There’s an industry push to provide you, the insurance underwriter, with the most current and accurate risk data for each property you’re considering insuring and to provide that information quickly, but without compromising accuracy. A number of evolving inspection technology strategies are making it possible to lessen turnaround times by:
- Allowing for instant order receipt
- Providing for doorstep inspection completion
- Allowing for instantaneous photo uploads
- Providing for real-time routing
These above-listed processes are all possible due to the advent of tablets and smartphones.
Use of these mobile devices provides these great benefits and more. Inspectors are able to be freed from being tied to their offices because they’re carrying what they need in the form of a tablet and a smartphone.
Data can be collected on-site and put into a standardized format before the inspector ever leaves the property. Data can be entered dynamically, according to your specific requirements, to produce high-quality, accurate inspections. And, with real-time video-chatting now available, you’re even able to go along virtually as your inspector goes through the property. This enables immediate feedback and more accuracy for quick decision-making on a property’s risk profile.
New Data Sources
An important development in the way inspection technology is affecting the nature of property inspections is the way new data sources are being made available through the use of aerial imaging. This includes satellite views of a property and its surrounding area to determine any nearby hazards or risks such as waterways that may cause flooding.
The use of drones is also becoming a popular method for inspecting elevated areas such as rooftops, cell phone or electrical towers, side features on tall buildings and more. Using a drone to gather information rather than having to physically climb up a tower or onto a rooftop saves time and is a much safer way to obtain needed data.
Drones can also be used to inspect areas not otherwise accessible, such as fenced back yards with a locked gate when no one is home to let the inspector in. Backyard hazards such as trampolines, tree houses and swimming pools can be identified in conjunction with an exterior inspection without the need to schedule a time for the homeowner to be there to allow entry.
More Specialized Inspection Technology
Another useful and fast-growing inspection technology is infrared or thermal imaging. Infrared cameras are able to help identify roof leaks, structural defects, insulation problems and dangerous electrical issues. Electrical issues existing within walls can be difficult to discover without the use of this technology. Imaging electrical outlets, fuse boxes and breaker panels can let the inspector know at a glance of any hot spots, signaling heightened electrical hazards. Identifying areas of moisture that may later lead to leaks and cause structural damage can also be done, early on, thus heading off more serious damage.
Improved Inspections
Insurers are always looking for ways to increase customer service while lowering operating costs and evolving property inspection technology offers ways to do both. Insurance Risk Services is constantly exploring ways to make inspections more accurate and cost-effective. See what they can do for you.