The Discovery 911 Smoke detector is an always on smoke detection device that sounds a loud in home alarm and automatically alerts the homeowner and Discovery Insure's 24/7 emergency response network. When smoke is detected, professional fire response is coordinated even if no one is home or able to respond.

The Discovery 911 Smoke detector is available nationwide to both Discovery Insure clients and the general public, nationwide.

When it comes to fighting a fire, every second matters. What often delays fire response is that people may be away from home, asleep, injured, or unsure who to call for help. The Discovery 911 Smoke detector fundamentally changes this. By automating early fire detection, emergency escalation and response coordination, it removes reliance on human intervention at a critical point in time, and ensures direct access to the right response teams.

While fire risk may feel low on a day to day basis, Discovery Insure data shows that residential fires occur consistently every year and increase during the colder months. Most fires are caused by everyday household activities or processes such as cooking incidents; the use of heating equipment; electrical faults; inverter and solar related faults; incorrectly designed, installed or maintained flues and chimneys; and environmental factors such as lightning or natural veld fires that spread to residential properties.

These common and often unavoidable risks reinforce the need for an automated fire detection system that responds immediately at the first sign of fire, and connects homes and residents directly to rapid emergency response. It comes down to rapid fire detection, and rapid, professional fire response.

Yes. The Discovery Insure app needs to be installed on a client's phone. The smoke detector device setup is facilitated via the app, and the device will not work until the setup is completed. Access the Discovery Insure app.

Standard smoke alarms rely on someone being at home to hear the alarm and act, with knowledge of the right process to follow. The Discovery 911 smoke detector and surrounding support ecosystem automates both the fire detection and rapid-response process, bringing in quick, emergency escalation and response coordination, and removing reliance on human intervention (enabling professional fire response to be dispatched even if the homeowner is away or unable to respond).

When smoke is detected, a loud alarm sounds inside the home, and an alert is sent to the homeowner via the Discovery Insure app (the first point of communication to the client), and the incident is automatically escalated to Discovery Insure's 24/7 emergency call centre. Discovery Insure's emergency response team follows verification processes to help distinguish between false alarms and real emergencies, balancing rapid response with responsible escalation: The team will first try to contact the client to verify the alert incident, determine whether assistance is required, and then coordinate the immediate dispatch of private fire response services. If the response team determines that the alert was false, the response will be cancelled (clients can also cancel false alerts through the Discovery Insure app).

If Discovery Insure's emergency response team is unable to reach the homeowner they will proceed with escalation protocols and coordinate the dispatch of fire response services.

The fire response coordinated through Discovery Insure's emergency call centre, links clients to a professional national fire response network. This network includes Discovery Insure's FireForce - a fire-fighting project launched in 2022.

It uses two AA batteries, which will be included in the packaging. These generally last two to three years before needing to be replaced.

No. There are no additional costs for emergency response services dispatched through the Discovery 911 Smoke detector. Contract T&C's apply.

Please go to the Discovery website to purchase a Discovery 911 smoke detector or contact your Discovery Insure financial adviser for guidance.

When Discovery Insure's emergency response team contacts clients following a smoke detector alert, they will assess the situation and ask whether medical assistance is required. If medical support is needed, the team will coordinate access to appropriate emergency medical services in addition to fire response services.

The device uses Sigfox 0G technology, a low power, long range network that does not rely on Wi Fi or standard mobile networks. This allows the smoke detector (which is battery-operated) to remain connected during loadshedding and GSM outages.

The device is designed for nationwide use, with private fire response partners dispatched based on location and service availability. When new clients apply for a smoke detector, they are asked to enter the address (where the smoke detector/s will be installed), and Discovery Insure immediately checks that location to ensure Sigfox network coverage. The client will be able to continue with their onboarding if connectivity is established. The process is also repeated when the device is set up in the home to ensure the chosen location has connectivity.

No. The Discovery 911 Smoke detector does not record audio or video and does not monitor household activity. It only detects smoke and transmits alerts solely for emergency response purposes.

