Understanding Home Security

For most people, a home is one of the most important investments they will make in their lives. In addition to being significant financial commitments, homes also carry emotional importance and play a critical role in protecting your possessions and loved ones. With these things in mind, it’s necessary to consider all possible steps to make your home as safe and secure as possible.

The insurance experts at Academy Insurance Agency have over 50 years of experience helping homeowners in the Leesburg area assess their coverage needs and protect their property.

How Home Security Affects Insurance Costs

Homeowners insurance policies are a necessary safety precaution to protect your home, but you may be able to secure lower premiums by taking certain steps. Specifically, the following equipment may help you lower your coverage costs:

Smoke detectors and fire alarms—Smoke detectors may already be required by providers, but upgrading to monitored models that immediately alert a monitoring company upon going off could qualify you for a discount.​

Sprinkler systems—Some providers may also quote you a lower home insurance rate if sprinklers are installed in your home.​

Security systems—Depending on specific aspects of your home security system, such as video surveillance, alarms and motion sensors, providers may be willing to offer lower rates.​

Our agents can provide more information on potential discounts related to home security devices and infrastructure. a person standing in front of a refrigerator

What to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System

One of the most effective ways to protect your home is by installing a home security system. Home security systems may not only sound alarms, monitor your property and alert authorities of an issue, but they can also act as a significant deterrent to keep criminals from even considering approaching your property.

There’s no shortage of details and specifics to weigh when deciding between the many products on the market, but given the financial and emotional value of what you are likely entrusting a security system to protect, you should conduct your due diligence before making a purchase. Specifically, consider the following criteria:

• The alarm manufacturer’s certification status by Underwriters Laboratories​
• Reviews from others who have purchased the product​
• The provider’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau and law enforcement officials​
• What kinds of system tests providers conduct and how they respond to errors​​
• Cellular or radio backup systems that will keep your security online even if all physical lines to your home are disconnected​
• Inclusion of annual maintenance as part of your regular service​

In addition to protecting you from criminals, make sure that your home security system also includes a reliable fire alarm. Fires can cause damages that far exceed those of a break-in, but by having a fire alarm built into your security system, you may be able to ensure a quicker response and minimize your losses.

Secure Your Home

Beyond home security systems, smoke detection and fire suppression, there are many other aspects of home security to consider. Fences, gates, automatic lights and strong locks are all necessary to keep your property and your family as safe as possible. Further, proper homeowners insurance coverage is a necessity to protect you from damages and losses if all else fails.

At Academy Insurance Agency, we pride ourselves on having the knowledge and dedication to protect your property, family and future. Contact us today to get started.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.