The key to home security

Do you worry about home invasions? You’re not alone. It’s common to be fearful of strangers entering your home, stealing your possessions and threatening your safety.

Between 1999 and 2005 the number of home invasions in Canada increased by 38%. By 2008, police reported 2,700 home invasions annually across the country.

Of course, you can lock your doors – and chances are you probably already do, but a home security system might be the solution that will give you the peace of mind you’re looking for.

First of all, it’s important to understand there are two different kinds of home security systems: unmonitored and monitored.

Unmonitored security systems will set off a loud noise when activated in order to scare the intruder away. They don’t send notifications to you, the alarm company or the police when activated. These types of security systems are cheaper than monitored home security systems, which is what makes them appealing to some homeowners.

On the other hand, monitored home security systems will notify you, the alarm company and/or the police if an intruder enters your home – and they can do much more.

Here are some of the advantages to having a monitored home security system:

• Many monitored home security systems can connect with smoke detectors and water sensors in your home.

• If your smoke detector is set off, the alarm system can contact emergency fire crews.

• Some alarm systems also offer carbon monoxide detection to keep your family safe.

• If the temperature drops below freezing, some monitored alarm systems are able to automatically shut off your water in addition to notifying you.

• If you’re lucky enough to get away during the cold weather months a monitored alarm can also act as a heat detector when you’re away for an extended period of time. Some insurance companies will waive the mandatory daily check of your property if you have installed a monitored alarm with a heat detector. This will not only bring you peace of mind, but may also save you money on a caretaker and your insurance.

• Monitored security systems can help you keep track of your family when you’re not home. For example, you can be notified when your kids arrive home from school.

• Not only can you monitor the comings and goings of your family members, but you can also literally keep an eye on them when you’re not home. Some security systems include home security cameras that can send a feed to your smart phone. Do you have an infant? Your monitored security system can double as a baby monitor.

• You and your family members may be able to enjoy the benefits of keyless entry. This is when you simply punch in a security code to enter your home. This comes in handy if you have kids who arrive home from school while you’re still at work. In the event of a lost or stolen key, you won’t have to worry about your keys landing in the hands of strangers.

• If you encounter a medical emergency at home, you may be able to call for immediate medical assistance with one touch of a button on your monitored home security system. This is ideal for elderly individuals living independently.

• Your monitored home security system can connect with your smart phone – making managing your home security simple and convenient.

• Did you forget to turn the lights off before you left the house? Some monitored home security systems will allow you to turn your lights off, close your windows or lock your doors from your smart phone.

• Having a home security solution can deter intruders. A monitored alarm with an immediate response forces intruders to reconsider the homes they try to enter.

It is important to ensure that the monitored alarm system you select is Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) certified.

From an insurance perspective, a monitored home security system can qualify you for insurance discounts. Of course, home insurance premiums involve a number of different factors. To find out how having a monitored home security system can affect your home insurance rate, speak to a BrokerLink Insurance Advisor today.