The smoke detector uses two AA batteries, which are included in the packaging. The batteries should be replaced annually (optimal) but will typically last two years. Replacing the batteries is easy to do for the client.

Clients will receive a notification on the Discovery Insure app that the batteries are low, and the smoke detector device also provides a blinking red light to show low battery.

The smoke detector has an expected lifespan of up to 10 years and should be tested periodically to ensure it is functioning correctly. The Discovery Insure app specifically allows testing.

No servicing or maintenance is required (excluding changing the batteries every year, as explained above).

The box containing the unit features a QR code which, once scanned on a cellphone, opens up a digital manual that explains how to install the unit and where to consider installing it.

The device can be installed by the homeowner using a screw on mounting plate or strong double sided tape. No wiring or professional installation is required.

The number of smoke detectors required depends on the size, layout and number of levels in a home. Each smoke detector covers ±60 sqm. Discovery Insure advises that smoke detectors be installed wherever there is a high risk of fire. This includes areas housing inverters or solar system batteries, flammable substances (such as in a garage), kitchens or lapas, and areas with fireplaces. Clients can base the decision of how many detectors they may need on the high-risk areas in their home.

The box containing the unit features a QR code which, once scanned on a cellphone, opens up a digital manual that explains how to install the unit and where to consider installing it (also see high-risk areas mentioned above).

Upfront cost: R400 per smoke detector (once off)

Monthly servicing fee:

• 1 smoke detector: R75 per month
• 2 smoke detectors: R100 per month (for two, in total)
• 3 to 5 smoke detectors: R110 per month (for up to five, in total)

The monthly servicing fee covers continuous connectivity, monitoring, and access to Discovery Insure's 24/7 emergency response network, including the coordination of private fire response services when required.

Installing a Discovery 911 smoke detector does not reduce a household insurance premium. However, it plays an important role in reducing the impact of fire related incidents. Early smoke detection combined with automatic emergency escalation can significantly limit the extent of damage to a home and its contents, as well as enhancing the personal safety of people in the home when a fire breaks out. By enabling faster response when a fire occurs - even if no one is home or able to act - the Discovery 911 smoke detector helps protect property, reduce potential losses and improve overall safety outcomes.

The Smoke Detector forms part of the Discovery 911 suite, which extends Discovery Insure's emergency response network beyond vehicles and into the home, providing always on safety support.

More information, including pricing and product details, is available in the Discovery 911 Smoke detector one pager and on the Discovery Insure website or through:

• Email: insuremaintenance@discovery.co.za
• Phone: 0860 751 751

Discovery 911 safety devices help you get fast, professional medical and security assistance in an emergency. The range currently includes:

• The Discovery 911 panic button
• The Discovery 911 virtual panic button
• The Discovery 911 smoke detector

These safety devices are available to the general public, not only to existing Discovery clients.

The Discovery 911 panic button is a compact, portable safety device roughly the size of a folding car key. It connects you to professional emergency assistance with a single press. This device uses the Sigfox 0G network and other mobile location technologies to send your location and your device's location.

We use proprietary Crowd Search technology, a state-of-the-art wireless solution that helps us locate your device. When a Discovery Insure client with the app installed is near you, we can use their cellphone's location services to help find you.

Sigfox 0G is a dedicated, low-power wireless network designed specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It sends your location directly to the emergency response system. This means the device does not rely on your phone's data connection, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It operates as a fully independent communication tool. Additionally, as a low-power network, Sigfox is gentle on device batteries, extending battery life significantly compared to devices that rely on GPS.

Together, these technologies mean the device knows where you are and can share that with responders without any involvement from your phone. It works without an Android or Apple smartphone, without an internet connection on your phone and without you needing to unlock an app or make a call. It is designed for the moments when using a phone is difficult, impossible or unsafe.

