How Drones Can Transform the Restoration Claims Process

Boost your efficiency, safety, and claims accuracy with drone technology

On this episode of Ask The Expert, Thom Lach, Senior Enterprise Sales Executive at Eagleview, and Kabir Shaal, Co-Founder of DSC, join us to discuss a hot topic in the restoration industry: drones. Thom and Kabir explain how drones improve efficiency, safety, and documentation across restoration projects. They highlight key benefits for disaster response, commercial losses, and residential work, and stress the importance of partnering with experienced providers for proper implementation.

Both gentlemen share real-world success stories. The roofing industry already relies heavily on drones, and Kabir shares that Canada also uses DSC for large-scale losses like floods and hailstorms. Their teams have achieved impressive results capturing 3D models and data for insurance carriers, streamlining claims, and reducing risks.

More About Our Guests:

Thom Lach is Senior Enterprise Sales Executive at Eagleview. A recognized leader at the intersection of insurance and emerging technology, Thom champions drones and AI to transform claims workflows and boost operational efficiency. With over a decade in InsurTech, he has pioneered automation and data-driven strategies that simplify complexity, reduce manual processes, and deliver actionable insights.
Kabir Shaal, Co-Founder of DSC, brings 35 years of insurance experience spanning claims, underwriting, broking, bancassurance, and vendor programs. He has worked with insurers, banking groups, and restoration contractors, and serves as President of Shaal Consulting. Kabir is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute, holds an MBA, and has an Advanced Pilot Certificate (Small RPAS) with flight reviewer rating.

Key Takeaways:

Using drones for detailed inspections without putting adjusters or inspectors at risk.
Capture full, consistent property views to reduce missed damage and supplemental claims.
Share drone data quickly with adjusters, contractors, and customers to accelerate claims.
Partner with experienced providers like DSC and Eagleview for expertise, training, and scalability, especially for large-scale disasters.
Collaborate with insurers to define requirements for drone inspections and streamline workflows.
Invest in drone technology and training to gain a competitive edge through accuracy, efficiency, and improved customer service.
Restoration professionals should explore drone technology now to stay ahead and optimize claims processes.

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Kayla McGowan is the SPAR Partner Manager for PuroClean, where she manages and strengthens the company’s vendor partnership ecosystem. In her role, she serves as a key liaison between PuroClean, approved vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and Franchise Owners, helping connect the network with trusted tools, services, and products that support operational success.

With more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the restoration and cleaning industry, Kayla has built her career around connecting people, ideas, and resources that move the industry forward. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation (R&R) Magazine and continues to contribute to R&R as a writer, bringing her industry knowledge and perspective to its audience.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and an M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Restoration Industry Association’s Marketing Committee.

Her industry credentials include Microbial Warrior®️, Certified Forensic Operator®️, and High Risk/High Level Decontamination Specialist™️. Passionate about elevating the restoration industry and the professionals within it, Kayla enjoys building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration. Outside of work, she is a food lover who enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.