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Insurance carriers are taking their service to the sky. They see the value in adding commercial drones (and drone operators) to their fleet to provide unmatched service. We know that drones are used in several industries already. In Iowa, you don’t need to look far for insurers that are looking to leverage this technology.  

Insurance Companies Driving the Need 

According to Deloitte, insurance companies are leading the way in implementing drone operations in their business. Several leading insurance companies were first in the air, securing FAA permission as early as 2015 to use drones for aerial data collection, catastrophe response, research and development, underwriting, and claims resolution support. Since then, more insurance companies, both national and regional, have begun using drones. 

How Drones Are Used 

Property Inspections – Insurers can send a drone into the sky to review rooftop inspections far faster and with less risk than sending an insurance adjuster up a ladder. A drone is able to capture high-tech footage and zero in on problem areas with a touch of a control.  

Reviewing Natural Disasters – With every natural disaster comes chances for instability. A tornado rips through a town and leaves fallen tree limbs in its wake. Drones are useful in determining the scope of the problem. They can also aid in finding potential for structural deficiencies after a storm.  

Crop Insurance – Surveying a field can take hours (or the better portion of a full day) depending on the field acres. Crop insurance companies, however, can review a field in minutes, and zero in on draught-stricken areas. This helps determine crop insurance claim coverage, growth patterns, yield, and more.  

Auto Accidents – Auto insurance adjusters can often get more accurate information with accident footage to provide by areal views, including track marks, impact views from every angle, and impact reports that will affect the accident claim.  

Growing Demand 

The more industries that see the value drones can provide, the more companies will be looking to hire drone operators, either on a full-time or contract basis. There has never been a better time to earn your drone pilot’s license.  

In order to become a Drone Pilot, you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This certificate demonstrates that you understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones.  

Before getting licensed, it is beneficial to take a course in drone operation. Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions offers a course to teach the basics and help you develop an understanding of drone operation. The course will prepare you for the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) exam and will help you understand what you need to know for the knowledge exam.   

Being a drone pilot can be a rewarding, stable career! Interested in learning more? Contact Morgan Frederick with Iowa Valley Continuing Education for more information on upcoming classes.