(Image source: Loveland Innovations.)
Security First Insurance (Ormond Beach, Fla.) has announced that it has partnered with Loveland Innovations (Pleasant Grove, Utah) for advanced drone technology to simplify and speed up its customer claims process. Security First reports that its team of licensed Field Adjusters recently completed “flight school” and are deploying drones with built-in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to assess roof damage, resulting in quicker, potentially more accurate reports that obviate the need to expose field personnel to the danger of climbing on roofs.
Werner Kruck, COO, Security First Insurance Company.
“Drone technology allows our Field Adjusters to remain on the ground, assess roof damage more quickly, and lower our claim costs,” comments Werner Kruck, Chief Operating Officer, Security First Insurance. “It is one of several new technologies we’ve adopted over the last few years to speed up the claims process, scale operations, and meet the ever-growing expectations of our customers.:
“Employee safety is our top priority,” adds Bob Pender, the insurer’s Claim Repair and Field Manager. “The drone technology also allows us to capture higher quality images than those taken using smartphones. Also, the damage and dimensions are identified and documented instantaneously.”
Security First’s Field Adjusters are responsible for visiting with customers, reviewing and documenting damage to property. They are often required to climb onto roofs to inspect damage. Drones make it possible for the insurer to automatically create in-depth damage reports without exposing employees to the dangers of climbing onto the roof.
Inspections in Unfavorable Conditions
In addition to increased safety and efficiency, Loveland Innovations’ IMGING Inspection Kit also allows Security First to conduct inspections in unfavorable conditions, such as inclement weather, areas where overhanging trees obstruct access, and/or situations with damage so severe that a roof could collapse, the insurer reports.
Drone and AI technology can also reduce the time needed for a roof inspection from an average of 45 minutes down to 10 minutes, according to Security First. These technologies also make it easier and more efficient for Security First Field Adjusters to complete a damage report and provide it to the insurer’s Claim Examiners for review, and then send the claim settlement to the customer. The insurer notes that each step impacts the overall customer experience.
Loveland Innovations’ IMGING Inspection Kit includes a mobile app that uses satellite imagery to create a flight plan and identify areas of the home that need to be assessed. Security First Field Adjusters control the drone via the app. The images gathered are used to create a three-dimensional model of the roof to make it easier for everyone involved in the claim process to have a bird’s eye view of the damage.