Kevin Sullivan, at left, and Peter O’Keefe of Consulinsurance.com
ASOV: That is, the Automatic Shut-Off Valve. Here’s the gist: Your neighbor leaves you a voicemail while you’re on a family vacation, “Hey, Bob, it’s Alice. There’s water coming out of your garage?” That claim, if covered by your homeowner’s policy, could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Water damage is the most common homeowner’s insurance claim here in CA.
NOT fire damage, but water, coming from inside your home, flooding and eventually flowing out to the world. The best way to prevent the above scene is to install an automatic shut off valve (ASOV) for your home’s water line.
If you had an ASOV, that phone call whilst on vacation would never happen. The app attached to the valve should detect the leak and turn the water off to your house.
We suggest you call a licensed plumber, and have this tool installed. It can be seemingly expensive, a few thousand dollars. However, three grand now, instead of thirty grand in damages? Simple math, and no phone from a neighbor is needed.
Installing an automatic water shut off valve for your home’s water line offers several key advantages: Install the ASOV, prevent water claims, tell your insurance carrier.
- 1. Prevents or minimizes water damage from leaks and burst pipes. By automatically shutting off the water supply when a leak is detected, these valves can significantly reduce the extent and cost of water damage to your home.[1][4] This is especially important in California, where water damage claims are common due to aging infrastructure and natural disasters like earthquakes.
- 2. Reduces the frequency and severity of homeowners insurance claims related to water incidents.[2] Lower claim amounts can lead to lower insurance premiums over time for homeowners with these devices installed.
- 3. Provides enhanced protection during periods of absence, such as vacations or business trips.[2] The valve can shut off water supply automatically if a leak occurs while you’re away, preventing catastrophic flooding and damage.
- 4. Offers peace of mind knowing your home is protected from potentially devastating water leaks.[2][4]
Commercial buildings and businesses in California can also benefit from installing automatic water shut off valves and leak detection systems. These systems can prevent significant water damage, business interruption, and liability issues arising from uncontrolled water leaks on their properties.[4] Many insurance providers offer discounts or incentives for commercial properties with such systems installed to mitigate water damage risks.[2]
Citations:
[1] https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=423279
[2] https://www.beagleservices.com/blog/insurance-benefits-automatic-water-shuttoff-valve
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/homeautomation/comments/p3ejct/smart_whole_home_shutoff_valve/
[4] https://waterheroinc.com/guide-to-automatic-water-shut-off-valves/
[5] https://www.wtins.com/wt-news/avoid-a-homeowners-claim-with-automatic-water-shut-off-devices
Fixing the damage from a busted toilet is not just repairing the broken pipes, but replacing all the warped wood, moldy carpets, destroyed furniture, broken tile, and all other affected personal property. The costs can end up as tens of thousands of dollars.
My name is Kevin Sullivan, I’m an insurance broker based here in Mill Valley. We have a client who’s vacation home toilet broke, just like the above scenario. The water flowed through the house for over two days. Total damage to repair cost over $80,000.
Your claim, if covered by your homeowner’s policy, could also cost tens of thousands of dollars.
If only there was a way to turn the water off before any hard damage occurs? There is! We recommend to our clients to have a professional plumber install an automatic shut off valve.
Water damage is the most common homeowner’s insurance claim here in CA. NOT fire damage, but water, coming from inside your home, flooding the house, and eventually flowing out to the world. The best way to prevent the above scene is to install an automatic shut off valve (ASOV) for your home’s water line.
If you had an ASOV, that phone call whilst on vacation would never happen. The app attached to the valve should detect the leak and turn the water off to your house.
We suggest you call a licensed plumber, and have this tool installed. It can be seemingly expensive, a few thousand dollars. However, three grand now, instead of eighty grand in damages? Simple math, and no phone from a neighbor is needed.
