Parks Associates: Nearly 40% of Consumers Would Switch Insurance Providers to Obtain Smart Home Products

New research examines insurance channel for smart home products and services

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Sep 14, 2017, 08:40 ET

DALLAS, Sept. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IoT research firm Parks Associates announced new research today showing that nearly 40% of U.S. broadband households with an insurance policy would switch providers in order to obtain smart home products as part of a new insurance service. Insurance Opportunities in the Connected Home also notes that more than 80% of those likely to switch insurance providers are also likely to purchase smart home products with prevention features.

Parks Associates: Most Preferred Insurance Incentive for Acquiring Smart Products

"Insurance companies that are prepared to enter the IoT space will be able to capture new market share by luring consumers already in the market for smart home devices," said Brad Russell, Senior Analyst, Parks Associates. "Some innovative insurers are already offering free or subsidized smart home devices in marketing efforts, but they will need to make investments in order to have the technological capabilities to collect and leverage the data to realize the full value of these devices. Both short- and long-term benefits in new services and customers will make these worthwhile."

Parks Associates notes that insurance providers have the potential to mitigate risk, deepen customer engagement, and develop new revenue streams from smart home products and services in the home. Insurance providers can attract new customers and develop new revenues with new smart product offerings, as well as offer home inspection and maintenance services that could generate new revenue while reducing claims. The study measures consumer preferences for various pricing, financing, and incentive options.

"Currently, smart home offers from insurance companies chiefly appeal to those already interested in smart home products and services," Russell said. "Both insurance companies and the broader consumer IoT industry will benefit by raising awareness of how damage detection and prevention solutions can save money and increase safety. Parks Associates research has consistently shown safety and security as the key drivers in smart home adoption, so consumers will respond to solutions that secure their homes' value and ensure safety of loved ones."

Insurance Opportunities in the Connected Home assesses consumer interest in using smart home products to detect and alert them of potentially damaging property conditions and safety/security hazards. In addition to demographic analysis, this study segments interested households by their interest in new insurance models and channels.

For more information about Parks Associates' research, contact [email protected]. To schedule an interview with an analyst or to request specific data, contact Julia Homier at [email protected], 972-996-0214.

About Parks Associates

Parks Associates is an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, primary studies, consumer research, custom research, workshops, executive conferences, and annual service subscriptions.

The company's expertise includes digital media and platforms, entertainment and gaming, home networks, Internet and television services, digital health, mobile applications and services, support services, consumer apps, advanced advertising, consumer electronics, energy management, and home control systems and security.

Each year, Parks Associates hosts industry webcasts, the CONNECTIONS™ Conference Series, Connected Health Summit: Engaging Consumers, and Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer. http://www.parksassociates.com

Media Contact:
Julia Homier
Parks Associates
972.996.0214
[email protected]

SOURCE Parks Associates