Czech Republic – July 17th, 2019 – Direct echo, Sigfox operator SimpleCell Networks and Simple Hardware have released unique motion and water sensor technology, including an intuitive mobile app developed by Direct echo, to alert people to adverse events that might be going on in their home. In the future, Direct insurance wants to offer this service along-side its insurance products.
Launched into the Czech market by insurance company Direct echo, the sensors, connected via Sigfox’s global IoT 0G network, can be attached to doors and windows to alert people if they are opened. If the sensor detects movement and a break in is suspected, it will send a message to homeowners through the system’s mobile app, which can also be used to call for help.
With 80% of apartment burglaries happening while people are out at work[1], the Direct echo service is set to be popular with people keen to protect their homes while they’re away.
The sensors are also designed to be placed on appliances such as washing machines as well as on pipes – anywhere where water could cause flooding – to notify people as soon as water starts leaking or a pipe burst. If the sensor detects water, it will alert homeowners via the mobile app, so that they can call a plumber before water causes too much damage to their, or their neighbour’s, property.
With water damage the number 1 problem in the home and 65% of all cases related to pipes[2], this will undoubtedly save people money, lessen the emotional stress associated with a break in or water leak and give them peace of mind while they’re away from home.
These simple, reliable sensors are not limited to these two uses either and can be placed on anything from bicycles to fridges to monitor the movement of objects.
Unlike other sensors that need an Internet connection or to be plugged into a central unit or electrical outlet in order to work, this cost-effective technology (50 euros per unit) connects to Sigfox’s global 0G network instead. The energy efficient, low cost IoT network, is more secure than a cellular network and the sensors themselves benefit from a long battery life. Sensors come with the mobile app and one year’s connectivity, which can then be renewed on a subscription basis.
Direct is the first insurance company in the Czech Republic to offer these sensors, which were made available to order online at www.directecho.cz on May 16th, 2019. By the end of the year, customers will also be able to purchase them alongside their existing insurance package.
Simple Hardware is providing 2000 sensors to Direct each month. However, the technology is expected to be quickly adopted by other insurance companies both inside and outside of the Czech Republic.
Nela Maťašeje, Marketing Director at Direct “By providing these sensors to our customers and building them into our insurance products, we are delivering on a promise to pioneer innovative technology in the insurance industry and become leaders in the field when it comes to protecting people’s property and assets. Through this revolutionary service, everyone can now feel safe in the knowledge that should something go wrong at home, they will be the first to know.”
Jan Soukal, Member of the Supervisiory board at SimpleCell Networks “As sectors from healthcare to retail, and even the ‘traditional’ banking sector have embarked on journeys of digital transformation, retiring legacy IT systems and investing in new fintech, the insurance industry has remained largely untouched. The launch of these sensors into the marketplace marks a step change to a more digital, way of managing insurance, one which delivers more accurate data to help insurers process claims and reduce damage to customer property.”
About Direct echo
Direct echo belongs to the Direct family, which, among others, includes Direct insurance and Direct finance. It is
here to protect that which insurance can’t.
Direct is bringing the sensors to the market with the cooperation of SimpleCell, which operates the first IOT network in the Czech Republic, and SimpleHW, which distributes the sensors to the European market.
About Direct insurance company
The Direct brand appeared in the Czech Republic in 2007. This is the name under which a British company entered the market to offer insurance exclusively online. After five years, in 2012, it ended operation.
The Direct brand caught the eye of a group of businessmen who decided to buy it in 2014. And not only it. At the same time, they also bought the insurance company known as Triglav, which left the Czech market, and decided to take care of all its clients.
In 2015, a completely new Direct was created. It has little in common with the original company. Even though it still puts an emphasis on on-line services, it views insurance as a service very differently. Direct sees a world where insurance is not just another inconvenience. It strives to do everything as simple, quick, reliable and customer friendly as possible.
Direct offers only non-life insurance – i.e. insurance of vehicles, property, liability, travel, and business.
About Sigfox
Sigfox is the initiator of the 0G network and the world’s leading IoT (Internet of Things) service provider. Its global network allows billions of devices to connect to the Internet, in a straightforward way, while consuming as little energy as possible. Sigfox unique approach to device-to-cloud communications addresses the three greatest barriers to global IoT adoption: cost, energy consumption and global scalability.
Today, the network is available in 60 countries, with 1 billion people covered. ISO 9001 certified and surrounded by a large ecosystem of partners and IoT key players, Sigfox empowers companies to move their business model towards more digital services, in key areas such as Asset Tracking and Supply Chain. Founded in 2010 by Ludovic Le Moan and Christophe Fourtet, the company is headquartered in France and has offices in Madrid, Munich, Boston, Dallas, San Jose, Dubai, Singapore, Sao Paulo and Tokyo.
About SimpleCell Networks
SimpleCell Networks is Sigfox’s network operator in the Czech Republic, providing innovative IoT solutions built on Sigfox technology to private enterprises seeking path-breaking digital transformation. Simplecell Networks provide coverage to 96% of Czech population.
[1] Source: Policie ČR
[2] The ConsumerView, May 2017, Quantitative Assessment Europe
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