Triple-I/Whisker Labs: Study Shows Ting IoT Fire Safety Solution Reduces Annual Fire Damage Claims by $81 Per Home

Business Wire

MALVERN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
A new study conducted by the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and Whisker Labs, with support provided by Octagram Analytics, has found IoT-based fire prevention technology reduced a broad category of non-catastrophic fire claims by an estimated 63% within three years after installation.

The analysis, which represents the first comprehensive quantitative analysis of home IoT claims reduction efficacy, found that Ting – a home fire prevention solution created by Whisker Labs – resulted in 0.39 fewer fire claims per 1,000 home years of experience. This translates into a fire claim reduction benefit of $81 per customer per year by the third year.

“As property/casualty insurers increasingly focus on predicting and preventing costly damage that drives up claims and premiums, this study provides concrete evidence of the value that telematics technology can deliver,” said Patrick Schmid, chief insurance officer at Triple-I. “While IoT solutions are gaining traction with many success stories, rigorous analysis of claims reduction has been harder to find until now. This analysis clearly shows Ting reduces claims and provides a positive return on investment for insurers.”

How the Technology Works

Ting helps protect homes from electrical fires by using advanced AI to detect arcing, the precursor to most electrical fires. Once connected to a single outlet, Ting analyzes 30 million measurements per second, analyzing voltage at high frequencies to detect tiny electrical anomalies and power quality problems. These hazards can originate from wiring in the home, connected devices and appliances, or even the power coming in from the utility. On average, Ting detects and mitigates fire hazards in one out of every 60 homes it protects.

“Ting is about saving lives and homes - that’s always been our mission,” said Bob Marshall, CEO and cofounder of Whisker Labs. “By analyzing verified claims data over time, this analysis shows that what’s best for families also delivers a strong financial return for insurers. Prevention is better for everyone.”

The device also includes temperature monitoring capabilities, issuing alerts when temperatures drop below 42 degrees to prevent frozen and burst pipes. Over the past three years, low temperature warnings have been issued to approximately one in 560 customers annually.

Study Methodology

To overcome challenges related to limited data and sampling bias, the research team developed a self-controlled study that assessed claims over time in homes with Ting installed. The methodology was designed to measure real-world performance with existing customers and experience data.

“We developed a methodology to prove that home IoT technology can prevent losses in the real world,” said Stan Heckman, chief scientist at Whisker Labs. “The challenge was demonstrating that claims didn't occur – essentially counting fires that never happened.”

Using data from Triple-I and Verisk, the study determined Ting provides an average loss-prevention benefit of $81 per home per year from fire claims reduction alone, demonstrating a compelling return on investment for insurers. Additional benefits from water-related loss prevention and potential improvements in customer retention suggest the total value may be substantially higher.

Market Adoption

More than 1 million Ting sensors are currently deployed across the United States, with approximately 50,000 new installations each month. A growing community of 30 property/casualty insurers now provide Ting to their customers at no charge.

About the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)

Since 1960, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has been the trusted voice of risk and insurance, delivering unique, data-driven insights to educate, elevate and connect consumers, industry professionals, policymakers and the media. An affiliate of The Institutes, Triple-I represents a diverse membership accounting for nearly 50% of all U.S. property/casualty premiums written. Our members include mutual and stock companies, personal and commercial lines, primary insurers and reinsurers – serving regional, national and global markets.

About The Institutes

The Institutes® are a global not-for-profit comprising diverse affiliates that educate, elevate and connect people in the essential disciplines of risk management and insurance. Through products and services offered by The Institutes’ nearly 20 affiliated business units, people and organizations are empowered to help those in need with a focus on understanding, predicting and preventing losses to create a more resilient world.

About Whisker Labs

Whisker Labs develops cutting-edge sensor technology to protect families, homes, and communities by predicting and preventing electrical fires while also monitoring the resiliency and safety of the U.S. electrical grid. Through a single, DIY sensor plugged into a wall outlet, Ting, Whisker Labs' flagship solution, enables intelligent detection, localization, and mitigation of hazards before they can start a fire. As one of the fastest growing grid IoT networks, Ting is proven to prevent 4 out of 5 home electrical fires, reducing home fire losses and saving lives across the U.S. every day. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook.

About Octagram Analytics

Octagram Analytics is a data and analytics consulting firm specializing in property and casualty insurance. The company focuses on helping clients leverage data to improve pricing, underwriting, and overall business performance. Octagram offers both consulting services and tools designed to help clients develop and implement data-driven strategies.