Discounts for Homeowners
Did you know that installing a home security system can potentially earn you a discount on your homeowner's insurance?
With most things getting more expensive, saving on your homeowner's insurance makes financial sense, but a security system can also bring peace of mind.
Insurance carriers offer a discount for home security systems that report to a central station, and some carriers even offer a discount for monitoring systems that alert the homeowner (such as Ring Doorbell and Amazon Blink cameras).
Some alarms monitor for fire and water leaks as well as break-ins, keeping watch on your home in multiple ways.
Here are some additional steps you can take yourself to increase the protection of your home:
- Keep your home locked. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people leave windows or doors unlocked. Make sure that sliding doors and windows have extra security, such as a track lock or dowel in the track.
- Don’t leave a key outside. If you need to provide access to your home while you’re away, leave your key with a trusted neighbor or friend, not under the doormat.
- Keep landscaping shrubs and bushes away from your porch and around your home, as those plants can give thieves a good place to hide. Keep them well-trimmed and ensure that problematic areas can be illuminated with your outdoor lighting.
- If you’re going away on vacation, cancel your newspaper and other deliveries. Ask a neighbor to keep watch.
- Don’t post publicly on social media or leave a message on your answering machine or voicemail indicating that you’ll be away for an extended period.
Simple things like outdoor lights, indoor lights on timers, a dog that barks, and cameras are all deterrents that can help save you hassle and heartache.
If you already have a security system in place, contact your agent to make sure any available discounts are applied to your account.
