New State Farm Canada app includes telematics and water detection programs, account access

State Farm Canada announced on Monday that it has released a new app that includes telematics and water detection programs, as well as easy account access.

Alert water detection program – screen shot. (CNW Group/State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.)

The free State Farm Canada App, available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, allows users to manage their home and auto insurance.

It includes Telematics, a mobile telematics insurance program available in Ontario, State Farm Canada said in a press release. “Telematics can help you to become a safer driver by using your smartphone to track and improve your driving in real-time and then rewards you with savings of up to 25% on your auto insurance premium at renewal,” the release said.

Users can also log into their Online Services account directly from their phone and receive instant access to their insurance policies, obtain valuable information and tips, file a claim or get an online quote.

In addition, the app includes Alert, State Farm Canada’s latest home insurance prevention program that detects water leaks and risk of freezing to prevent water damage.

State Farm Canada App – Google Play screenshot.

Customers with a home insurance policy that sign up for the Alert program will receive a free water and freeze detector, State Farm Canada reported in the release. The detector is a connected device and can be placed close to a potential source of leaks like a bathroom, dishwasher or washing machine. If it senses a problem, it sends an alert to a customer’s smartphone by notification, text message or email, to help them to “act quickly to limit any damage,” State Farm Canada explained. Participation in the program will not lead to premium increases or changes in existing coverage, regardless of how many alerts a customer receives, the release added.

“In Canada, water damage accounts for more than 50% of property insurance claims, so acting fast can prevent significant damage and avoid the disruption that comes with it,” the insurer said.

Besides downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play, customers can also call their State Farm agent to enroll in Telematics and/or Alert.

In January 2015, State Farm’s Canadian operations were purchased by Desjardins Group, a cooperative financial group and among the three largest P&C insurance providers in Canada, the release said. With its 500 agents and 1,700 employees, the State Farm division provides insurance and financial services products, including mutual funds, life insurance, vehicle loans, critical illness, disability, home and auto insurance to customers in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. State Farm branded policies are underwritten by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company.