The use of drones in various sectors, including insurance, has much potential. Drone technology is widely used in military applications, but is now available in agriculture (crop monitoring, precision fertilizing), public services (border control, assisting emergency services), logistics (parcel and medical supply delivery), wildlife protection (prevention of poaching or mining), media (news production, film and entertainment) and research (data gathering and analysis).

Commercial and personal lines insurers that cover property risks are no strangers to drone technology, as these firms were have been early adopters in the fields of claims and risk assessments.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International predicts that by 2025, drones will create 100,000 new jobs and generate $82 billion in economic activity. However, in order for the industry to be fully prepared for widespread drone use, it's imperative to realize that safety, security and surveillance issues pose incredible risks to users of this technology, according to Lloyd's Emerging Risk Report, "Drones Take Flight."