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Insurers use AI and property data to speed wildfire claims
Insurers’ faster assessment tools are being tested in California’s Palisades and Eaton fires, where dense, high value neighborhoods produced an unusually severe claims event.
Insurance Business reports that wildfire claims are becoming more data driven as insurers use aerial imagery, artificial intelligence, and historical property information to evaluate damage sooner after a catastrophe.
The outlet says the adoption of these property intelligence tools has been especially visible after major West Coast wildfire events. It points to last year’s Palisades and Eaton fires in California as an unusually severe claims scenario, citing the scale of destruction across densely populated, high value communities.
This year, the Spokane wildfires are serving as another test for insurers and claims technology providers. Insurance Business reports that the loss profile differs from earlier events, but the technology shift is already affecting how quickly clients receive initial assessments, how claims are triaged, and what evidence may be available if questions arise about pre existing damage.
Andrew McCallum, vice president of specialty operations at Sedgwick, told Insurance Business that the Palisades and Eaton fires were a one off moment due to the extensive damage. He said the flames involved entire multimillion dollar dwellings and entire neighborhoods.