Allstate Mobilizes Drone Fleet for Storm Season

NORTHBROOK, Ill., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As storm season approaches, Allstate Insurance is set to use drones for assessment of property damage claims across four states. A fleet of drones will be at the ready in Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to help respond after any storms this spring. The multi-state launch is Allstate's largest use of drones to date and represents a major step forward in the use of aerial imagery for property damage assessment among insurers.

"Allstate has been at the forefront of drone research for more than two years now," says Allstate's Chief Claims Officer Glenn Shapiro. "Aerial imagery is key innovative technology that can improve the speed and efficiency of our property inspection process and help us deliver a faster, more modernized claim experience for our customers."

The use of drones will be one part of a multi-faceted aerial imaging strategy for Allstate this year. Aerial imagery, which includes drones, piloted airplanes and satellite images, leverages emerging technologies and digital capabilities to better meet the needs of customers. Adjusters will make in-person visits on the ground to take pictures in situations where aerial imagery cannot be captured.

Allstate will determine if an aerial inspection is appropriate for each wind or hail damage claim and will get permission from the customer to use a drone for assessment. The images and data will then be submitted to a group of adjusters who have been hand-selected to handle estimates virtually for this controlled deployment.

Drones can capture up to 4K-resolution images, which means an adjuster can look at a simple photograph and zoom in for extreme detail on any individual roof shingle. After the initial deployment in four states, Allstate will consider using aerial imagery in other parts of the country to assess wind and hail claims as well as for other types of losses.

"This is another way we're there for families and communities during their greatest times of need, so we're excited to bring this innovative claim experience to our customers so quickly," Shapiro says. "In tests leading up to this deployment, our customers have embraced the technology and have been pleased with the speed and accuracy of the process."

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life's uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Other growth platforms include predictive analytics company Arity and consumer-product protection plan company SquareTrade. Allstate is widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate^®." Allstate agencies are in virtually every local community in America. In 2016, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $42 million to support local communities.

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SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company