Magazine

Read the latest edition of AIR and MEIR as an Interactive e-book

Jun 2025

Traditional home insurance essential even with smart home coverage

By -
Source: Asia Insurance Review | Jun 2025

More policyholders in Malaysia are seeking comprehensive smart home insurance coverage due to the growing integration of technology into daily living and subsequent new risks associated with smart homes, Allianz Malaysia’s Mr Sean Wang says. But that does not eliminate the need for traditional coverage against risks like fire, theft and natural disasters. 
By Sarah Si
 
 
Over the past few years, the integration of smart home technologies in Malaysia has significantly influenced the insurance industry, leading to the development of innovative products and services, said Allianz Malaysia CEO Sean Wang, speaking with Asia Insurance Review
 
Citing his company as an example, Mr Wang said products tailored for smart homes with modular components that policyholders can customise based on their needs were launched as “a modern, flexible alternative to traditional home insurance policies”. He pointed out Allianz Malaysia’s smart home coverage option offers customisable components, such as mortgage loan instalment protection that will cover the cost if the home becomes uninhabitable or in the case of accidental death or permanent disability on the part of the homeowner.
 
In contrast, he noted standard home insurance usually provides basic coverage for property damage and contents. The standard home insurance policy is, generally,  a one-size-fits-all coverage plan that may not cover mortgage loan protection. 
 
Hence, there is “a growing demand for specialised home insurance solutions”, Mr Wang said.
 
Traditional cover remains essential 
Policyholders in Malaysia are “increasingly seeking comprehensive smart home insurance coverage that extends beyond traditional property protection,” said Mr Wang. 
 
He said, “This shift reflects the growing integration of technology into daily living and the need for insurance products that address new risks associated with smart homes.” 
 
Additionally, given that homes require regular maintenance to ensure all systems function correctly, and coverage that includes home repairs and maintenance services are sought-after. 
 
But despite the focus on smart technologies, he pointed out that traditional coverage remains essential.
 
“Policyholders continue to prioritise protection for their property and contents against risks like fire, theft and natural disasters,” he said. 
 
Challenges and opportunities 
When asked what challenges and opportunities his company faced in providing smart home coverage, Mr Wang pointed out firstly that flexible policies that could be aligned with consumer needs provided an opportunity to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
 
Secondly, he highlighted access to real-time data that allows underwriting to be performed more accurately, while also offering dynamic pricing models. 
 
“It also helps improve claims transparency and fraud prevention,” he said. 
 
Despite these opportunities, he highlighted that many homeowners do not buy home insurance, and “only realise the problems they face when they have instances like a massive fire hitting their homes”. 
 
Leveraging technology in underwriting 
“With the advancement of technology, geo-coding has become an integral part of our risk assessment process. 
 
This allows us to accurately evaluate, and price risks based on the surrounding environment,” Mr Wang said in response to a question about how his company is leveraging technology to underwrite policies for smart homes.
 
For instance, he noted that if a home is situated near a river, the flood exposure can be proactively incorporated into the premium charged. 
 
He said, “In the past, such critical information would only become apparent after a flood occurred, which was often too late.” A 
 
Use cases of AI agents in home insurance
 
As home insurance becomes increasingly complex and customer expectations continue to rise, insurers are turning to AI agents as a strategic solution to modernise their operations, says Digiqt Technolabs in a blog.
 
Hitul MistryDigiqt is an Ahmedabad-based technology services company focused on AI-driven transformation, established in 2019 by CEO and founder, Mr Hitul Mistry.
 
AI agents are intelligent software programs designed to perceive their environment, analyse data, make decisions, and take actions to achieve specific goals – often without the need for human intervention.
 
Digiqt sets out several specific use cases of AI agents in home insurance which include:
  1. Damage detection through aerial and drone imagery

AI agents can analyse aerial images captured by satellites or drones to identify visible property damage such as missing roof tiles, fallen trees, or debris after a natural disaster. This eliminates the need for manual inspection in many cases and allows insurers to process claims faster and more accurately, even in hard-to-reach or unsafe locations.

  1. Smart home integration for risk prevention

By connecting to smart home device like leak detectors, fire alarms, or humidity sensors, AI agents can monitor in-home conditions in real time. If a leak is detected under a sink or smoke is sensed, the AI agent can alert the homeowner immediately and suggest preventive steps, drastically reducing the likelihood of claims.

