Home Insurance Discounts for Home Security

Local Alarms

Who does it alert and how?

A local alarm system is almost always an audible alarm. This type of home security is intended to alert home occupants and neighbors of a detected threat (such as a fire or an intruder). 

Who sets it up and how does it function?

A local alarm will usually require a contractor for setup, since it calls for electrical work. There are usually no cameras involved, and this level of security system is fully functional without the use of an app or security company.

How much does it cost and how much will it save me on my home insurance?

This is the lowest level security system that a homeowner could use, so it will be the cheapest option, but it will also result in lower discounts.

Smart Alarms

Who does it alert and how?

A smart alarm system is usually an audible alarm, but there are some silent alarm options, as well. This type of home security is intended to alert the homeowner of a detected threat (such as a fire or an intruder), even when they are away from home! It will also usually alert any home occupants or neighbors.

Who sets it up and how does it function?

A smart alarm system is almost always designed to be set up by the homeowner, but you can opt to have a security company set up the cameras and sensors in the best spots for your home. This level of security system relies on an app to be fully operational.

How much does it cost and how much will it save me on my home insurance?

The cost and discounts associated with a smart alarm system will vary depending on the extent of the security system. A doorbell alarm, for example, will be cheaper than a full system of internal and external cameras, but it will result in lower discounts.

Central Alarms

Who does it alert and how?

A central alarm system can be audible, silent, or even provide both options through the same system. This type of home security is intended to alert the authorities, the homeowner, and any home occupants or neighbors of a detected threat (such as a fire or an intruder). A central alarm system is meant to ensure the quickest possible response to a danger in your home by contacting the authorities on the homeowner’s behalf when necessary.

Who sets it up and how does it function?

A central alarm is set up and monitored by the professionals. A security company will ensure that the cameras and sensors are set up properly and in the best spots for your home. That same company will also monitor your home and respond on your behalf to any detected dangers. Depending on the company, that service is likely to be available around the clock. In order to get you the help you need quickly, the professional security company is likely to contact the fire department without waiting for your consent. However, most companies will wait for your green light before contacting the police.

How much does it cost and how much will it save me on my home insurance?

This is the highest level of security available for your home. As such, it will be the most expensive option. Many companies require a monthly payment for their monitoring services. It will also result in the highest discounts for your home insurance policy, with some insurance carriers granting up to a 20% discount for central alarm systems.

Related Reading: Common Home Security FAQs

Other Home Security Measures

There are several insurance carriers who will give discounts to homeowners with full home security systems. Some of these carriers will also give discounts for homeowners with other home security measures. This includes:

• Deadbolts on all external doors. To qualify for this discount, every external door must have a deadbolt. Ask an insurance agent
• Smart locks. This includes keypads, sensor fobs, and facial recognition systems. Some insurance discounts may come from combining any of these security measures with deadbolting all of your external doors.
• Sprinkler or fog systems. A sprinkler system triggered by a smoke detector or a fog system triggered by a window sensor are great ways to reduce the damage caused by a fire or an intruder, and your insurance carrier may give you a significant discount for it!
• Gated communities. With or without a security guard, living in a gated community provides an extra layer of safety to your home and may get you a discount on your home insurance. The discount may be greater if you do have a security guard, especially one posted around the clock.

It’s worth noting that these discounts benefit renters and landlords, as well. A great example of this would be an apartment complex with fire sprinklers installed in each unit. The landlord will get a discount on the landlord insurance policy for the apartment complex. Additionally, the renters will get discounts on their renters insurance policies.

How to Get Insurance Discounts for Home Security

At TGS Insurance Agency, our goal is to shop our roster of over 55 A-rated carriers to find you the best deal on your insurance. Maximizing your discounts is one of our favorite ways to do that! Several of our insurance carriers, including Allied Trust, Encompass, SageSure and Travelers, offer great discounts for home security. Contact one of our expert agents to start saving money on your home insurance today!