerial imagery is key innovative technology that can improve the speed and efficiency of our property inspection process and help us deliver a faster, more modernized claim experience for our customers."
Allstate said its use of drones will be one part of an aerial imaging strategy for the company.
Aerial imagery, which includes drones, piloted airplanes and satellite images, uses emerging technologies and digital capabilities to better meet the needs of customers. Adjusters will make inperson visits on the ground to take pictures in situations where aerial imagery cannot be captured.
Allstate will determine if an aerial inspection is appropriate for
each wind or hail damage claim and will get permission from the customer to use a drone for assessment.
The images and data will then be submitted to a group of adjusters who have been selected to handle estimates virtually.
Drones can capture up to 4K-resolution images, which means an adjuster can look at a simple photograph and zoom in for extreme detail on any individual roof shingle. After the initial deployment in four states, Allstate will consider using aerial imagery in other parts of the country to assess wind and hail claims as well as for other types of losses.
“In tests leading up to this deployment, our customers have embraced the technology and have been pleased with the speed and accuracy of the process, ”Shapiro said.