The Discovery 911 virtual panic button is a feature built directly into the Discovery Insure app. You can buy it as a standalone product on a subscription basis or get it at no extra cost (from 14 August 2026) when you buy the physical panic button. It lets you choose medical or security help from your phone with a single tap on the app's home screen. Importantly, you can use it without logging in, making it fast and convenient. It connects to the same professional emergency response network as the physical panic button.

The main difference is whether you want to depend on your smartphone or be independent of it.

• To The virtual panic button is available through the Discovery Insure app, so you need to download it to use the button and its options. You also need your phone with you, charged and within reach.
• NOTE TO HUAWEI USERS:The Discovery Insure app is supported on Apple and Android phones. If you have a Huawei phone, you may have trouble accessing the app's full functionality and setting up your panic button.
• The physical panic button is a standalone device. It works entirely on its own, even if your phone has been stolen, is out of battery or is out of reach. You'll still need the Discovery Insure app to set up your device, receive important notifications and to make sure it's working.

Both connect to the same Discovery 911 emergency response system. We route alerts to the AURA safety network, which connects you to security or medical emergency services.

You can choose to buy one or the other. However, from 14 August 2026, everyone who buys the physical panic button automatically gets access to the virtual panic button at no extra cost. Together, they give you complete, layered protection, whether your phone is with you or not.

The physical and virtual panic buttons are available to the public. You don't need to have a Discovery Insure plan or any other Discovery product to subscribe. Find out more about subscribing to these offerings.

Yes. They are both designed for individuals, couples and families of up to five users, with affordability built in: the more people you cover, the more cost-effective it becomes per person.

The physical panic button costs R70 a month for one user, R95 a month for two users and R140 a month for up to five users. This means you can cover a family of five for as little as R28 for each person a month. Each user under a family subscription can carry their own physical device, and every user automatically gets access to the virtual panic button through the Discovery Insure app at no extra cost.

You can get the virtual panic button as a standalone subscription for R55 a month for one user, R70 a month for two users, and R100 a month for a family of five (R20 for each person at the family tier).

You pay no activation fee for the virtual panic button, but a once-off R900 activation fee applies for each physical panic button. You can pay it upfront or spread it across monthly instalments.

The emergency response is powered by two trusted providers in South Africa:

AURA is South Africa's largest smart security response network. Alerts are routed through AURA's intelligent dispatch platform, which identifies and deploys the closest available armed responder in real time. AURA's network covers more than 5,400 armed responders and 2,500 response vehicles nationwide, with an average response time of under 10 minutes.

Netcare 911 is a nationally recognised emergency medical services provider. When a medical alert is triggered, Netcare 911 dispatches professional paramedics from a fleet of over 200 vehicles and more than 1,300 paramedics operating across South Africa.

If you do not have medical aid, you must pay the cost for the ambulance and medical services provided after an alert. If you have medical aid, it covers these costs, depending on your plan and available cover. Your panic button subscription covers the cost of the emergency response service, not the medical treatment.

Our devices work best in metropolitan areas.

In many emergencies, your phone might be out of reach, its battery could be low or it might be stolen. You might also be under extreme stress, making it hard to use your phone to call for help.

The physical Discovery 911 panic button removes that complexity with a single, dedicated button.You do not need to unlock a screen, find an app, or make a call.

The device is also useful in many everyday situations. If you run, walk or cycle alone, it provides a discreet layer of reassurance with no need to reach for a phone, and it means you can leave your phone at home while exercising. If you commute or travel, you can keep it in your bag or keyring. If you're navigating an unfamiliar or higher-risk area, it means you can call for help quickly without using your phone.

In families, it does even more. Parents of older children or teenagers who are becoming more independent can give them this device to connect them to a professional emergency response, no matter where they are or whether they have their phone charged and accessible. For adults supporting older parents or parents living alone, the physical panic button offers the confidence that a single press will bring help, with no technical knowledge or smartphone needed.

