Preventing the Preventable
PURE Staff
The most common homeowners losses are also the most preventable.
Just over half of PURE’s homeowners claims stem from water and fire damage—risks that tend to develop quietly behind the scenes and escalate over time. And they are often preventable with foresight, technology and routine maintenance.
Water damage: The most common and preventable loss
Water damage—such as that caused by burst or frozen pipes, plumbing failures, appliance or HVAC issues, or overflows from tubs and sinks—remains the leading non-catastrophe cause of loss for PURE members. That’s not because it is sudden or dramatic, but because it frequently goes unnoticed until the damage becomes widespread. This is why our strongest recommendation is a whole-home water shut-off device. These systems can detect leaks early and stop water flow, often turning what could have been a major loss into a manageable repair.
Beyond having a water shut-off device installed, it is equally important to understand how to use it.
Tips for using your water shut-off device
Set alerts and respond quickly
Make sure your device is connected to its mobile app and that alerts are enabled. If you receive a notification about unusual water flow, don’t ignore it. A quick response can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Make sure your device is connected to its mobile app and that alerts are enabled. If you receive a notification about unusual water flow, don’t ignore it. A quick response can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Put the system in "away mode" when you travel
If your device offers an “away” or “vacation” setting, use it. Many systems can monitor for small, continuous flows when the home is unoccupied and catch issues that might otherwise go unnoticed for days or weeks.
If your device offers an “away” or “vacation” setting, use it. Many systems can monitor for small, continuous flows when the home is unoccupied and catch issues that might otherwise go unnoticed for days or weeks.
Monitor and test the system regularly
Keep an eye on your water usage patterns through the app. Unexpected readings, such as zero when your home is occupied, may signal a connectivity or device issue. While most systems perform self-checks, testing the shut-off function yourself by running the water long enough to trigger the system can help you ensure that it is functioning properly.
Keep an eye on your water usage patterns through the app. Unexpected readings, such as zero when your home is occupied, may signal a connectivity or device issue. While most systems perform self-checks, testing the shut-off function yourself by running the water long enough to trigger the system can help you ensure that it is functioning properly.
The next best safeguard after a whole-home water shut-off device is a smart leak detection system. While they don't offer the same level of protection as a water shut-off device, these systems can be less invasive and more cost-effective to install. They monitor the flow of water in your home and alert you to anything out of the ordinary, but they do not automatically shut off the water if an issue is detected.
Fire prevention: Detecting risk before it becomes loss
Electrical fires are another significant, and often preventable, risk—particularly because many originate from systems that appear to be functioning normally.
Through our partnership with Ting, more than 30,000 PURE-insured homes are protected by this monitoring service that identifies electrical hazards in the home.
Beyond electrical issues, Ting also contains a temperature sensor and can send you low-temperature warnings to help prevent frozen and burst pipes. To date, more than 300 issues have been detected and addressed before they could escalate into serious fires.
Loss prevention that goes beyond the home
PURE Art Services
Caring for your collection with confidence
From fine art and jewelry to wine and collectibles, PURE Art Services provides museum-level expertise to help members protect and preserve what they collect
From fine art and jewelry to wine and collectibles, PURE Art Services provides museum-level expertise to help members protect and preserve what they collect
Teen Driver Program
Protecting what matters most
Designed with member input and grounded in research, PURE’s Teen Driver Program helps families build safer driving habits from the start by combining technology, education and hands-on experience.
Designed with member input and grounded in research, PURE’s Teen Driver Program helps families build safer driving habits from the start by combining technology, education and hands-on experience.
What’s next
Ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, PURE has launched a pilot program in Tampa, Florida, giving members access to secure, elevated parking before severe storms to better protect their vehicles.
We are also piloting two programs that focus on proactive home management, with the goal of helping members address regular maintenance and other issues earlier, more conveniently and with less stress.
