We provide homeowners insurance that can give you assurance that you will have funds for costly repairs. however, lowering your policy premiums includes making sure your home is as secure as possible. This more than likely will involve setting up security systems using technology that keeps you ahead of the burglars.
The Evolution of Security Systems
We understand that home security has changed since the World War II generation. Gone are the days when homeowners hired “doorshakers” to physically check each door lock. Now, a variety of do-it-yourself and full-service options are available to anyone wanting to protect their house. Setting up the right security system also can lower the cost of your home insurance policy.
What Changes in Home Security Has Brought
Security solutions have advanced far beyond that of 1940s electromagnetic door contacts. Learning what you can do to protect your home is part of our mission in providing you the best possible insurance coverage.
Companies offering home alarms and other security systems offer the opportunity for you to choose how involved you want to be in your unit’s setup. Both custom and standard packages are available, and they include one or more of the following features:
- Smart cameras – Placement of cameras all over the house can be viewed from most devices. They usually correspond to apps on mobile phones. They often work along with sensors.
- Sensors — This includes a variety of types of motion detection technology. For instance, many homeowners might consider systems that look for interruptions or changes in wireless signals. Other types of security systems use classic infrared light detection.
- Flood lights – Alarm companies often install these to work with doorbells, sensors and alarms. We always advise our customers to keep their properties as well-lit as possible to keep burglars at bay or for easier identification if caught in the act.
- Keyless systems — We cannot guarantee that it will lower your insurance premiums. However, we recommend it because it gives you more choices. We also sometimes advise clients seeking hybrid systems that include both a key and a code.
- Home automation — One thing we tell people seeking homeowners insurance is this: Keep as many lights on as possible. However, you can take this advice a step further. Automation can help you make it look like someone is home at random times. For instance, you can set the lights, TV or even dishwasher to run while you are gone. Any amount if feeling that someone is home should scare off most intruders.
Do-it-Yourself vs. Full Service
When it comes to choosing the best security plan for your home, we believe that decision is best left to you. Our insurance agents cannot choose for you and would not want you to be uncomfortable with your choice. We can tell you the advantages of both types of systems though.
Why DIY?
The DIY options are probably perfect for you if you’d rather spend more time than money setting up your service. As a bonus, you could save money on installation costs if you have experience setting up security systems. Some of these types, however, have a short learning curve even if you never previously set up a system.
We also realize the need for you to have control over the features. DIY systems offer just that. In fact, we often hear that our insurance clients have set up a system themselves because they pick and choose the components and services they most need.
Why Full Service?
To meet insurance policy requirements, you do not necessarily need to have all the “bells and whistles.” Not all full-service features are necessary in every situation. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to at least explore what a fully automated system could provide. Here are some available options:
- Video surveillance – This is probably one of the most important functions most of our insurance clients seek out when choosing a full-service plan. This ensures that any suspicious activity is documented in case of a burglary.
- Remote access – At any time throughout the workday, homeowners can see all activity on the premises. It also allows for actions such as checking all smart locks are secure even from miles away from home.
- Smoke and CO2 detection – This has become standard. These services often are provided along with emergency preparedness features in case of a fire, gas leak or other potentially fatal incident occurs. Using a full-service system, These alarms can save lives and can prevent property damage even if no one is home.
- Medical alerts – These types of alerts are made available in similar ways as would a burglary. The paramedics are alerted, and responders come to the house as soon as possible in a medical emergency.
- Central monitoring – We mention this option to homeowners because it offers total control. It encompasses a variety of features such as checking on the house away from home and setting up automation intervals, reporting of unusual motion activity, and control of heating and cooling services.
Full-service options also typically provide apps and smartphone usage. They also usually are connected to text messaging for instance alerts. no matter where a homeowner may be. Some people even control their homes from thousands of miles away.
The Future of Home Alarm Systems
Technology never stops. We will continue to keep our customers alert on the best ways to secure their homes. Some preventive methods could even save you hundreds of dollars per year or more in repair or replacement costs.
However, we also believe that any amount of security is better than no security. For example, some people have guard dogs, safes, locks with keys, and more.
Neighborhood watches have also proven to be effective in some ways. Locking windows before leaving town and having someone watch your home while away also are helpful.
We also urge homeowners to be careful what you say on social media. Don’t make yourself any more vulnerable than you have to.
We have plenty of options for people seeking homeowners insurance. Please contact us as soon as possible, and we will help you choose the policy features you need and make recommendations concerning home security.
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