A device that detects potentially costly undetected leaks is being piloted for Australian and New Zealand conditions. 

LeakBot, a claims prevention technology for home insurers, has been developed in the UK. London-listed Ondo InsurTech, which specialises in home claims prevention technology, has partnered with Firemark Collective, IAG’s innovation arm, for a proof-of-concept pilot. 

Homeowners can self-install LeakBot to an internal pipe, which connects to the home’s wireless network. If it detects a leak, the customer is notified via a mobile app which provides access to a team of LeakBot engineers to find and repair any damage. 

All intellectual property developed as part of the 12-month fully funded deal will be owned by Ondo. 

Water damage is the single biggest cause of home insurance claims in the US and UK each year, accounting for billions of dollars.  

Ondo CEO Craig Foster says Australia wasn’t originally part of the company’s “roadmap” but when approached by IAG it made sense to undertake a stand-up project. 

“Beyond Australia, we can also see the applicability of this product version in other hot climatic regions like southern Europe,” he said. 

Ondo says it has research showing that LeakBot can limit escape of water by up to 70%. 

In the UK some insurers such as Hiscox  and Admiral already supply the device free to some policyholders and fix leaks free.