Smart Home Technology for Clients to Prevent and Detect Fires

As an insurance agent, staying ahead of the curve in home protection can significantly enhance the value you provide to your clients. One emerging area of interest is the use of smart home technology to prevent and detect fires.

Smart home technology offers a proactive approach to home safety. Devices such as smart smoke detectors, heat sensors and systems that monitor electrical equipment and power surges can drastically reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and can reduce the severity of related insurance claims. These technologies not only provide real-time alerts but can also automate safety responses, such as shutting off utilities to prevent further damage.

Despite their potential, these advanced safety devices are underutilized. Most homeowners, particularly millennials, are more inclined to purchase smart video doorbells (34%), home security cameras (32%) and smart thermostats (30%). However, there is a significant gap in awareness and utilization of smart sensors designed to monitor water flow, detect leaks and identify electrical fire hazards. These devices are crucial for preventing and minimizing loss but are often overlooked because consumers don’t think about the incidents they prevent until it’s too late.

Educating your clients about these technologies can lead to better-prepared homeowners and potentially less frequent insurance claims. By highlighting the benefits and ease of use of smart fire prevention tools, you can help clients understand their importance and encourage proactive adoption.

Benefits of smart home technology in fire prevention and detection

Smart home devices allow homeowners to monitor their properties in real-time, often from their mobile device, helping to ensure that loved ones and property are protected from threats like fires and carbon monoxide. These devices send immediate alerts for any unusual activity, enabling quick responses. For example, smart stove and grill guards can automatically shut off appliances in hazardous situations, preventing fires and gas leaks.

For insurance agents, smart home technologies help their clients mitigate risk and reduce claims. Devices such as fire and flood sensors, smart locks and smart appliances allow insurers to accurately assess risk and prevent losses. These technologies enable more efficient risk management and lower claims costs.

Common smart home technologies for fire safety

Incorporating smart home technologies for fire safety provides significant advantages in early detection and prevention. Below are some of the most common and effective smart home technologies designed to improve fire safety.

• Smart smoke detectors. Smart smoke detectors send early warning notifications of potential fires directly to a smartphone. These detectors can be integrated into a home security system and are monitored by a central station, ensuring that both the homeowner and the fire department are alerted promptly. When smoke particles are detected, these systems can automatically shut down air handling units to prevent the spread of smoke.
• Smart plugs or outlets. Smart plugs, also known as smart outlets, offer an added layer of efficiency and safety by allowing homeowners to control electrical appliances remotely via a smartphone app. These devices can be programmed to turn off power to appliances that are not in use, reducing the risk of electrical fires and improving home security.
• Smart stovetops. Smart stovetops use motion-sensing technology to automatically shut off the stove if no movement is detected for a certain period. This prevents unattended cooking fires, which are a leading cause of home fires. These devices are especially beneficial for seniors who are at higher risk of kitchen fire injuries.
• Smart heat detectors. Smart heat detectors, including fixed temperature detectors and rate-of-rise detectors, are designed to identify fires without the frequent false alarms associated with traditional smoke detectors. By detecting the thermal energy of fires early, these devices can prevent small fires from becoming uncontrollable.

How insurance agents can encourage homeowners to use smart home technology

In today’s value-driven market, homeowners are looking for new ways to mitigate risks and save money. By recommending smart home devices, agents can become trusted advisors, helping clients create safer homes while potentially lowering insurance costs. Agents can encourage adoption in the following ways:

• Discuss with clients the smart devices they already have and explore eligibility for additional insurance products or discounts.
• Use data to show how smart home technologies can prevent costly incidents and enhance home safety.
• Emphasize potential insurance discounts for homes with smart safety devices.
• Suggest specific technologies like smart smoke detectors, plugs, stovetops and heat detectors and explain their benefits.
• Position yourself as a comprehensive risk management advisor, not just a transactional agent.
• Reassure clients that smart home technologies help protect their homes and loved ones, reducing the risk of fire-related incidents.

Share these tips on smart home technologies with your clients

Sharing practical tips on smart home technologies can help your clients maximize the benefits of these devices while ensuring their safety and security. When discussing installation and setup, suggest that clients seek professional assistance if they are uncomfortable or unsure about the installation process. Advise them to follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions carefully to ensure the device is placed optimally for accurate data collection. Additionally, encourage clients to turn on alerts within the device app so they receive important updates directly to their smartphones.

Explain that while smart devices aim to simplify life, there can be inconveniences if clients rely solely on them. They should be prepared for situations where the devices might not function as expected. Discuss the potential impact of internet outages caused by events like accidents, storms or service provider issues, and recommend that clients have a backup plan for such scenarios since smart devices may be unusable without an internet connection.

Inform clients about the risks of hackers accessing data through Wi-Fi connections. Share tips to enhance internet security, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating device firmware. By providing this guidance, you can help your clients confidently use smart home technologies while being prepared for any potential issues, enhancing both their safety and your role as a trusted adviser.

Additional resources to help protect insureds

Incorporating smart home technology into fire safety strategies offers significant benefits for both homeowners and insurance agents. These devices provide early detection and prevention, enhancing home security and reducing insurance claims. By recommending and educating insureds about smart home technologies, agents can build trust, improve client retention and position themselves as valuable advisors.