Sky might be famed for its TV and broadband but the satellite telly firm is launching something completely new. Along with offering entertainment, Sky now wants to help customers protect their homes as well with the unveiling of a service called Sky Protect Smart Home Insurance.
Although that may sound pretty unexciting, the company is hoping to give the home insurance market a serious shakeup by not only offering an easy way to take out the product but also bundling a host of smart tech with it as well.
In fact, those signing up for the full package will get devices including a video doorbell, indoor camera and motion sensors. There are even three leak detectors thrown in as well which will go off should water start rushing out of the pipework.
All of these devices link straight to a new Sky app so customers can see who has just arrived at the front door or check on what's happening inside their home right from their smartphone. Live footage can also be watched 24 hours a day.
Sky says that even those without much tech know-how should be able to plug these devices in and get things up and running thanks to a simple setup process.
For example, the video doorbell is fully battery powered so doesn't need wiring into the mains and there’s even a wireless chime included so you’ll know when the Amazon or pizza delivery has been made.
Of course, this product isn't just about those smart gadgets with it also including full home insurance as well via a partnership with Zurich.
Again, Sky reckons it has taken the hassle out of getting a new policy with the firm promising that customers should be able to sign up and get cover in minutes. There are also other benefits including no charges for paying in instalments and longer 24-month contracts so users won’t get hit by higher prices after a year.
Once the policy is in place, the tech bundle is then sent out with customers getting cameras and sensors, worth £250, without paying any additional fees. Even if you decide to leave Sky's insurance plan you still get to keep the kit as well.
Speaking about the launch, Stephen van Rooyen, Chief Executive Officer, Sky UK & Ireland and Chief Commercial Officer, Sky Group, said: "At Sky we have a heritage in entering new markets and shaking them up, and we’re about to do the same with home insurance. We already make people’s lives easier at home through our TV, broadband and mobile services and with Sky Protect, we’ll be able to take the pain out of home insurance.
"From a simpler quotation process, to value you can see every day, to great tech, all working together in the Sky Protect app. We believe people deserve better when it comes to home protection – so we’re going to give it to them.”
