September 2021
Installing leak detection technology can be an invaluable way for homeowners and landlords to protect their property from water damage
The sound of a dripping tap is intensely irritating, but it can also be devastating. Water leaks – or as the insurance industry likes to call them ‘escape of water’ – within homes is one of the most common types of home insurance claims, according to the ABI (Association of British Insurers (external link)). Hiscox data* shows in the last five years the average cost of a claim for water damage has increased by 67% to over £20,000.
Burst or leaking pipes, blocked drains, faulty appliances and heating systems can all lead to huge problems from water damage to a home’s contents through to – if left unchecked – damage to the home itself from warped floorboards to ruined plaster work. Experience a major water leak and a homeowner or tenant could be out of their house for many months while the damage is repaired.
Prevent a drip becoming a deluge
It seems sensible then for a homeowner to do all they can to prevent the misery of a water leak and that, as a profession, we should do everything possible to help them keep dry. The good news is, above and beyond the usual best practice advice around keeping home maintenance up to date, and turning off the water supply – or keeping the heating on to a minimum – when leaving a home unoccupied for a period, technology is providing other ways of alerting homeowners to a potential problem well before a drip becomes a deluge.
LeakBot
Another option is a LeakBot smart water leak device. Easy to install, and available free to qualifying 606 Hiscox customers, it constantly monitors the home by accurately measuring both the air and water temperatures to detect if a leak is continually drawing in colder water from outside, and will alert the homeowner immediately.
Protect your home from water damage
For a small upfront cost, homeowners can protect their homes and investments from water damage, and have peace of mind that a water leak is not ruining their property when it’s unoccupied. To find out more about how LeakBot can help your clients, speak to your usual Hiscox contact for more details.
Qualifying Hiscox 606 Hiscox customers can receive a free LeakBot smart water leak device – which normally costs £149 – and includes a free professional engineer visit if a leak is detected to help find and fix the issue (all labour and basic parts included). Please visit hiscox.co.uk/leakbot for full terms and conditions.
*Source: Average claims costs of Hiscox high value customers relating to escape of water claims in 2020