The Travelers Companies, Inc. has announced a major new tie-up with technology giant Amazon. Under the new partnership, the insurer will offer smart home kits as well as insurance and risk management information via what it claims to be the “insurance industry’s first digital storefront” at Amazon.com/Travelers.
Travelers customers in dedicated US states will have access to the smart home kits at discounted prices, in an effort to protect homeowners from some of the most common causes of loss. The kits include: security cameras, water sensors, motion detectors, a wireless smart home hub that connects a wide range of smart devices and an Amazon Echo Dot. Furthermore, eligible Travelers home insurance customers will get a discount on their policy with the purchase of a smart home kit.
“This is an exciting example of Travelers executing on our innovation agenda to be the undeniable choice for the customer and an indispensable partner for our agents and brokers,” said Alan Schnitzer, chairman and chief executive officer at Travelers. “It advances our priorities of extending our lead in risk expertise and providing great experiences for our customers, agents and brokers.”
Travelers has also developed new Alexa skills, including the “Travelers” skill, which helps policyholders with questions about billings and payments, and the “Travelers Home Central” skill, which enables all consumers to access property maintenance and home safety tips. The firm hopes to introduce more Alexa skills over time.
“Smart home technology is making it easier for all of us to monitor our homes and help protect us from some of the most common causes of damage,” said Michael Klein, executive vice president and president of personal insurance at Travelers. “Our Amazon digital storefront conveniently brings together smart home devices, installation services, discounts and insurance knowledge in one central location to help our customers and agents manage risk and take a more proactive approach to home safety.”
Under the new tie-up, Travelers is also providing a free Amazon Echo Dot to eligible home insurance customers — even without the purchase of a kit — subject to program terms. The deals are currently available to Travelers home insurance customers in California and Travelers Quantum Home 2.0 customers in Colorado, Missouri and Wisconsin, with more states expected to be added later this year.
Travelers’ relationship with the digital commerce giant does not mean bad news for insurance agents and brokers, however. Any consumers looking for a home insurance quote from Travelers will be directed from the Travelers digital storefront on Amazon to the company’s website or to an independent insurance agent. Travelers’ network of independent agents will be able to use Travelers and Amazon co-branded assets to market to current and prospective customers about smart home technology.
“We continually look for innovative ways to help our agents grow their business, and we’re thrilled that this collaboration with Amazon will give them another way to differentiate themselves and Travelers in the marketplace,” Klein added.