When you press and hold the button, the following happens automatically:

1. A distress alert is sent, along with your precise location, using the Sigfox 0G network and Crowd Search (a state-of-the-art wireless solution that enables Discovery to locate devices).
2. The alert is received by the AURA emergency response system and assessed.
3. AURA's team attempts to contact you on your registered phone number to determine whether you need security or medical assistance.
4. Your alert is routed to the appropriate emergency partner - AURA for security, Netcare 911 for medical.
5. If you cannot answer or do not have your phone with you, an emergency security response is automatically dispatched to your location.

You do not need to choose between medical and security help on the device itself. The response team decides based on contact with you. If contact fails, help (security response) is sent regardless.

When an alert is triggered, trained emergency response professionals handle the dispatch. Your Discovery 911 safety device will connect you to South Africa's largest emergency response networks:

• AURA manages security response, deploying over 5,400 armed responders across more than 2,500 vehicles nationwide, with an average response time of under ten minutes.
• Netcare 911 manages medical response, deploying a fleet of over 200 vehicles and more than 1,300 paramedics across South Africa.

When you first set up your device, you are prompted to add up to three emergency contacts. If AURA cannot reach you, they will contact your emergency contacts.

Help is still activated. This is one of the most important features of both the virtual and physical panic buttons. If responders are unable to reach you after an alert is triggered, emergency security response is automatically dispatched to your location. You do not need to explain the situation, confirm your address, or stay on the line. Pressing the button is all you need to do.

The physical panic button works anywhere in South Africa where there is Sigfox 0G network coverage. Emergency response services are provided throughout the country.

The device is small, discreet, and lightweight -roughly the size of a folding car key(dimensions: 70 mm x 30 mm x 10 mm). It is designed to be carried easily and always kept close. Common ways to carry it include on a keyring, in a bag or handbag, in a jacket or trouser pocket, or clipped to a bag strap. It is not designed to draw attention - it is intended to be part of your everyday essentials, always within reach.

The physical panic button's value extends significantly for families:

• For younger children: The device is designed for simplicity. One press triggers the full response. There are no apps to open, no screens to navigate, and no calls to make. It is suitable for any family member who is old enough to understand how to use it. The subscription will be linked to a registered adult account.
• For children and teenagers: It provides a simple, one-press way to call for help during after-school activities, social outings, sports or any situation where they are without a parent. It removes the complexity of unlocking a phone in a stressful moment.
• For parentsIt offers reassurance that an independent, phone-free backup is always available for you and your children.
• For elderly family members or those with caregivers: It provides a straightforward, single-action method to request emergency assistance without navigating a smartphone. This is particularly valuable for those who feel less comfortable with technology or have medical conditions that make using a phone difficult

The physical panic button has a long-lasting, rechargeable 450 mAh, 3.7 V lithium-polymer battery. It does not need daily or frequent charging. You will receive a low-battery notification before the battery dies (through the Discovery Insure app), so you are never caught without a charged device.

The battery is charged with the included USB-C cable. Full care and charging instructions are provided in the user manual supplied with your device. As the device uses the low-power Sigfox network, the battery life lasts much longer than devices that rely on GPS.

Expected battery life:

• Default mode: Three months
• Distress mode: 12 hours

The device uses indicator lights to show its status. For example, when it sends an alert, when it is charging and when it is fully charged. You will find a complete guide to the light indicators included in the user manual provided with your device.

Here's an overview:

Charging light

• Amber (solid): Device is charging.
• Green (solid): Device is fully charged.

Status light

• White (one pulse): Device activated (first-ever button press only).

Battery notifications

• Green (brief pulse): Battery level is good (equal to or more than 50%).
• Amber (brief pulse): Battery level is low (less than 50%); charging recommended.
• Red (brief flash): Battery level is critical (less than 25%); charge immediately.

Distress mode

• Red (breathing): Distress mode is active.
• Amber (flashing) - TBC: Distress message is being sent.
• Flash: Fast blinking with no fading.
• Red (solid): Distress alert has been received and acknowledged.

