Wildfire Insurance Claims in Canada Go High-Tech
As wildfires grow more frequent across Canada, AI-powered tools and drone technology are transforming how insurers respond. What used to take weeks is now happening in days. And behind this evolution is a quiet tech revolution that’s making claims faster, more efficient, and far less painful for those affected.
Insurance teams, once bogged down by delays and uncertainty, now rely on digital platforms, satellite data, and high-resolution imagery to speed up every step of the claims process. According to Greg Smith, President of Crawford & Company (Canada), this shift is not just about automation—it’s about giving people back control during the most chaotic times of their lives.
Faster Insight, Quicker Action
Five years ago, wildfire claims often hit a standstill. Adjusters had no access to closed-off communities. Policyholders waited weeks to hear whether their homes survived.
Now, thanks to doorbell cameras, remote sensors, and detailed wildfire maps, information reaches insurers in near real-time. Smith explained how homeowners today can monitor their properties remotely—even while evacuated—and how insurers use these digital clues to build early response plans.
This early access allows adjusters to begin assessments before the policyholder even returns. From sizing up damage to setting next steps, the process starts while fires are still burning, not after.
Digital Collaboration Keeps Claims Moving
Once that critical first contact happens, most of the follow-up unfolds online. Policyholders can upload photos of damaged items, complete checklists, and monitor claim status through secure portals.
Smith emphasized how tools now let adjusters measure photos digitally, identify lost items using AI image matching, and guide homeowners step-by-step—without the need for repeated face-to-face meetings.
The benefits go both ways. Adjusters spend less time coordinating visits and more time solving real problems. Clients, in turn, get faster updates and more control from wherever they are.
Remote Estimating in Disaster Zones
Wildfires often force entire communities to evacuate. That’s when remote estimating becomes indispensable.
Devin Shillington, VP at Sedgwick, noted how drone footage and remote scope-writing tools enable claims teams to evaluate damage from afar. By integrating this data into their platforms, insurers don’t wait for physical re-entry—they begin processing immediately.
“Even when adjusters can’t set foot on the property,” Shillington said, “claims keep moving.” This proactive approach not only shortens the claims lifecycle but also minimizes delays for displaced residents.
AI Streamlines, But Humans Still Lead
Despite the buzz, artificial intelligence isn’t making final claims decisions—at least not yet. Instead, it’s helping behind the scenes.
Smith shared how Crawford’s adjusters use AI-powered assistants to interpret policy language or translate coverage terms into plain English for clients. AI is also helping teams draft clear, empathetic messages during high-stress situations.
But, Smith stressed, “a human is always in the loop.” AI might speed up administrative tasks, but the emotional intelligence and decision-making remain human-led. For now, it’s a productivity booster, not a replacement.
A Future-Proof Claims Model
Technology continues to evolve, but the goal remains the same: support Canadians through crisis. Whether it’s using drones to capture inaccessible scenes, AI to break down policy jargon, or apps to connect with clients from a distance—Canada’s insurers are redefining what responsive, compassionate claims handling looks like.
And with wildfires expected to remain a challenge, this tech-powered model may soon become the new standard.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more stories at the intersection of tech and resilience.
