Direct Line Group rolls out LeakBot devices to its UK HNW home insurance customers

Insurer Direct Line Group (DLG) has become the latest firm to partner with technology organisation LeakBot. This month, DLG begins the 12-month roll out programme that will see all of its high net worth (HNW) home insurance customers provided with LeakBot’s self-installed, Internet of Things-based water leak device, designed to mitigate costly escape of water (EOW) claims.

DLG’s Select Premier customers will be offered the LeakBot device at the point of acquisition or renewal over the next year – this service includes free visits from LeakBot’s engineers if the device finds a leak within the policyholder’s home.

Earlier this year, LeakBot – which plans to expand both in the UK and globally – signed a similar deal with insurer Hiscox.

‘Significant and lasting value’

Speaking about the new partnership, Nick Brabham, head of Select Premier insurance at Direct Line Group, said: “Over the years, we’ve seen how costly water damage claims that arise from leaks in the properties of our high and mid-net worth customers can be.

“Larger and more expensive homes often have high-value contents that are at risk of damage from water leaks. They will also tend to have a greater number of plumbed-in features – sinks, bathrooms and additional elements – which is where the majority of invisible destructive leaks occur.

“The opportunity that LeakBot offers not only to limit the disruption that escape of water causes to our customers, but also to mitigate our own underwriting costs, will provide significant and lasting value to the business going forward.”

LeakBot’s chief executive Craig Foster added: “We are really pleased to see LeakBot being rolled out across another high net worth home insurance book. LeakBot is the only water damage claims prevention system anywhere in the world that has a proven product and sustainable return on investment for insurers.

“With so many people spending more time at home in recent months, it’s easy to see why householders are becoming increasingly protective of their properties. Homes have become our offices, our gyms, our entertaining and leisure space.

“LeakBot’s smart leak detection technology is a crucial tool for home insurers looking to give their customers added peace of mind at this uncertain time. We look forward to announcing more partnerships in the near future.”