Insurer uses drones to inspect bushfire damage in Australian first

They may one day deliver books and diapers to your front door, but for now, drones are being useful helping people rebuild after a traumatic start to the bushfire season in Australia.

Australasian insurer IAG announced Friday it had used drones — in what it said was an Australian first — to inspect the catastrophic damage caused by bushfires along Victoria's Great Ocean Road.

In an emailed statement, IAG said the drones allowed the insurer to take a look at burnt properties before physical access could be allowed by emergency services due to dangerous conditions. It said the use of drones would allow those affected to have their insurance assessments fast tracked. Read more...