Nearly 40 insurers provide complimentary fire-risk monitoring, with up to $1,000 for eligible repairs

Nearly 1.5 million Ting devices have already been installed across the country.

Smart-home products that can detect water leaks and electrical fire hazards may help homeowners avoid major damage. In many cases, insurance companies are offering these devices to policyholders at no cost.

What to know

When tech reporter Rich DeMuro attended the ITC insurance technology conference in Las Vegas, he found that many of the showcased products were designed to alert homeowners to problems before they turned into costly emergencies.

One example is Ting, a device that watches a home’s electrical system for signs of a possible fire. About 40 insurers provide the device free of charge to customers, DeMuro wrote on his Rich On Tech blog.

If Ting detects a potential issue, the company can help determine where it is coming from. Ting also says it can help arrange an electrician for needed repairs, and it will pay up to $1,000 toward certain electrical problems.

DeMuro said nearly 1.5 million Ting devices have now been deployed nationwide. Because of that broad use, Ting can also alert customers to power and internet outages in their area.

Additional context

Electrical dangers were not the only home-related issue discussed at the conference. DeMuro also led a conversation about home technology with Jonathan Scott, the “Property Brothers” star and an investor in smart water-monitoring company Phyn.

TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight

💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all

During the panel, Scott told DeMuro that water damage makes up a significant portion of homeowners insurance claims. Phyn addresses that risk by learning a household’s normal water-use habits and automatically shutting off the water if it detects a major leak. That can be especially useful if a pipe bursts while no one is home.

LeakBot offers a similar safeguard, though it works differently. The device attaches to a water pipe and looks for even small leaks by tracking changes in temperature, DeMuro reported.

Unlike some other water-monitoring systems, LeakBot does not require cutting into plumbing or hiring a plumber to place sensors around the house, the company said. It can also help arrange a plumber after a leak is found. According to DeMuro, LeakBot said 26 insurers offer it to policyholders for free.

With so many insurers supplying smart-home monitoring devices at no charge, DeMuro suggested checking with your insurance company before buying one.

“Before spending money on any of these devices, contact your homeowners insurance company and ask whether it offers free water leak detectors, automatic shutoff systems, or electrical fire prevention devices,” DeMuro advised.

Where can I learn more?

Identifying electrical hazards and water leaks early can help homeowners avoid expensive repairs and dangerous situations.

• An Australian homeowner said planning ahead made bushfire roof sprinklers cheaper to install.

• A homebuyer discovered $40,000 in hidden water damage, prompting warnings about insurance coverage.

• A Massachusetts homeowner's leaking jacuzzi tub created a $30,000 dilemma over repairs.

• After a costly flood, a U.S. homeowner questioned why automatic leak shutoffs aren't standard.

• A homeowner's washing machine water sensor caught a leak, prompting discussion of automatic shutoffs.