TrackMe mode

• Green (breathing): TrackMe mode is active and sending location data at a high rate.

LED behaviour definitions

• Solid: LED stays on for three seconds, then fades off.
• Pulse: Three slow on-off pulses with fading transitions.
• Flash: Fast blinking with no fading.
• Breathing: Continuous smooth fade in and fade out.

Accidental activations happen, and they are handled with complete understanding. If you press the button by mistake, responders will contact you to check if you need help. Simply let them know it was an accident, and no response will be dispatched. There is no penalty for accidental activations. You can also cancel the activation through the Insure app.

The physical panic button does not continuously track or share your location. It sends your location only when you press the button and trigger an alert. We do not collect or monitor any ongoing location data.

The virtual panic button needs always-on location services to work, because it uses your phone's GPS to send your last known location to AURA only when you activate it.

No. Like all safety devices, the panic buttons are a response tool, not a deterrent. It is designed to dramatically reduce the time between an emergency and the dispatch of professional help. Its value lies in the speed and reliability of the response it activates.

Yes, you must download the Discovery Insure app to activate and set up your physical panic button. You register your device and link it to your profile in the app, and the app is how you receive important notifications, such as low-battery alerts and confirmation that your device is active and connected.

As part of this process, all physical panic button users automatically get the virtual panic button, which is built into the Discovery Insure app home screen. This means that when you download the app to activate your physical device, you also unlock the virtual panic button, giving you a second, phone-based layer of emergency access at no extra cost.

The virtual panic button is ideal when you have your phone with you, charged and with quick access to the Discovery Insure app. It provides the same professional emergency response as the physical panic button, and because it is on your phone, it is always available when your phone is. You can access it from the app's home screen without logging in, which makes it faster to use than navigating deeper into the app.

The virtual panic button is available on the Discovery Insure app's home screen (logged out).

Yes. Unlike the physical panic button, the virtual panic button lets you choose whether you need medical or security assistance before you trigger an alert. Your request is then routed directly to the appropriate emergency partner - Netcare 911 for a medical response or AURA for a security response.

No. You can access the virtual panic button from the Discovery Insure app's home screen when you are logged out. This is an important design feature - in an emergency, you don't need to remember your login details to get help.

The physical panic button has a once-off device cost of R900 for each device (which can be paid upfront or spread over 12-monthly instalments), plus a monthly service fee depending on the number of users under your subscription:

The virtual panic button is included at no extra cost for all users of the physical panic button.

The virtual panic button is available without an upfront device cost.

Monthly service fees are:

There is no contract term, and you can cancel the service at any time (subject to cancellation fees if you cancel within the first 12 months of signing up).

No. The virtual panic button is included at no extra cost for all users of the physical panic button.

Yes. The virtual panic button is available as a standalone option.

Please refer to the product terms and conditions available at www.discovery.co.za or by calling 0860 751 751 for full details on subscription terms, cancellation conditions and any notice periods that apply.

No. Both panic buttons are available to the public, and no other Discovery policy or product is needed to sign up. You can access the offering directly.

You can buy a Discovery 911 panic button by visiting the Discovery website.

For full details, visit www.discovery.co.za or call 0860 751 751.

No. Services are restricted for use within the Republic of South Africa. The device and emergency response network are configured for South African coverage only.

Yes. Discovery Insure processes all personal information in line with applicable South African privacy legislation, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Your location is shared only with emergency response partners when you trigger an alert. It is not stored or used for any other purpose.

Full product rules, terms and conditions apply.

These are available at www.discovery.co.za or by calling 0860 751 751.

Discovery Telematic Services (Pty) Ltd, which provides the panic button service, is a licensed security business under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (registration number: 2019/585012/07), incorporated in South Africa with limited liability.

• Learn more about Discovery 911:
• Explore the physical Discovery 911 Panic Button:
• Access the virtual panic button via the Discovery Insure app:
• Call us: 0860 751 751
• Visit us: www.discovery.co.za