Do you know ? Smart homes can help avoid unnecessary accidents!

Do you know that property damage, including theft, accounts for 97.3% of home insurance claims in the U.S.? This can encompass various issues beyond theft, such as water leaks, fire, or extreme weather. Often, we don't realize the extent of potential damage until an accident occurs. With the Internet of Things, smart home sensors, and assistance from insurance providers, you can prepare for hardships associated with home and property damage.

Water Leak Sensor

When there's a water leak, your wallet is leaking too! Water damage can seriously harm your electronic appliances. I personally experienced a water leak due to broken pipes. Since the leak was under the sink and hidden in the cabinet, I was unaware of it until it damaged all the appliances stored there. A water leak sensor or moisture detection sensor can alert you if your home is at risk due to a broken water line. It can notify you of leaks in your home so you can address the issue immediately before significant damage occurs. These sensors can be used near sinks, pipes, refrigerators, and anywhere you suspect a risk of water leakage.

Video Doorbell

A smart video doorbell or viewer serves as a theft deterrent. It allows you to see who is at your door and monitor your home from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you're at home or away for days, you'll know who is approaching your front door. If you live in a house, you may want to pair this with an open/close sensor to enhance protection against break-ins.

Open/Close Sensor

Open/close sensors are typically installed on windows and doors to alert you if someone enters or leaves. They can also be placed on indoor doors, such as bathroom or room doors, and connected to the lighting system so that the lights automatically turn on when you enter. This is especially helpful at night, particularly in homes with elderly residents. Open/close sensors can be used in many ways; for example, you can install them on refrigerator doors to prevent accidental openings or to stop your pets from stealing food. They can also be placed on gates or kennels to keep babies or dogs away from dangerous areas. These sensors can alert you to potential intruders and send notifications directly to your phone.

Motion Sensor

Motion sensors act as an extra pair of eyes when you're not home. Different types of motion sensors can detect various things; for example, passive infrared (PIR) sensors detect body heat and are widely used in home security. If a moving object blocks a selected grid zone and changes infrared energy levels, the sensors are triggered. Microwave sensors send out microwave pulses to measure reflections from moving objects, covering a larger area than infrared sensors, though they tend to be more expensive.

You have set up a smart home with various sensors and now need a centralized system to manage them effectively. A smart home hub or gateway, combined with an intercom system, provides access to all sensors and enables seamless communication throughout the house, including video and voice interactions between rooms. This setup also allows you to check in on family members remotely via your smartphone. The increasing adoption of smart technology not only enhances home safety but is also becoming a factor in insurance policies, as companies offer incentives for homeowners to implement these systems for added protection and cost savings.