State Farm Insurance, with offices in Kentucky, has won federal approval to test the use of drones in damage assessments.
Company Spokesman Kip Diggs says the un-manned aircraft will be especially helpful during natural disasters when areas are inaccessible.
“Where you might have had to wait to get into an area, we’ll be able to get in and see what we’re dealing with and that of course will speed up the claims process," said Diggs.
The company also plans to use drones as a safer way to inspect roof damage.
“When you have a roof claim, you’ll have a claim rep who will come out and go out and walk on the roof," said Diggs. "As you might image it can get pretty dangerous.”
Testing will begin soon at State Farm’s company headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois. According to State Farm, it’s the first insurer in the U.S. to receive FAA permission to test drones for commercial use.