A very common question when it comes to home security systems is whether or not purchasing the right security system and monitoring company will lower a homeowners insurance premiums. The short answer to this question is “yes”, however, below are some points to keep in mind to help homeowners make sure that they purchase a security system that both keeps their family, home, and possessions safe and qualifies them for discounted homeowners insurance.

Home security systems deter thieves from attempting to burglarize homes, and reduce the amount of time that thieves are able to spend in a house in the event that they attempt a burglary despite the presence of an alarm, therefore reducing the amount that they can steal. These two facts result in a lesser likelihood of an insurance agency having to make a large payout, which means that many insurance companies will reduce homeowners’ premiums if the alarm system implemented meets a few preset specifications.

The minimum discount that most home insurance companies offer is 5% off of regular premiums, however, most insurance companies offer this discount simply as a reward for the installation of new deadbolt locks on all exterior doors of a home. An additional 5% is usually offered for the implementation of a simple burglar alarm, with many insurance companies offering discounts up to 20% for a complete home security system that integrates burglar, fire, carbon monoxide, and flood sensors, depending on the quality of the system and monitoring company selected. Homeowners should check with their insurance provider to see specifically what discounts are offered.

Generally speaking, the minimum system requirements for the larger discounts on home insurance include a system that is monitored by an emergency call center, which the vast majority of systems are. Additionally, many insurance companies require that the system and monitoring service be UL-approved. UL stands for Underwriter Laboratories, a company that tests products all over the world to ensure that they meet internationally-recognized quality standards. The vast majority of systems supplied by major companies will be UL-approved, and generally speaking, systems that are UL-approved deal only with emergency call centers that are UL-approved. Realistically, regardless of whether UL-approval is required by an insurance policy, it is a good idea for homeowners to look for this certification, as it is a mark of quality in an area where homeowners do not want to compromise quality for a few dollars worth of savings.

While all of this can seem confusing, many home security system companies, especially the larger, nationally and internationally known ones, offer clients a certificate to present to insurance companies, notifying them of the exact specifications of the system installed and monitoring agreement signed. This will alleviate homeowners from having to take extensive notes for the purposes of insurance savings. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts on home alarm systems. This is important to research prior to selecting an alarm system, as many homeowners can win on both sides of this issue, receiving a discount from their insurance company on their alarm system, and then a discount on their insurance as a result of the alarm system.

Home security systems protect homeowners, their families, and their possessions, making them a good idea regardless of whether they qualify homeowners for additional savings on insurance or not. However, with these discounts available, homeowners would be foolish not to pursue them.

For more information on available insurance discounts, homeowners should contact their local adt security system professional. ADT security has been a leader in home security for decades, and can assist homeowners with many insurance related questions.

Are you a “do-it-yourselfer” when it comes to home projects? Do you like to break out the tool kit and take care of home repairs by yourself so you don’t have to hire someone to do it? Or maybe taking care of these small projects gives you a sense of accomplishment? Well, either way, what you need to remember first and foremost is to practice safety in your performance of these projects. Here are a few tips to keep in mind–

• Ladders – Be sure and position ladders correctly at a 75 degree angle from the ground. This means that there should be about one foot between the bottom of the wall and the base of the ladder for every four feet of ladder height. Also, be sure and do not reach or lean out to the side of the ladder–climb down and reposition the ladder when needed.
• Gloves – Wear gloves to protect your hands. Be sure and keep a couple of pairs of gloves handy–one made of heavy cloth and one made of leather.
• Eyewear – Be sure and wear special protective eyewear whenever you are working with a tool or on a project that could send debris into your face and eye area.
• Read the Instructions - Before using a new tool or undertaking a project requiring assembly, be sure and read the instructions thoroughly.
• Never work in a risky location alone - If you are going to be working in the attic or on the roof, be sure that someone else is around in case you get into trouble or fall. If you are alone and have an accident, you could lay there for hours before help arrives.
• Turn off the power when working with electricity - No matter how minor the choir, don’t take any chances with electricity. Turn off the power at the main power control panel before dealing with any electrical repairs.
• Wear protective footwear - Don’t attempt to do choirs around the house with bare feet or sandals. Wear boots or leather footwear to protect your feet.

These are just a few simple rules that will make doing chores around the house productive, fun as well as safe.