PC Mag recently reported data from Statista research showing the popularity of security and smart home: “Smart home security is more popular in the U.S. than anywhere else, at a household penetration rate of 18 percent.” Homeowners are looking to new smart home technology such as door locks, sensors, thermostats, etc. to secure their home, but other devices can protect their home and belongings from damage, with the potential for insurance savings.
Smart home devices provide security, convenience, and energy savings to homeowners, and the ability to schedule their lights and adjust the thermostat from anywhere using an app only scratches the surface. Sensors can help homeowners protect their home from damage by monitoring and maintaining conditions.
Proactive monitoring of home conditions can prevent expensive – and aggravating – damage. In addition to security devices like a smart doorbell or door lock which provide convenience to homeowners for accessing and watching over their home, sensors can keep homeowners informed and ready to act to mitigate potential damage. This technology benefits homeowners with peace of mind, as well as by cutting down repair and replacement costs to them, as well as the inconvenience.
During cold winter months, pipes can freeze when it gets too cold, especially when homeowners are away to visit family for the holidays. With a smart thermostat and temperature sensors, homeowners ensure that their home stays warm enough, and can be alerted on their smartphone immediately if it drops below a safe temperature so they can intervene to prevent damage.
Water damage can also be prevented with smart home devices such as sensors and smart shutoff valves. Flo, Guardian, Flume and Phyn water sensors and shut off systems help homeowners mitigate water damage when placed in key areas such as the basement, bathrooms, under the sink, and near large appliances. As soon as water is detected, an alert goes to the homeowner’s smartphone so that they could go check out the situation if they’re in the home or, if they’re at work or traveling, they can prevent damage remotely with a smart water shut-off valve.
The benefits that homeowners enjoy also extend to insurers, where there are fewer claims from damage. There’s opportunity for collaboration between homeowners and insurers for proactive home monitoring against common causes of damage such as water. When working together, a homeowner’s smart home devices can prevent damage and associated costs, which can turn into savings on their insurance premium.