Markets/Coverages: Amica Offers Free Flume Water Leak Monitoring to Insureds

Amica Insurance announced a program that provides policyholders with access to a smart water leak detection monitoring service.

Under a partnership with technology firm Flume, Amica home policyholders in three states can enroll to receive a no-cost Flume Smart Home Water Monitor. The system can be installed on a home’s existing water meter in just minutes and requires no plumbing modifications.

Along with the sensor, Amica said it will provide three years of leak monitoring service from Flume.

“By offering this service to our policyholders, we’re providing a simple, proactive way to identify potential water problems early,” said Amica President and CEO Ted Shallcross.

The company is providing Flume to policyholders in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island free of charge. Policyholders in other states may be eligible to purchase a Flume device at a discounted rate through the insurer.

Water damage from plumbing leaks like frozen pipes, dripping faucets, and overflows from sinks and tubs remain some of the most common and costly causes of homeowners insurance claims. Amica said that 1 in 60 policyholders has a non-weather water loss every year, with the average claim exceeding $21,000. Early leak detection and real-time water monitoring are designed to help homeowners identify issues before they become major losses.

According to Flume, a recent study of insurance carriers found that homes using its service experienced a 60% reduction in water damage claim frequency and a 24% reduction in claim severity.

Flume’s technology continuously monitors water activity throughout the home and sends real-time alerts through a mobile app when unusual water usage is detected. The system can identify small continuous leaks, such as running toilets and dripping fixtures, as well as major plumbing failures.

Flume partners with homeowners insurance carriers, water utilities, and Fortune 500 companies to help reduce water damage losses without requiring invasive installation or changes to household plumbing.