Insurance technology helps growers

Country Financial is using technology to benefit its agricultural customers.

The company is utilizing drones in the crop claims department to help speed up the process and scout damage faster so the customer gets paid quicker and more accurately.

“We actually went from two drones and two pilots before these new rules came out to 12 drones and 15 pilots we have just for our crop claims area right now in Illinois,” said Eric Vanasdale, senior loss control representative with Country Financial.

Country encourages the farmer to be a part of the claims process as they are able to watch an iPad while the drone is flying above their field. Insurance representatives previously spent a few hours in a field and now, most field damage can be surveyed in 15 or 20 minutes.

Country Financial has launched a new app to help those with crop hail or federal crop insurance through the company. All customers have to do is download the app and sign-up for an account. This means a claim can be filed by simply using an iPad or cell phone.

“You can access any documents that may be associated with your crop policy,” stated Andrew Mizell, competitive intelligence analyst for the crop department.

With a decent amount of replant claims this year, farmers could file a claim with the simple tap of a button. The agent and adjustor are then notified of what is going on.