State Farm will continue to use drones in its insurance operations.
The insurer was granted a first-of-its-kind national waiver by the Federal Aviation Administration that will allow drone operations over people and flights beyond a pilot's visual line of sight through November 2022.
Current FAA regulations restrict drone pilots from flying beyond their visual line of sight and over groups of people. Previous waivers granted by the FAA were limited in duration and to specific geographic areas impacted by hurricanes.
State Farm was previously allowed to test the technology in its damage assessments and the agency found that having the drones made a difference.
"After any kind of a catastrophic event, whether it be a hurricane, wildfire, tornado - areas that are difficult to access because of damage or high water - we will be able to go in and very quickly assess damage from the air," said Chris Pilcic, State Farm spokesman.
State Farm said drones will help ensure the right resources get to people in need more quickly.
More: State Farm on FAA Waiver
