Drones, The Loss Adjusters Aerial Tool Appeal Soar

Drones hit the mark as a military machine that eliminates human involvement in the theatre of conflict or war. The catch is absence of human presence, and when this is the primary objective, its use is non negotiable. Over the years its use has been on the increase as an efficient technology and the results have fit handsomely.

In the developed insurance market, drones call to duty is racing up the ladder. This ace insurance market is responding with new technologies like drones that can safely go where claims adjusters cannot.

With drones going into active service in developed market, Businesspost online, looked inward to find what the situation is like in the local market in claims processes. The interview with the president, Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN), Mr Reginald Egbuniwe, managing director at Grand Metropolitan Associates Limited, speaks on the state of drones in the Nigerian market:

Insurance industry in the developed market is responding with technologies like drones that can safely go where claims adjusters cannot, how and when can this be obtainable in Nigeria?

I think the issue is not that adjusters cannot go there but using drones makes it safer and quicker for most cases where the use of a drone may be considered. Yet it is obtainable in Nigeria but is not commonly used.

Has its use been part of any claims discussion any of your members have been involved in?

It was considered in a recent claim we were involved with which concerned explosion damage to silos. The costs vis a vis the benefit made its use unnecessary for that particular claim.

World over insurers are responding to elevated risks with innovative solutions. What’s at stake for adjusters, and what level of claims can it’s use be deployed in Nigeria?

With time the local adjusting profession will evolve and adapt to innovative solutions being used for claims involving heights e.g. silos, chimneys, high-rise buildings, dams, telecommunication masts and agricultural claims.

If drones are used by insurers, will that reduce adjusters call to duty?

No, not at all. Drones are just a tool to be used by adjusters. They (underwriters) can’t receive instructions or make enquiries which are core to the profession of loss adjusting.

The use of drones require a minimum level of command and control infrastructure, and adjusters having at least a good level of infrastructure development, how close/far are adjusters to this?

I presume you mean control of the actual drone? Adjusters who are willing could always learn how to fly drones. However, I don’t see this happening yet, perhaps younger members of our profession with such an interest may put themselves forward to acquire such skills. Generally, though I would expect adjusters to hire drone operators for their assignments in the instance. However, with the passage of time, we would expect to see firms requiring adjusters to have some basic experience with unmanned aircraft.