Required for Your Home Policy
Water Leak Detection: What Every California Homeowner Needs to Know
Water damage is the number one insurance claim in California. Farmers Insurance now requires a water leak detection device with automatic shutoff on all home policies. Here is everything you need to know about the requirement, the recommended device, and how to get compliant.
Why Water Detection Is Now Required
Water damage costs California homeowners billions of dollars every year. A single burst pipe can flood your home in minutes, destroying flooring, drywall, furniture, and personal belongings. Slow leaks are even more insidious, causing hidden mold growth and structural damage that may go undetected for months.
The numbers tell the story: water damage is responsible for more homeowners insurance claims than fire, theft, and weather events combined. The average water damage claim in California exceeds $12,000, and severe incidents can easily reach $50,000 or more.
To protect homeowners and reduce these devastating losses, Farmers Insurance now requires all policyholders to install an approved water leak detection device with automatic shutoff capability. This requirement applies to new policies and renewals. The device monitors your entire plumbing system around the clock and can shut off your water supply automatically if a leak is detected, preventing a small problem from becoming a catastrophic loss.
Important
This is not optional. If your home does not have an approved water detection device by your next renewal date, your Farmers Insurance home policy may not be renewed. Act now to stay protected.
The Recommended Solution
Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor
How It Works
The Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor installs directly on your main water supply line. Once connected, it continuously monitors water pressure, flow rate, and temperature throughout your entire plumbing system. Using advanced algorithms, it can detect leaks as small as a dripping faucet and as large as a burst pipe.
Investment
Cost Breakdown
Standard Homes
~$750
Includes the Moen Flo device and basic installation for homes with straightforward plumbing, a single water entry point, and easy access to the main water line.
Complex Homes
$1,100 to $1,300
For homes with multiple water entry points, recirculation systems, difficult access to the main line, or older plumbing that requires additional fittings and modifications.
Pro Tip
Compare the installation cost to the average water damage claim of $12,000 or more. The Moen Flo pays for itself the first time it prevents a major leak. Think of it as an investment in your home, not just a policy requirement.
How to Get Started
Where to Buy and How to Install
Purchase the Device
Purchase the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor through the official Farmers Insurance partner page at shop.moen.com/pages/insurance-partner/farmers-insurance. Using this link ensures you get the approved version for policy compliance.
Schedule Installation
We have a local installer available who is experienced with Moen Flo installations in the Stockton area. Call us at (209) 957-1100 and we will connect you. Installation typically takes 1 to 3 hours depending on your home's plumbing configuration.
Set Up and Activate
After installation, connect the Moen Flo to your WiFi network and set up the Moen Smart Water app on your phone. The installer can help with initial setup. Once active, the system begins monitoring immediately and will alert you to any anomalies in your water system.
Confirm Compliance
Once your device is installed and active, contact us at (209) 957-1100 so we can update your policy records and confirm compliance. We will make sure everything is documented properly for your next renewal.
What Happens If You Are Not Compliant
If your home does not have an approved water detection device installed by your policy renewal date, your Farmers Insurance home policy may not be renewed. This means:
- You will need to find a new homeowners insurance carrier, which may be more expensive
- A gap in coverage could violate your mortgage agreement and trigger lender force placed insurance
- Without the device, you remain fully exposed to water damage, which could cost $12,000 or more
- You lose the bundling discount on your auto and other policies that are tied to your Farmers home policy
The bottom line: installing a water detection device is far less expensive and disruptive than dealing with the consequences of noncompliance. Act before your renewal date.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Need Help Getting Compliant?
Call us today and we will walk you through the entire process, from purchasing the device to connecting you with a local installer to confirming compliance on your policy.