Many homeowners are already familiar with the first generation of smart home technology. Devices such as Ring video doorbells and external cameras allow owners to monitor their property remotely, receive motion alerts, and record footage that can assist Garda investigations following a break-in. Similarly, Google Nest products — including smart thermostats and the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector — offer remote monitoring via smartphone, with the thermostat’s ability to detect an unexpected temperature drop serving as a useful early warning of a potential burst pipe during cold weather. These products are widely available, straightforward to install, and represent a sensible baseline of smart home protection. Some insurers are beginning to take a positive view of their presence when assessing risk, though this varies by provider.
As insurance brokers, part of our role is to help clients not just find the right cover, but to actively reduce the risks that give rise to claims in the first place. Two technologies in particular stand out as genuinely useful tools for homeowners: leak detection systems and forensic asset marking. Both are now widely accessible, cost-effective, and recognised by insurers as meaningful risk mitigation measures, particularly for clients seeking private client insurance for high-value homes or assets.
Below we outline the key features of two leading products in each category: Leaksafe, for water leak detection and prevention, and SelectaDNA, for forensic property marking and theft deterrence.
Leaksafe: Water Leak Detection & Prevention
Water damage is one of the most common and costly claims on home insurance policies. In 2023 alone, burst pipes and leaks cost property owners and insurers an estimated £1.04 billion in the UK (Source: ABI, 2024). Many of these incidents involve slow, undetected leaks that cause significant structural damage long before the homeowner is even aware of a problem.
Leaksafe specialises in the supply and installation of water leak detection and prevention systems for residential and commercial properties. Their systems are independently tested by the BRE (Building Research Establishment) and are recognised by insurers, making them particularly valuable for clients seeking private client insurance to protect high-value homes and assets.
How It Works
Leaksafe systems are designed to detect water leaks at the earliest possible stage — including minor drip leaks that would otherwise go unnoticed — and to automatically shut off the mains water supply before significant damage can occur. Systems can be tailored to individual properties and scaled from a single valve installation to a fully zoned, multi-sensor setup.
Key Products
WaterSwitch
A modular system that can be tailored to any property type. Key features include:
- Turns off the mains water supply from a Water Valve Control panel or wireless On/Off switch
- Wireless 868Mhz system with leak detectors and tapes, with automatic shut-off if a leak is detected
- Optional Flow Meter that monitors flow and turns water off if abnormal or absent flow is detected
- High quality stainless steel WRAS-approved motorised valve (15mm–100mm)
- Mains or battery operated
- Insurer approved
WaterTapp
An app-based water shut-off and leak detection system. Key features include:
- Turns mains water supply on and off via a smartphone app or control panel
- Flow Meter monitors consumption and notifies you via the app if abnormal flow is detected
- Up to 4 leak detection zones with directly connected leak detection tape
- Mains operated with battery backup
Why This Matters for Your Insurance
Installing a leak detection system can have a tangible impact on your private client insurance position. Systems of this type act as an early warning mechanism, reducing the likelihood of a significant escape of water claim. Some insurers will take a positive view of their installation when assessing risk, and in certain cases it may contribute to premium reductions or improved policy terms. We recommend speaking to us before purchasing to confirm how your insurer recognises these systems.
Leaksafe operate throughout the UK and Europe. For more information visit: www.leaksafe.com
Tel: 0344 848 0488 | Email: info@leaksafe.com
SelectaDNA: Forensic Asset Marking
Theft of home contents remains a significant source of insurance claims. Beyond the financial cost, the loss of personal or sentimental items can be deeply distressing. SelectaDNA offers a forensic property marking solution that deters theft and significantly increases the likelihood of stolen items being recovered and returned to their rightful owner.
SelectaDNA Ireland (www.selectadna.ie) is the Irish distributor of SelectaDNA products, which have been used across 37 countries and have helped protect over 15 million items since 2005. The technology is trusted by police forces, local authorities, and insurers worldwide.
How It Works
SelectaDNA uses a unique synthetic DNA code applied directly to items of value. This invisible forensic marker bonds to surfaces and remains detectable for a minimum of five years, even outdoors. Each code is registered on a secure national database accessible to An Garda Síochána and other police forces, allowing recovered property to be rapidly traced back to its owner.