  1. AI-driven property valuation and updates

Over time, a home’s value can change due to renovations, upgrades, or even depreciation. AI agents can continuously pull data from sources such as building permits, satellite imagery, and real estate listings to keep valuations updated, without needing manual reassessments.

  1. Predictive modeling for natural disaster exposure

AI agents can assess how vulnerable a property is to natural disasters like floods, wildfires, or earthquakes by analysing factors such as geography, climate patterns, and historical events. This allows insurers to accurately price policies and advise homeowners on protective measures tailored to their unique location.

  1. Automated post-disaster claims filing

Following large-scale events, such as a hailstorm or wildfire, AI agents can automatically identify affected properties using satellite or sensor data, initiate the claims process, and pre-fill key information. This speeds up claims resolution during times when response teams are overwhelmed.

  1. Virtual walkthroughs for policy binding

Instead of scheduling physical inspections for new home insurance applications, AI agents can guide homeowners through a virtual property walkthrough using a smartphone camera. As the user scans the home, the AI analyses structural features and safety risks to make underwriting decisions on the spot.

  1. Customised add-on coverage suggestions

AI agents can detect specific features in a home like a swimming pool, solar panels, or luxury kitchen appliances and recommend relevant add-on coverage. 

  1. Automated policy adjustments after renovations

Whenever homeowners file building permits or update their property (like adding a new room), AI agents can detect these changes through public records or property databases. The agent then recommends necessary updates to the insurance policy, ensuring that the new additions are covered without needing a manual review.

  1. Fire risk monitoring via environmental sensors

In homes equipped with smart sensors, AI agents can detect subtle signs of fire risk – like fluctuating CO2 levels, unusual temperature spikes, or combustible gas presence. Upon detecting a pattern, the agent can alert the homeowner or emergency services, often before visible danger emerges.

  1. AI-Powered roofing condition analysis

Using satellite imagery or drone data, AI agents can assess roof conditions by detecting cracks, wear, water pooling, or missing tiles. Roof condition significantly affects home insurance risk.

  1. Automated quote generation for homeowners insurance

AI agents can automatically generate home insurance quotes by pulling property data. They match this data with predefined risk models to offer a fast, personalised quote, accelerating the onboarding process.

  1. Post-claim repair coordination

After a claim is approved, AI agents can assign local, vetted contractors to perform repairs, schedule visits, and track progress. The agent can keep both the insurer and policyholder updated on the repair timeline and flag any delays or issues ensuring end-to-end claim transparency and accountability.

  1. Energy efficiency discounts and insights

AI agents can analyse data from smart meters or energy audits to identify homes with high energy efficiency. If a customer uses solar power, energy-efficient HVAC systems, or smart thermostats, the AI can apply discounts automatically and even suggest further improvements to lower premiums.

  1. Mould and moisture risk prediction

By interpreting data from humidity sensors, HVAC systems, and historical claims, AI agents can predict areas in the home at high risk of mould or moisture damage. Early detection alerts help homeowners take corrective action, potentially preventing costly claims and long-term health issues.

  1. Smart theft detection and policy activation

AI agents integrated with smart security systems can detect intrusions or break-ins through motion detectors, window sensors, and live video analysis. In real-time, the AI can notify the insurer, start the claims process, and assess damage.

  1. Neighbourhood risk assessment for new policies

Before issuing a policy, AI agents can evaluate neighborhood-level data such as crime statistics, historical claim frequency, infrastructure quality, and fire response times. This allows insurers to provide better risk-based pricing and tailor policies to specific areas.

  1. Home vacancy monitoring for policy adjustment
Unoccupied homes are at greater risk of unnoticed damage, theft, or vandalism. AI agents can monitor utility usage, smart device inactivity, or travel data to detect extended vacancies. When a property is vacant, the agent can recommend temporary coverage adjustments or alert the insurer to update risk factors.
 
Mr Mistry said, “AI agents in home insurance are no longer a futuristic concept – they are already transforming the 
way home insurance is delivered, managed, and experienced. 
 
“The future of home insurance is undeniably intelligent, but it doesn’t have to be impersonal. The most successful insurers will be those who blend the best of both worlds – leveraging the speed and precision of AI agents in home insurance while preserving the empathy and understanding that make insurance a truly human service.”
 

 

 
CAPTCHA image
Enter the code shown above in the box below.

Note that your comment may be edited or removed in the future, and that your comment may appear alongside the original article on websites other than this one.

 

Recent Comments

There are no comments submitted yet. Do you have an interesting opinion? Then be the first to post a comment.