For many of us, our home is the most valuable asset we will ever own. That’s why it’s so important to protect. Of course, we also have valuables in our home, and one of the best ways to safeguard your home and valuables in Canada is by purchasing a quality homeowners insurance policy. There is one other way you can protect both home and valuables: a burglar alarm system.
Home alarm security systems have been proven to deter crime and prevent break-ins. This makes them one of the most effective methods of protecting your home, family, and personal belongings from harm. As an added bonus, burglar alarm systems installed on your property might reduce your insurance premium.
If you’re considering investing in a home alarm system, keep reading to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.
The most common types of burglar alarm systems in Canada
From local alarms to central alarms, the most common types of burglar alarm systems in Canada are as follows:
Self-monitored local alarms
Local alarms are the most standard type of burglar alarm system on the market today. They are self-monitored and when activated, they emit a high-pitched, siren-like noise and flash bright lights. Because these systems are not monitored by an alarm company, the authorities will not automatically be contacted when the alarm is activated. Rather, someone in the home or passing by the home must hear or see the activated alarm and call the authorities themselves.
Due to the sound and lights they emit when activated, local alarms can be extremely effective at deterring break-ins by scaring off would-be thieves. They can also be used to detect fires or gas leaks, which can be especially important if a fire breaks out while you’re asleep.
Company-monitored central alarms
Central alarm systems, otherwise known as company-monitored security systems, are monitored by an alarm company 24/7. When your home’s security alarm system is activated, a notification is automatically sent to the alarm company. From there, the alarm company will attempt to contact the homeowner and request a password.
If the homeowner does not respond to their contact attempt or an incorrect password is provided, the alarm company will call the authorities. Since central alarms are monitored around the clock by alarm companies, they provide an added degree of security compared to self-monitored local alarms.
The pros and cons of self-monitored burglar alarm systems
The pros
- They are inexpensive: Once you’ve purchased the self-monitored burglar alarm system, there are very few costs associated with them since you monitor them yourself.
- They are easy to relocate: Self-monitored burglar alarm systems are relatively easy to install and uninstall. Therefore, if you decide they might be better positioned in a different corner of the room or a different room entirely, you can easily relocate them.
- They record intruders: They will record any intruders in the frame, providing you with video evidence of the crime.
- They send alerts to your smartphone: Modern self-monitored alarm systems will instantly notify you when your alarm system has been activated. You can set the system up so notifications are sent directly to your smartphone. From there, you can decide whether to phone the police or not.
The cons
- They depend on an internet connection to operate: Self-monitored security systems usually depend on a stable internet connection to operate. In the event of a power outage or if you live in an area with no service, your system may not function properly.
- They only cover the room they are installed in: Self-monitored burglar systems will only record the room(s) of your home they are installed in.
- They can be costly if you want to install multiple cameras in your home: Since these systems only cover the rooms they are installed in, you may need to purchase many cameras to cover the majority of your home, which can be costly.
- They do not always have an alarm to deter intruders: Some self-monitored systems do not emit a sound when activated, which may reduce their ability to deter intruders.
The pros and cons of company-monitored burglar alarm systems
The pros
- They cover your entire home: When installed properly, company-monitored systems will typically cover every room in your home, including blind spots.
- They are extremely convenient: The alarm company is responsible for contacting the authorities.
- They can scare off intruders: Between the flashing lights and siren-like sounds they emit, they can be effective at scaring off intruders.
- They will remain functional during a power outage: Many company-monitored alarm systems run on landlines or cellular radio. They may also have battery backups, which ensures they remain functional during power outages.
The cons
- They could cost you money in the event of a false alarm: If authorities arrive at your home and there are no signs of an attempted break-in, you could be charged.
- They can be expensive: Company-monitored systems can be costly, typically including a monthly fee and a minimum contract length.
- They require the homeowner to turn on the system every time they leave their home: In order to function, homeowners must remember to activate the alarm system every time they leave their home.
Insurance discounts for burglar alarm systems in Canada
A major benefit of burglar alarm systems, no matter what type you have in your home, is that they can save you money on home insurance. Depending on the type of alarm system you choose, your insurance provider may offer a discount of up to 20% on your homeowners’ insurance policy.
To calculate your discount, the insurance company will require further information about the specific type of alarm system in your home, as well as its capabilities. Generally speaking, homeowners whose homes are outfitted with company-monitored central alarm systems tend to receive better discounts than those with self-monitored systems.
Contact your insurance provider or a trusted insurance brokerage like BrokerLink to learn more about the insurance discounts you may be eligible for thanks to your burglar alarm system.
Get in touch with BrokerLink to learn more about how a burglar alarm system can impact your insurance premium
Are you interested in learning more about how a burglar alarm system can save you money on home insurance? You’re in the right place.
BrokerLink has over 30 years of experience helping Canadians find quality home insurance policies. More than that, we make sure that Canadians never pay more than they have to for homeowners insurance. Our expert insurance advisors will let you in on the industry’s best-kept secrets for saving money on home insurance.
We can also inform you of any discounts you might be eligible for, such as those associated with burglar alarm systems. To learn more about how a home alarm system can lower your insurance premium, contact BrokerLink today.
Whether you get in touch by phone, email, or in person, we will be happy to assist you. BrokerLink also offers free home insurance quotes to all Canadians. Give us a call or use our online quote tool to request your complimentary quote today. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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