If you’re anything like us, you’re probably searching for ways to save on your homeowner’s insurance. Well, you might be surprised to learn that the key to getting the best deal on homeowner’s insurance is to protect your home. Of course, you’ll have to buy a home security system (samurai sword won’t suffice), but thankfully today’s systems are becoming more and more affordable. Show
With this in mind, we’ve tested the best home security options available, and we’ve found that installing an alarm could shave up to 20% off your premium. 20%! That’s a good chunk of change back in your pocket. Did You Know: You can save hundreds of dollars every year while also benefiting from the peace of mind of home protection. And it makes sense, as the better protected you are, the less likely you are to file a homeowner’s insurance claim. Insurance companies must know that security systems work! That said, scoring the discount is not always so cut-and-dry. That’s why we created this resource on home security and home insurance discounts. So without further ado, let’s jump right in. Does Home Security Lower Home Insurance?In most cases, you should be able to lower your homeowner’s insurance premium by installing an alarm system (smoke detectors and deadbolts are also great ways to save here). However, keep in mind that the discount will differ from company to company. Note that most brands will advertise this on their site, and they’ll even have a Certificate to download to give to your insurance provider. How Much Can I Save on Home Insurance with a Security System?The exact discount that you’ll receive on your home insurance premium varies depending on several factors and features discussed below. But it’s worth mentioning that while some brands advertise a 20% discount, you’re more likely to find around a 10% savings. Still, $50-$100 back in the bank is nothing to sneeze at, right? Unfortunately, the only way to find out the exact savings is by reaching out to your insurance provider and getting a quote. FYI: To learn exactly how much you can save, you’ll want to contact your insurance provider, as they can give you a custom quote. That said, the owner of a $2 million home outfitted with an alarm, cameras, smart smoke detectors, etc. will save much more money than the owner of a small home with just entryway sensors installed. Security System Features for the Most Savings on Your PolicyWe’ve rounded up the best features to look for in a home security system to get the most savings on your homeowner’s insurance policy. From professional monitoring, to environmental hazard protections, cameras, and smart locks, these are all features we recommend even without considering insurance savings (after all — you want to keep the bad guys out, right?). Here they are in no particular order:
Cove Flood Sensor
SimpliSafe – Smoke Detector
Deep Sentinel Outdoor Camera
Vivint Smart Lock Options Which Home Security Companies Can Help to Lower Home Insurance?Remember, not all home security systems offer a discount on home insurance. If you go with a DIY brand (self-install) that doesn’t offer professional monitoring, you’ll be out of luck. That said, considering how cheap DIY systems are these days, you probably won’t miss the 10% to 20% insurance savings. Because remember, professional monitoring requires a monthly fee (typically $25-$45 per month), and monitoring is required for the insurance cost savings. So you’ll want to do the math to ensure your dollars make cents, if you know what we mean. Pro Tip: If you’re like most homeowners, you probably forget to lock your door from time to time, or maybe you’ve accidentally left your garage door open before going to bed (oops!). All of these mishaps increase your risk by tempting a would-be burglar who might be casing the neighborhood. So never underestimate the importance of cultivating safe habits around your home. In other words, lock up! Fortunately, there are smart home security systems that allow you to lock your doors from anywhere or send instant notifications to your smartphone when your garage door is left open. Since these features lower risk, many insurance companies offer even greater discounts for folks who have them. Here are some home security companies that offer advanced security features:
Vivint Smart Home Equipment
Blue by ADT App
Frontpoint – Outdoor Camera
SimpliSafe Wireless Keypad Menu Is a Home Security System Tax Deductible?The home security industry offers us tons of variety and flexibility these days, a far cry from the strict contracts and unsightly equipment we encountered in older, wired systems. But one thing hasn’t changed: If you’re using your system to protect personal property and not your business, you can’t claim a tax deduction. We wish we had better news here, but by and large, home security systems are considered nondeductible expenses by the IRS. The exception, though, is if you use part of your home to run a business, like a home office. If that’s you, remember this: While you won’t be able to claim a deduction for the cost of the system, you can claim a portion of it as a business expense. We recommend discussing this in more detail with a professional tax accountant or preparer. Where Can I Find a Home Security System?Do you need a security system but don't know how to choose from the seemingly endless options out there? If so, we recommend comparing systems on our site. We’ve painstakingly compared all of the major professionally-installed and DIY systems to help you find the best home security system for your needs. We have reviewed all of the major systems and compared things like monitoring fees, features, and more. Get started today and enjoy a home security package that meets your needs. And don’t forget — home protection can bring more than peace of mind. You might even get a discount on your home insurance! Will security system reduce homeowners insurance?Can Purchasing a Home Security System Decrease My Homeowners Insurance? On average, installing monitored safety and security devices in your home can reduce your homeowner's insurance up to 20 percent.
How much of discount do you get for home security system?Many insurance companies offer discounts for policyholders who install home security systems. While the amount can vary from one insurer to another, homeowners can receive discounts of up to 10% for having such home safety systems in place.
Is it worth paying for a home security system?Studies have shown that having a home security system significantly reduces the chance of crime at the property. In fact, about 60% of convicted burglars said that they would not target homes that have a security system.
How much does vivint save on homeowners insurance?Save up to $650*
Vivint Insurance has already saved customers hundreds of dollars on average on their home and auto policies.
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