The system incorporates three layers of protection:
- Unique DNA code — links property directly to its registered owner
- Microdots — thousands of microscopic dots embedded in the solution allow instant identification of marked property at the scene
- UV tracer — makes it easy for authorities to identify marked property and individuals who have been in contact with SelectaDNA intruder sprays
The Deterrent Effect
Research indicates that properties protected with SelectaDNA are significantly less likely to be targeted by burglars. Prominent warning signs indicating that property has been forensically marked serve as a powerful deterrent, as stolen items become effectively unsaleable and directly traceable to the crime.
For clients with high-value homes or private client insurance, implementing forensic marking can be an important risk mitigation measure, giving insurers additional confidence and potentially influencing policy terms.
In the UK, 93% of police forces have used SelectaDNA to bring down crime rates. The Garda Inspectorate Report of 2014 specifically recommended property marking initiatives as a crime reduction measure in Ireland.
Products for Home & Contents
SelectaDNA offers a range of kits suitable for personal insurance clients, including:
- SelectaDNA Home Kit — marks up to 50 items including TVs, smartphones, laptops and cameras (€99 inc. VAT)
- Fine Art & Jewellery Kit — specifically designed for valuable antiques, artwork and jewellery (€99 inc. VAT)
- Golf Kit, Equestrian Kit and Music Kit — specialist kits for high-value hobby and leisure equipment (€99 inc. VAT each)
Each kit contains the DNA solution, application materials, warning signs and registration on the Secure Asset Register. Police from around the world have 24/7 access to the database to search recovered property.
Why This Matters for Your Insurance
Forensic marking does not replace insurance, but it meaningfully reduces the risk of theft and improves the chances of recovery in the event of a burglary. Some insurers view property marking as a positive security measure when assessing risk. As with leak detection, we recommend speaking to us to understand how your specific insurer takes this into account.
SelectaDNA Ireland: www.selectadna.ie
Tel: +353 (0)1 469 3742 | Email: sales@sdna.ie
Speak to Us
Both of these technologies represent straightforward, relatively modest investments that can make a meaningful difference to the security of your home and the strength of your insurance position. If you would like to discuss either product in the context of your current policy, or if you would like guidance on how your insurer views these risk mitigation measures, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Proactive risk management is one of the most effective ways to protect both your home and your premium over the long term.
The Bigger Picture: How Insurance Is Evolving
The technologies outlined in this article reflect a broader shift in how the insurance industry approaches risk. Instead of only responding to losses, insurers are increasingly helping clients prevent them. This shift is also visible in how insurance products are being redesigned.
One example is parametric flood insurance, currently available for commercial properties through specialist underwriters such as Descartes Underwriting. Unlike traditional insurance, these policies do not require a full loss assessment before payment. Instead, they trigger automatically when a pre-defined physical threshold is reached. This could include a river gauge exceeding a certain level or rainfall passing a set measurement. When this trigger is met, payment can be made within days without a loss adjuster visit.
For businesses in flood-prone areas, this type of product can offer an alternative to traditional cover. This is particularly relevant where flood insurance has been difficult to obtain or very expensive. Parametric flood insurance is not yet available to residential customers in Ireland. However, the direction of travel in the market is clear. As sensor technology improves and data becomes more detailed, insurers are becoming more confident in these models.
Whether it is a leak sensor that shuts off your water automatically, a forensic marker that deters burglars, or faster claims technology, the insurance world is adapting to modern risks.
For our private client customers, the same principles apply when protecting high-value homes and belongings. As your broker, we can help you understand how these measures fit into your overall private client insurance cover. We also keep clients informed about developments that may affect their cover.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, insurance, legal, or tax advice. The content reflects general market observations in Ireland at the time of writing and may not apply to your individual circumstances.
Insurance products, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and premiums vary between providers and are subject to change. No action should be taken, or reliance placed on this information, without first obtaining professional advice tailored to your specific needs.
Dolmen Insurance Brokers Limited accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from reliance on the information contained in this blog. You should always review your own policy documentation carefully and consult with a qualified insurance advisor before making any changes to your insurance, pensions, or protection arrangements.
