EMC Insurance Companies is among the top 60 property or casualty insurance organizations in the United States. The company provides property and casualty insurance products and services throughout the country and writes reinsurance contracts worldwide.
HSB, part of Munich Re, is a multi-line specialty insurer and provider of inspection, risk management and IoT technology services. HSB insurance offerings include equipment breakdown, cyber risk, specialty liability and other coverages. HSB blends its engineering expertise, technology and data to craft inventive insurance and service solutions for existing and emerging risks posed by technological change.
EMC Insurance Companies; which writes commercial policies of all kinds, including nearly 500 types of businesses; has partnered with HSB to offer a sensor-based freeze prevention monitoring service that helps protect commercial buildings and equipment. The program is especially important now that many buildings are used less frequently or are vacant due to COVID-19.
Sensor Systems by HSB monitors policyholder facilities 24/7 and sends text alerts when a facility’s indoor temps drop to levels where frozen pipes might occur. Pointing at the serious risk potential, Bryon Snethen, EMC Vice President – Risk Improvement, said, “Burst pipes can disrupt operations and resulting repairs can be very expensive to fix. Data shows the average cost of a freeze loss is around $28,000.”
What is the benefit of the insured facility owner?
As outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, the HVAC system works harder to maintain an adequate indoor temperature. If something goes wrong; for example: the power goes out, a breaker is tripped or a thermostat is inadvertently turned off; the temperature inside the facility can drop low enough that pipes freeze and burst.
The resulting water damage to the building and the equipment inside can disrupt the operations and be expensive to fix. Now, the sensor Systems by HSB offers a freeze prevention package that can help the insured prevent these cold weather problems — even when the insured building is unoccupied.
The technological perspective
In a nutshell, several specially designed sensors will be placed in strategic locations to monitor a facility’s indoor temperature 24/7. The sensors will communicate directly with HSB’s fully-staffed Monitoring and Support Center.
If the temperature falls, an alert will be sent directly to the designated contact person via email, text or phone call. That will allow the insured facility’s owner to have an opportunity to take action to fix the issue, which will minimize damage and save the time, money and inconvenience.
