Everyone wants their home and their family to be safe, yet only around 20% of homeowners have security systems installed in their homes. What many people don’t know is that your home’s security system can save you money on homeowners insurance.
Although the number of homes with alarm systems has increased over the years, many people still might not know all the ways you can outfit your home to be as safe as possible.
The Benefits of Home Security
Over a million homes are broken into every year. A survey by the Department of Justice showed that a third of home invasions had a household member in the home during the invasion.
In the same survey, 65% of invasions were violent burglaries. It’s important to do what you can to protect your family and your neighborhood from harm. Although you have insurance to replace any stolen or broken items, people cannot be replaced.
There are several ways to protect your home from home invasions, fires, and other major damages to your home. Because of this, insurance providers will offer discounts on the different safety features such as:
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke detectors
- Deadbolts
- Alarms
- Home monitoring systems
In 2010, the FBI conducted a survey which showed that burglary victims lost an estimated $4.6 billion in property damages. That’s over $2,000 for each offense! This doesn’t even account for the emotional and mental turmoil homeowners may endure after an invasion.
Since home invasion claims can get quite large, your homeowners insurance can increase drastically after a single claim.
Discounts on Home Security Systems
According to ADT, a burglary occurs every 18 seconds. The FBI also reports that homes without security systems are 3 times more likely to experience a home invasion.
In addition to stopping a commonly occurring problem for homeowners, installing monitored safety and security devices in your home can reduce your homeowner’s insurance.
Monitored security and safety systems can get quite expensive, but there are other ways you can also save money on homeowners insurance. Homeowners can save up to 20% of their homeowners premiums by taking proper safety precautions.
Types of Discounts on Safety Features
Did you know that by the year 2000, almost 40% of US neighborhoods were a part of a citizen crime-watching program? Block watches and neighborhood watch programs have shown a decrease in crime when properly executed.
However, the most effective and safest way to protect your home is to install different safety measures. Installing each of these features can save you 2 to 5% of your homeowners insurance. Homeowners can save up to 20% on their homeowners premiums.
Be sure to check the maximum policy credit with your insurance providers. Some insurers will only discount 10% of your homeowners premium. This means if you have a $1,500 premium, you’ll save $150 annually, or $13 a month.
Even if you can’t afford an entire security system, there are other devices you can install for a one-time cost that’ll save your home from a number of risks!
Smart Locks
Smart locks can include locks such as keypads, keyless sensor locks, and dual-locking systems. These locks are great for homes that have had a break and enter occur before, and want extra protection from knowledgeable intruders.
Keypad locks are also great for homes with kids (and adults alike) who often misplace their keys, leaving them locked out, or accidentally triggering an alarm system by breaking in.
Deadbolts
Deadbolt locks are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to add extra protection to your home. You can find deadbolt locks in almost every hardware store. Deadbolt locks have even advanced to smart locks that connect to your phone.
Sensors and Detectors
Smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, and gas detectors can prevent numerous disasters in your home. Many systems now include a digital component to the sensors which notify your phone if an incident occurs.
Many states require homes to install basic sensors and detectors by law. This ensures not just your home’s safety, but the safety of surrounding homes. This is especially important in the event of a fire.
Burglar Alarms
Also known as audible alarms, these systems are triggered by entering intruders. The alarm goes off and notifies the security company. The company will then phone you to see if you’re okay and safe. If you’re unable to answer the phone, the authorities will be notified and will arrive promptly.
Depending on how advanced your system is, the alarm will also notify your phone if you’re not home. This means your home is safe no matter where you are.
Monitored Security System
Monitored systems, similarly to alarm systems, will also notify you if an invader enters your home. However, these systems have extensive systems which will also connect your other safety features and devices such as your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Monitored systems ensure that your entire property, including your yard, driveway, and street, are protected and monitored. If any system is triggered, both you and your security company are notified of the incident.
Wanna see what kind of discounts you can get on your homeowners insurance? Call Quote Purple to speak with one of our partners today!