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Writer's pictureTony Biggar

Roof Damage, No Problem: Drone Inspections for Accurate Assessments.

Updated: Oct 6


As a professional drone pilot specializing in roof inspections across Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the upper Midwest, I've seen firsthand how drone technology is revolutionizing the insurance industry's approach to roof damage assessments. In this article, we'll explore why drone inspections are becoming the go-to method for insurance companies seeking accurate, efficient, and cost-effective roof assessments.


Table of Contents


The Challenge of Traditional Roof Inspections

Insurance companies have long grappled with the challenges of traditional roof inspections. These methods often involve:


- Safety risks for inspectors

- Time-consuming processes

- Inconsistent results due to human error

- Limited access to certain roof areas


As a result, claims processing can be delayed, and accuracy may be compromised. This is where drone technology comes into play, offering a solution that addresses these challenges head-on.



insurance paperwork


Enter the Drone: A Game-Changer for Roof Assessments

Drone technology has transformed the roof inspection process, offering a safer, faster, and more accurate alternative to traditional methods.


"The potential use of unmanned aerial systems provides us one more innovative tool to help State Farm customers recover from the unexpected as quickly and efficiently as possible." - Wensley Herbert, Operations Vice President-Claims, State Farm Insurance

This advanced technology enables insurance companies to:


- Conduct thorough inspections without putting personnel at risk

- Gather high-resolution imagery and data quickly

- Access hard-to-reach areas of roofs

- Obtain consistent, objective results


Benefits of Drone Inspections for Insurance Companies

1. Enhanced Safety

By eliminating the need for inspectors to physically access roofs, drone inspections significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.


"Falls from elevations cost insured roofers $54 million annually between 2005 to 2007, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance."

2. Increased Efficiency

Drone inspections can be completed in a fraction of the time required for traditional methods.


"Drones can complete thermal inspections at a pace of 10 minutes per MW, compared to manual methods like I-V curve tracing that take 2-5 hours per MW." - The Drone Life

This efficiency translates to faster claims processing and improved customer satisfaction.


3. Comprehensive Coverage

Drones can access and document all areas of a roof, including spots that might be difficult or dangerous for human inspectors to reach. This ensures a more complete assessment of the roof's condition.


4. Accurate Documentation

High-resolution imagery and thermal scans provide detailed, objective evidence of roof damage. This documentation is invaluable for:


- Assessing the extent of damage

- Verifying claims

- Planning repairs

- Tracking roof condition over time


5. Cost-Effectiveness

While the initial investment in drone technology is significant, the long-term cost savings for insurance companies are substantial. Reduced labor costs, faster inspections, and more accurate assessments all contribute to a healthier bottom line.


"Using drones, COUNTRY Financial has been able to scout three times as many acres as an adjuster on foot and efficiently account for all of a customer's crop damage." - COUNTRY Financial


roof inspection and repair


The Drone Inspection Process

Our drone inspection process is designed to be seamless and efficient:


1. Scheduling: We coordinate with the insurance company and property owner to schedule the inspection at a convenient time.


2. Pre-Flight Planning: Our certified drone pilots create a detailed flight plan, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the roof.


3. Drone Launch: The drone is launched from a safe location on the property.


4. Data Collection: The drone captures high-resolution images and thermal scans of the entire roof surface.


5. Data Analysis: Our team of experts analyzes the collected data to identify areas of damage or concern.


6. Report Generation: A comprehensive report is created, detailing the roof's condition with supporting imagery and recommendations.


7. Delivery: The report is promptly delivered to the insurance company for review and action.


"Falls from ladders or scaffolds by roofers cost approximately $68,000 each (OSHA)."

Accuracy and Efficiency: By the Numbers

The benefits of drone inspections are not just theoretical – they're backed by impressive statistics:


- Up to 50% reduction in inspection time compared to traditional methods

- 99.4% accuracy in damage detection when combined with AI analysis

- 20% reduction in Loss Adjustment Expenses for insurance companies


These numbers translate to significant time and cost savings for insurance companies operating in Sioux Falls and the upper Midwest.


"What's been interesting is that we have not found objection coming from our policyholders. Our policyholders have been very open with us utilizing this technology to assist them with their claims." - Gary Sullivan of Erie Insurance

Compliance and Regulations in the Upper Midwest

Operating drones for commercial inspections requires adherence to specific regulations. In Sioux Falls and the surrounding states, we ensure full compliance with:


- FAA Part 107 regulations for commercial drone operations

- State-specific drone laws in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska

- Privacy laws and best practices for aerial imagery collection


Our team of certified drone pilots stays up-to-date with all relevant regulations, ensuring that our inspections are not only accurate but also fully compliant with local and federal laws.



insurance adjuster


Case Studies: Success Stories from Sioux Falls and Beyond


Case Study 1: Large-Scale Hail Damage Assessment in Sioux Falls

Following a severe hailstorm in Sioux Falls, we conducted drone inspections for over 100 properties in just three days. This rapid response allowed insurance companies to process claims quickly, resulting in high customer satisfaction scores and reduced claim cycle times.


Case Study 2: Complex Commercial Roof Inspection in Rapid City

A large commercial property in Rapid City required a comprehensive roof inspection, but traditional methods were deemed too risky due to the roof's complex structure. Our drone inspection provided a detailed assessment of the entire 100,000 sq ft roof in just two hours, identifying several areas of damage that would have been difficult to spot from the ground.


"The average cost to a roofing company when an employee falls from an elevation is approximately $106,000 per injured employee, according to OSHA."

Why Choose Our Drone Inspection Services

When you partner with us for drone roof inspections in Sioux Falls and the upper Midwest, you're choosing:


1. Expertise: Our team of FAA-certified drone pilots has extensive experience in roof inspections across various property types.


2. Cutting-Edge Technology: We use the latest drone and imaging technology to ensure the highest quality data collection.


3. Rapid Turnaround: Our efficient process means you get accurate reports quickly, allowing for faster claims processing.


4. Customized Solutions: We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each insurance company we work with.


5. Compliance Assurance: Rest easy knowing that all our operations are fully compliant with local and federal regulations.


6. Data Security: We prioritize the security and confidentiality of all collected data and reports.


"Using drones, Allstate has significantly reduced the time it takes to issue a repair estimate after a customer reports damage to as little as 4.5 days." -Allstate

In conclusion, drone inspections are revolutionizing the way insurance companies approach roof damage assessments in Sioux Falls and the upper Midwest. By offering safer, faster, and more accurate inspections, we're helping insurance companies streamline their claims processes, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.


Ready to experience the benefits of drone roof inspections for your insurance company? Contact us today to schedule a demonstration or discuss how we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs.



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