Willis Re has formed a strategic partnership with drone operator Measure to expand the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the insurance industry.

Willis Re North America Director of Analytics Alice Underwood says drones have the “potential to completely transform the… industry. There is a huge opportunity for the use of drones to improve public safety and enhance damage estimates, and incorporating drone usage into the insurance process is the next big step.

“With market demand for access to drone technology increasing, this new partnership with Measure opens the door for Willis Re clients to efficiently integrate the latest drone technology into their operations.”

The deal comes after Willis Re took part in a US study examining the use of drones in disaster and relief operations.

It found drones can more easily identify properties and infrastructure that is flooded or in the path of rising water.

Aerial data can help insurers better understand the factors leading to property damage and prompt recommendations for mitigating losses.

Drones provide real-time data, allowing insurers to collect more timely and accurate information to support the claims process.

Measure VP Insurance Practice Kat Swain says the industry’s use of drones concerns not only the hardware, but also delivery of data analytics.

“This model allows insurance companies to focus on what matters most, delivering the best-quality service to their customers,” she said.