Secure your insurance savings with security
If you live in California, you are no stranger to the challenges of getting insurance. It’s becoming a trend for companies to pull coverage in many regions, and the few that stick around are raising their rates for commercial, auto, renters, and home policies in response to various factors. The California Department of Insurance recently approved a 15% increase for homeowners’ insurance.
Even with these challenges, homeowners can find a silver lining – one that not all insurance companies openly share. Making improvements to the safety of your business or home can help you qualify for discounts on premiums. Improvements can be installing alarms, surveillance systems, carbon monoxide detectors, or simply owning a fire extinguisher. Next time you speak with your insurance agent, ask them what risk mitigation measures or protective devices qualify and consider incorporating them into a DIY or professional security system.
What is causing the increase?
There are several reasons why insurance companies are hiking up their premiums in California. The increased risk of natural disasters, particularly wildfires and floods, has prompted companies to reevaluate their willingness to offer coverage. After State Farm reported a loss of $4.7 billion in 2023, they announced that they would no longer accept new applications, naming wildfires as a primary reason for the decision. State Farm also rejected the renewal of more than 70,000 policies.
Another factor driving up insurance premiums is that all-too-familiar word: inflation. The National Business Capital determined California ranks the highest amongst states where inflation is hitting the hardest. Insurance companies compensate for higher costs of repair and replacement materials and supply chain issues by driving up rates.
Benefits of homeowner’s insurance
While car insurance is required by law in California, having a homeowner’s policy is not mandatory for owning property. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bother getting it – insurance is important for your financial security. If you don’t have insurance on your home, you’re leaving yourself and your largest investment unprotected.
These are three main reasons for having a homeowner’s policy:
- Property protection: Personal property includes your home and its contents, such as furniture, TVs, and clothing. If the building or these items are damaged or destroyed – through theft, vandalism, fire, or certain natural disasters – property protection can help repair or replace them.
- Liability coverage: Often considered the most crucial part of a home insurance policy, liability coverage protects you if you’re held legally responsible for causing injury or damage to others. For instance, if an Amazon delivery person trips on a crack in your driveway or a tree from your yard falls onto your neighbor’s house, this coverage will help cover the costs in the event of a lawsuit.
- Mortgage requirement: Unless you are in a position to purchase a home in cash, you will probably need to apply for a mortgage loan. Most lenders require protection for their investment, meaning having a home insurance policy is a condition of approval.
Benefits of having a security system
Now, let’s look at the reasons why a security system can also protect your financial security.
- Reduced risk of theft: Modern security systems are equipped with advanced technology, such as motion detectors, surveillance cameras, and alarms. These components effectively deter crime. Visible detectors and cameras help identify criminals and make your property less attractive to thieves.
- Fire safety: Fire alarm systems include early detection monitors that can help minimize damage and prevent a fire from spreading. In the event of a fire, the priority is to get everyone out of harm’s way. If a security provider monitors the property, they will dispatch emergency personnel so you can focus on immediate safety.
- Lower liability risks: Personal liability cases can be challenging in court with insufficient evidence. Video cameras provide incident documentation, helping to show negligence or prove that security measures were in place. Video reporting is a powerful form of evidence to potentially reduce liability.
- Discounts and incentives: Security systems and their various features significantly lower the risk of theft, vandalism, and fire damage – meaning insurers may view your property as less risky. This confidence in the security of what you’re requesting coverage over could translate into lower premiums or discounts. Insurance companies will also reward policyholders for proactively protecting against specific risks like fire. Having smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or sprinklers on the premises not only reduces the likelihood of property damage but can also qualify for lower insurance rates.
Security and insurance for businesses
Commercial insurance, which covers businesses, has also seen an increase in premiums recently. One major component of a commercial insurance policy that sets it apart from a homeowner’s policy is business interruption coverage.
Business interruption claims are filed when covered events, such as natural disasters, fire, or theft, disrupt operations. For instance, if a grease fire causes significant damage to a restaurant or if equipment is stolen from a construction company, preventing them from fulfilling their daily responsibilities, they may seek compensation for the lost business.
Business insurance fraud has a long history, so insurance companies routinely conduct investigations before issuing payouts. This is where having security measures, such as security cameras and fire alarms, can be a game changer.
- Corroboration: To file a business interruption claim, a business must demonstrate that the interruption was due to a covered peril, resulted in a financial loss, and was not preventable. Video evidence is the most reliable way to substantiate a claim and prove that all three criteria are met.
- Deterrence: The primary advantage of security systems for insurance is their ability to reduce the likelihood of having to make a claim in the first place. Some security systems feature deterrents that prevent intruders from committing a crime, while fire systems can alert you to a fire so you can address it before it escalates.
How do I know what qualifies for insurance discounts?
Security systems offer numerous benefits, from enhancing safety to lowering insurance premiums. To maximize these benefits, verifying which security features might qualify you for discounts is important. Since insurance policies and incentives can vary, contacting your insurance agent for specific recommendations tailored to your situation is encouraged. Taking proactive steps to upgrade your security can not only protect your property but also help you save on insurance costs.
