Smart home technology has come a long way since the advent of smartphone apps, which have propelled this
technology to a whole new level.

The start of this technology can be traced back to the mid-seventies when the
X10 protocol was developed that let devices and control modules communicate. Fast forward a few decades and
anybody with a smartphone can switch off their geyser or see who is knocking at the door just by opening an
app.

How can this technology help in reducing home insurance premiums?

Let us first have a look at what smart home technology does. Smart home technology lets the user remotely
manage devices, whether it is to switch on/off or monitor home appliances and devices. Smart technology can
even let the user know how much food is left in the fridge, so it is easy to know when to restock. Smart home
technology can be used for security such as remotely looking at cameras, managing solar power or power usage
by controlling the geyser or lights. It can also help manage water consumption by controlling irrigation and
monitoring the use of home appliances by, for example, controlling the temperature of the house through the air
conditioning.

One of the main uses of this technology in South Africa is to safeguard homes. This can include fire prevention
through fire detection devices, leak detection with the help of leak detectors, or safeguarding homes with
cameras and sensors that can alert the user if a door has been forced open or if a window has been broken.
Being able to monitor your property remotely does not only bring peace of mind but it can also lead to decreased
premiums when integrating these systems with local security and insurance companies by giving them access to
monitor and prevent theft, water damage or fires. Potential claims can be avoided by early detection, for example,
if the water pressure drops and it is detected early and fixed before it causes damage or if a motion sensor is
activated and the security company goes to inspect.

Certain insurance companies reward the insured who has installed smart home technology by lowering
premiums because they are proactively avoiding potential disaster. Smart home technology does not only lower
insurance premiums, but it also gives peace of mind knowing that your property and valuables are looked after.