Hartford Steam Boiler Introduces HSB HomeWorks [Professional Services Close – Up]

The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company (HSB), part of Munich Re, announced a new concept in homeowners insurance, HSB HomeWorks, which combines breakdown coverage for home equipment systems, appliances and electronics with a suite of home energy management services to help policyholders save money.

"Homeowner carriers are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate their products in the marketplace," said Anthony J. Trivella, HSB executive vice president. "When they add our program to their policies, HSB HomeWorks provides coverage and energy- savings tools that can re-energize and elevate their homeowners products. It's an innovation unlike anything in the market today."

According to a release, the program includes the broadest breakdown coverage now available for heating, cooling, water and power, security and other home systems, appliances and electronics. In addition, HSB's service suite helps policyholders operate their homes more efficiently and reduce their energy expenses, including switching electricity suppliers to the lowest-cost provider in deregulated states.

With annual home energy costs averaging $2,300 and trending higher, the company said, customers can benefit quickly even if they never have a breakdown loss, saving money on fuel and electric bills to help offset their homeowners premium. HSB HomeWorks is designed to keep pace with new technology in the home and includes a home inventory feature that helps safeguard and manage personal information.

With HSB's virtual home tour, the company added, policyholders can discover energy-saving opportunities in each room. In deregulated states, homeowners can use another tool to find the alternative power providers in their area with the lowest rates, compare programs, and sign up on the spot to start paying less. Customers can use the home inventory tool to store photographs of their home's contents and records of vital documents safely in one place. In a crisis, this will help them settle insurance claims faster.

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