Ryan Cook is a Territory Manager with Orion180, who focuses on the states of California and South Carolina. He has received frequent recognition for leading agency teams to high performance with Orion180’s smart tech home product, AWTOS.
Earlier this month, I broke down my AWTOS (Auto Water Turn-Off System) playbook, with tips for increasing AWTOS orders, a guide to overcoming client pushback, and top reasons why AWTOS helps close hard-to-place risks. You can read that post here.
It’s been great to engage with our agent partners on AWTOS, and I’m back with answers to some of the questions I’ve been getting. Read on for a better understanding of AWTOS, the ordering process, and how the system and benefits work for your clients after installation. If you have more AWTOS questions, reach out to your Territory Manager or our support team to learn more.
Real Questions from Our Agent Partners
Can AWTOS be added to existing policies or just new ones?
AWTOS can be added to both existing and new policies.
What if the client is traveling or even out of the country – will the monitoring service app still work?
Yes, the monitoring service app provides real-time alerts and updates no matter where your client is located.
Is the water shut-off device really no cost?
Yes, this device is the heart of the Auto Water Turn-Off System and Orion180 offers it at no cost to policyholders in the sales and adoption process of adding AWTOS. It is professional grade and retails for $499.
Are there other components to AWTOS other than the valve device and the monitoring app?
Yes, there are optional sensors for added leak detection clients can place in other areas of the home such as under sinks and near washing machines. They are available for volume-based discounted purchase. If they purchase 5 or more, the sensors are just $20 per unit.
After clients install AWTOS, does that mean they’re eligible for a 10% refund from their last premium?
No, after proof of professional installation is furnished, they are entitled to receive 10% off their premium (up to $150) at next renewal.
What if the client currently has a sublimit above $10,000?
In this scenario, after AWTOS is installed and endorsed, the insured will receive a pro-rated refund or credit for the difference to a $10,000 sublimit.
Are AWTOS valves one-size-fits-all?
No, homeowners must supply the pipe size of their main water line. AWTOS supports a size range between ½” and 1 ½”. A licensed plumber can accommodate other possible sizes with use of an adapter.
I haven’t quoted with AWTOS before – how do I ensure I am adding it correctly when quoting?
For new quotes, after you log into your MY180 portal, select AWTOS on the Coverages & Quote screen. For in-force policies, navigate to Water Damage Protection on the Savings and Smart Home Add-ons panel. For a full breakdown, take our Orion180 University course AWTOS Overview.
Where can AWTOS be bound?
Currently, it can be added to policies in all of Alabama, and in the surplus lines within California, Florida, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. But AWTOS is continuing to grow in additional areas. It is set to launch soon in Ohio, Georgia, Mississippi, and Arizona.
What exactly does removing plumbing restrictions mean for my clients’ coverage?
Many policies for older homes contain specific exclusions or plumbing restrictions that limit coverage for losses caused by the failure of aging or certain types of piping. When AWTOS is installed and the endorsement is added, those restrictive clauses are removed. Because the system provides 24/7 monitoring and an automatic shut-off, Orion180 is able to offer broader, full-limit protection that standard carriers typically wouldn’t provide for those specific risks.
