If you're a homeowner and drone enthusiast, your homeowner's insurance probably covers property damage should you crash your craft and damage someone else's property. If you're not a homeowner, the recommendation is to join the Academy of Model Aeronautics since the annual $58 membership includes $2.5 million of general liability protection in case your drone crashes into a car window or hits someone.
Now there's news that Erie Indemnity Company has received approval from the FAA to use drones to assess car accidents:
...two DJI Phantom 2 quadcopters with digital cameras will help human adjusters view accident scenes. They'll also "help with underwriting," or pricing risk, said Erie spokeswoman Leah Knapp.
[...]
"Drones will help our claims adjusters get an early look at potential damage without putting themselves in harm's way due to unsafe conditions, such as a steep roof or at the site of a fire or natural disaster," according to [Erie VP Gary Sullivan]. That's when "small unmanned aerial vehicles can provide a safe and effective alternative" and "fully document the results," while speeding claims and settlements.
For now the drones will just assist human adjusters and the plan is to implement them this summer, after some training and testing is completed. Hopefully a lot of training.
[Editor's Comment: Original Source]
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 27 2015, @08:36AM
No bathroom window is too high for your neighbors' drones. Invest in frosted privacy glass today.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 27 2015, @09:06AM
Goatse guy has a suggestion for you :-]
(Score: 2, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 27 2015, @09:23AM
Don't think privacy's easily had
Don't try, the camera sees infrared
You've taken lots of long dumps before
But I ain't gonna hold back anymore
Can't ban me
That's how it goes
'Cause part of me knows what you're excretin'
Don't eat things you're gonna regret
Don't let the fire rush to your gut
I've seen your bowels moving before
And I ain't gonna land any more
Believe me
The pain in your eyes
Made some of the cries worth believing
I am the eye in the sky, watching you poop
I can hear you whizz
I am the maker of drones, dealing with thrones
I can scan your biz
And I don't need to film any more
To know that
I can hear you whizz
(Watching you poop)
I can hear you whizz
(Watching you poop)
I can hear you whizz
(Watching you poop)
I can hear you whizz
(Watching you poop)
Don't leave any contents around
Don't sue, I ain't gonna be found
So flush and lock up your front door
'Cause Google won't forget anymore
On LiveLeak
Till somebody flags
While all of the tags are deceiving
(chorus)
(Score: 2) by kaszz on Wednesday May 27 2015, @11:08AM
Free objects for the mini air defense system to train on? :P
(Score: 1) by Thesis on Wednesday May 27 2015, @03:16PM
...will only pay out if you fly at an AMA sanctioned field, event, property you own. The insurance coverage is also good anywhere you have permission to legally fly from the land owner. If you do something deemed unsafe or reckless by the AMA, they will not payout. Most people flying r/c models, incorrectly labeled "Drones" IMHO, do not follow those restrictions that I have seen. I've been a r/c helicopter pilot for many years.