SoylentNews

fliptop [soylentnews.org] writes:

If you're a homeoner and drone enthusiast, your homeowner's insurance probably covers [dronelife.com] 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 [thestreet.com] 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 Idemnity Company has received approval from the FAA [post-gazette.com] 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 adjustors and the plan is to implement them this summer, after some training and testing is completed. Hopefully a lot of training [thelocal.de].

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