Ecclesiastical is giving LeakBot a shot – trialling the smart water leak detection device in the homes of its brokers and their customers as part of the specialist insurer’s innovation programme.

Designed by HomeServe Labs, LeakBot detects leaks anywhere on the mains water system once clipped next to a stop tap and instantly alerts users when a leak is detected. HomeServe Labs is a subsidiary of home assistance provider HomeServe, whose ‘Find and Fix’ service is used by members of the trial to repair detected leaks.

“We know escape of water incidents can be distressing for customers, which is why we’re trialling innovative solutions to detect leaks, large or small, as early as possible,” said Nicholas Hartley, Ecclesiastical’s head of business improvement and innovation.

Citing data from the Association of British Insurers, Ecclesiastical noted that the industry pays out around £1.8 million every day in claims involving burst pipes.

“Escape of water claims can be a huge issue for many clients,” commented Joshua Meadowcroft, team leader of London private clients at Aston Lark Insurance. “It’s great to see an insurer looking to be proactive by mitigating losses.”