Drones, or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), are rapidly gaining the attention of virtually every industry as a means of gaining greater efficiency in operations and reducing costs.

Drone use has grown exponentially over the past few years, following development of drones for personal and commercial use. Because the use of drones has grown so rapidly, it has been difficult to keep up with the opportunities they offer to industries, including the insurance industry.

While most of us have heard about Amazon's proposed use of drones to deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less, or Walmart's plan to use drones to handle inventory at its warehouses, there are many more uses being implemented, tested or proposed.

Law enforcement

There are approximately 34 U.S. agencies using drones in public safety and law enforcement, an increase of more than 500% over the past two years. The functions most advantageous to law enforcement offer not only efficiency in operations but improve safety and help save lives.