Increase Your Home Security and Lower Your Insurance Cost

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Keeping your home safe is a high priority for many people. The time you spend relaxing and enjoying your house is meant to feel secure.

However, with home invasions rising, it could be a little harder to feel safe inside your home. The good news is that you can easily keep yourself safe and protected with a few simple security measures.

On top of that, you might even notice some long-term savings for your added security. You can easily find insurance discounts for smart-home security additions you make to your home. 

Here are the best ways to increase your home security and lower insurance costs.

Smart Locks Keep Unwanted Guests Out of Your Home

While standard locks can be an excellent way to protect your home, smart locks can take your security a step further. These locks can come in various styles and functions, so it’s easy to find an option that fits your needs.

Keypad Smart Locks

This style of the smart lock is often the most frequently seen. Rather than worrying about a key to unlock your door, you simply need to enter the code you chose and programmed into the lock. 

You can share your code with others who are allowed to enter your home, removing the need for spare keys left around. Getting rid of hidden spare keys can help reduce your chances of a home invasion. 

App-Programmed Smart Locks

Smart locks without keypads will rely on a downloadable app on your phone. Rather than entering a code, your door will unlock through the app. 

App-programmed smart locks have their pros and cons. On the one hand, you can ensure that no one will be able to access your lock without your app. However, on the other hand, if your phone is dead or there is no wireless connection, you may not be able to enter your home.

Fingerprint Locks

The least common smart lock option is using your fingerprint to enter your home. However, fingerprints are impossible to lose, steal, or duplicate. Therefore, choosing this kind of smart entry guarantees that no one will be able to enter your home unless their fingerprint is approved.

While smart locks are an excellent security choice, they do have some disadvantages. If the power goes out, you may not be able to use your keypad, app, or fingerprint scanner to access your house. 

However, most smart locks contain a keyhole for standard entry, so if you find yourself with a dead phone battery or no electricity, you still have the option to enter as long as you have your spare key on hand. 

No matter which smart lock you choose, these gadgets can make a great addition to your home security system. 

Smart Doorbells Grant You Visual Access From Anywhere

Including a smart doorbell in your home security system is essential to keep your home safe. Smart doorbells are equipped with cameras that allow you to see what’s happening on your porch — even when you’re not at home.

These cameras are often motion activated, so even if someone doesn’t actively ring your doorbell, the camera will pick up on the activity and alert you to movement. You can then open your connected app and view who is on your porch.

Some smart doorbells also allow you to communicate with people on your porch. So, if someone was attempting to find a way to enter your home, you could quickly deter them with a verbal warning. 

Another great feature of these gadgets is their recording capabilities. If someone were to gain access to your home, your smart camera would record their face and allow you to catch them with your footage quickly. 

Smart Security Allows for Complete Customization 

Whether you live in a house or condo, a smart security system is the most effective way to protect your home from intruders. While smart locks and doorbells are excellent additions, a smart security system is critical if you want to keep your home protected.

Adding these gadgets gives you complete control over your home’s safety. They can contact emergency services when triggered and can be programmed with different settings while you are at home and away.

If you want to take things a step further, some of these smart systems can mimic your actions while you are away from home. Habits like turning on lights at a specific time, drawing the shades, and even turning off your television can all be recreated by your smart security system. 

While these may not seem like essential features, they can come in handy if you are out of town or on vacation. Having your security system complete your routine while you’re gone deters thieves from breaking in because it appears someone is home. 

Lowering Insurance Rates With Smart Security

All these smart gadgets may seem like they will cost an arm and leg to purchase and install. While it’s true that buying these items can be expensive, there are some savings you could see from adding them. 

Your insurance company will base your rates on risk. The more likely you are to be a home invasion victim, the higher your premiums will be.

By adding smart features to your home, such as cameras, locks, and security systems, you are taking a big step in lowering your risk for potential intruders. In turn, your homeowners insurance company will likely offer you lower rates to match your added protection, just as car insurance companies do with anti-theft device discounts. 

It’s always good to speak with your insurance agent and see what kind of deals are offered for smart home safety features. If your provider isn’t offering lowered rates, don’t hesitate to shop for a company that will.

Smart Home Security for a Safer Home

Everyone wants to feel safe while in their home. It’s meant to be a space to unwind, relax, and feel at ease. However, the potential for a home invasion can make many feel on edge and unsafe in their homes. 

Adding smart home security features like doorbell cameras, smart locks, and security systems can drastically reduce your risk of a break-in. Not only will you feel safer in your home, but your insurance company may even offer you lower rates for all your efforts. 

Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, Clearsurance.com. She is a home security expert who enjoys sharing her tips and tricks with others to keep their homes safe.

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