Sompo Singapore to use drones in future property risk assessments

The insurer recently obtained the necessary license from CAAS.

Risk assessments for corporate clients of Sompo Insurance Singapore may now be carried out by drone as the insurer announced that it obtained both Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Operator Permit and UA Pilot Licenses from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

Two engineers from Sompo Singapore are now licensed to conduct inspections of inaccessible or dangerous areas and identify potential risks accurately and efficiently with a drone.

The inspection of buildings and infrastructures is typically conducted through physical visual inspection and thermography within safety parameters. After which, the potential risks are assessed and identified with the information gathered and documents provided by clients.

Using the drone, however, presents more efficient and thorough work. The drone has a powerful 32x zoom capability camera sensor, which allows a detailed close-up examination that can accurately pinpoint potential issues. The thermal imaging camera can detect hotspots of equipment or infrastructure operating above its optimal temperature. Some possible risks can be easily identified and rectified, including an abnormally high temperature starting a potential fire and deterioration of an area causing a possible rain leak.

“The early and more accurate risk detection helps our clients rectify the potential risks at their warehouses, factories, facilities, and rooftop solar panels; and prevent hazardous situations from happening. This extended service not only minimises business disruptions; it also creates a safer operating environment,” Pui Phusangmook, CEO of Sompo Singapore, said.