Home Security Tips to Lower Your Insurance Premiums

By the Mercury Team

When it comes to protecting your home and saving money, a few simple steps can go a long way. If you’ve ever wondered how to lower your home insurance premiums, one of the most effective strategies is to enhance your home’s security. Let’s explore some practical tips to boost your home’s security and see how they can help you save.

Install a Monitored Security System

These systems offer 24/7 surveillance, meaning your home is constantly being watched, whether you’re there or not. If something triggers an alarm—like a break-in, fire, or carbon monoxide leak — your security system automatically alerts you and the monitoring center. The monitoring center can then quickly notify the appropriate authorities, ensuring a fast response that could make all the difference in an emergency.

Beyond safety and peace of mind, a monitored security system can also help you save money on your homeowners insurance. Companies like Mercury offer home insurance discounts for security systems because they help reduce the risk of theft and damage, which means fewer claims.

Upgrade to Smart Home Security Devices

Smart home gadgets like smart cameras, doorbell cameras, and motion sensors can reduce the risk of break-ins and other incidents by keeping you informed in real-time. If you’re considering adding smart devices to your home, you don’t have to start from scratch. Many of these devices can easily integrate with your existing security system, giving you extra protection without the hassle.

Insurance companies love these devices because it reassures them that you’re less likely to file a claim. However, check with your insurer to see if your new devices meet their standards. Some companies have specific requirements or approved devices that qualify for discounts, so a quick call could help you maximize your savings.

Reinforce Your Door and Windows

Strong, secure doors and windows are one of the best deterrents against potential break-ins. When a possible intruder sees that your home is equipped with the following upgrades, they’re more likely to move on to an easier target:

• Deadbolt locks: Install deadbolt locks with a throw bolt that extends at least one inch into the door frame for maximum effectiveness.
• Solid-core doors: If you have older, hollow-core doors, upgrade to solid-core doors, which are much harder for burglars to kick down.
• Shatter-resistant glass windows: While more expensive, these windows can deter burglars who might try to break in by smashing a window.

Just like with installing a home security system, these upgrades can show your insurer that a burglar is less likely to intrude on your home, which could lead to lower home insurance premiums.

Install Fire and Smoke Alarms

Properly installed and maintained alarms can make all the difference in preventing a small fire from turning into a devastating blaze. To make sure your fire and smoke alarms are always ready to do their job, it’s important to keep them in good working order. Regularly test your alarms by pressing the test button. Also, don’t forget to change the batteries at least once a year or sooner if you hear that telltale chirping sound. After about 10 years, it’s a good idea to replace the entire unit to ensure it’s still effective.

Beyond safety, installing alarms could lead to homeowners insurance discounts since you’re taking proactive steps to secure and protect your home from disaster.

Add Security Lighting

Well-lit exteriors are one of the easiest, most effective ways to deter criminals. Bright lights eliminate those dark corners and hiding spots that intruders love, making your property much less appealing to target. Here are some upgrades to consider:

• Motion-activated lights: These are fantastic for surprising burglars. Place them near entrances, walkways, and dark areas of your property.
• Dusk-to-dawn lights: These lights automatically turn on at night and off in the morning, providing consistent illumination.
• Solar-powered options: Save on energy costs and be environmentally friendly by choosing solar-powered lights for areas that receive ample sunlight.
• LED lights: LEDs are energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them a cost-effective choice for outdoor lighting.

Secure Your Home’s Perimeter

Fences, gates, and locked entryways help create a clear boundary that keeps unwanted visitors out and gives you peace of mind. Your landscaping can also play a big role in securing your home. For instance, keeping bushes and shrubs trimmed and tidy can eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders. Plus, planting thorny bushes under windows can act as a natural deterrent.

When you take steps to make your property less vulnerable to break-ins, insurance companies may reward you with lower premiums. After all, a well-secured home is less likely to experience a break-in, which means fewer claims for your insurer.

Consider a Safe for Valuables

Whether it’s important documents, jewelry, or family heirlooms, investing in a fireproof, burglary-resistant safe offers an extra layer of security that keeps these items out of harm’s way during an incident. When it comes to placing your safe, think strategically. Ideally, it should be in a hidden but easily accessible location, like a reinforced closet floor or a concealed corner of your home. Avoid placing it in obvious spots like the master bedroom, where thieves might look first.

A safe could also help you save on insurance. Since you’re reducing the risk of losing valuable items in a disaster or theft, you’re less likely to need a large payout from your insurer, and they may reward you with lower premiums.

Maintain Your Security Systems Regularly

Just like any other part of your home, your security systems need a little maintenance to keep them working their best. To help you stay on top of things, here’s a handy checklist:

• Test your alarms: Make it a habit to test your alarms at least once a month to ensure they’re working properly.
• Check camera footage: Regularly review your camera footage to make sure everything is recording correctly and that cameras are positioned where you need them.
• Replace batteries: Keep spare batteries on hand and replace them at least once a year or sooner if you notice any issues.
• Inspect wiring: Check all wiring for wear and tear and ensure everything is securely connected.
• Update software: If your system includes smart devices, make sure you’re running the latest software updates to protect against any potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Whether it’s adding a fireproof safe, reinforcing doors and windows or simply ensuring your home is well-lit and secure, these actions can contribute to a safer home and more affordable insurance.

Ready to take your home protection to the next level? Mercury offers cheap homeowners insurance that doesn’t skimp on coverage, ensuring you get the protection you need at a price you can afford. Plus, you can save even more when you bundle home and auto insurance.