CHICAGO >> Allstate said last week that it is one step closer to using drones to assess damage after catastrophes.

The insurer, based in the Chicago suburb of Northbrook, said a new ruling by the Federal Aviation Administration will allow the consortium it works with to research the benefits of flying drones to assess property claims.

The year-old Property Drone Consortium is led by EagleView Technology, whose services include aerial imagery and data analysis.

Allstate said that in a disaster, access to neighborhoods might be restricted by debris or local authorities and that drones could help claims professionals serve customers in spite of those restrictions.

The approval will allow for the use of drones to collect and proc?ess images by the insurer. The consortium said it also plans to continue researching safety, including collision avoidance and automated flight planning with drones.