TABLE OF CONTENTS: What is Life Insurance? Why Life Insurance Matters in Your 20s-40s Locking in Lower Rates Protecting Your Loved Ones Covering Final Expenses Tax-Free Payouts The Cost of Life Insura...
Fraud & Cyber Security
|
3 min read
Connect to Safety with a Smart Home Security Systems
Perhaps the most defining technological trend of the past decade has been the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things refers to anything that is connected to the internet, and specifically, everything that is interconnected with and has the ability to “talk” to each other.
What started with smart phones has evolved into an environment in which we can interact with virtually any device that can be connected to the internet. Our phones are now equipped with apps that let us control virtually any aspect of our daily lives—from raising the temperature in your home to dispensing a treat for your dog—remotely with just the click of a button.
Smart home security systems leverage the interconnectivity of the IoT to make it easier for you to stay connected to what’s happening in your home from wherever you happen to be. In this article, we’ll discuss several features of the new generation of smart home security systems.
How it Works
Traditional burglar alarms are only effective at one location—your home, as it’s being broken into. With a smart home security system, you can take your alarm with you just about anywhere you go. When you leave for the day, your smart phone stays connected to motion sensors and cameras in your home and on your property through a home security system app.
You can customize your preferences to get an alert whenever the front door opens, for example, or anytime someone goes upstairs. Motion detectors set to your preferences will connect to a live video feed of that area of your home, so you can see if someone is there who shouldn’t be (or if it’s just the dog roaming around while you’re at work).
Peace of Mind
There are endless ways that our home could be compromised, and a smart home security system is able to catch those vulnerabilities and let us know to take action. Unlike many traditional alarm systems, smart home security is connected 24/7, which means you don’t have to remember to turn it on every time you leave the house. If you are unloading groceries from the car and don’t close the front door properly, you’ll get an alert on your phone. If the doorbell rings while you’re not at home, the system will let you know and you can view a video of your front door to see what the situation is. That way, you know if that Amazon delivery arrived and is sitting on your porch, or if someone is attempting to break in, in which case you can direct the home security system to call the authorities.
Custom Controls
With the proliferation of the IoT, virtually anything that can be connected to the internet can also be connected to, and thus controlled by, your phone. This interconnectivity allows people with smart home security systems to remotely engage or disarm the alarm system, unlock the door, turn lights on and off, check carbon monoxide levels, control the thermostat, or check in on a pet from wherever they are.
Custom controls and settings let you decide how to best interact with a smart home security system. If your kids get home from school in the afternoon while you’re away, for example, you might want to set your preferences to alert you when the door opens between 3-4 p.m. to make sure they got home safe. If you have a large dog who you don’t want setting off alerts all day long while you’re at work, you can set the motion detectors to only send an alert when anything more than 100lbs moves in front of the camera.
Save on Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance helps protect your home (and pocketbook) against damage or loss from theft. It will also cover you against financial responsibility if someone gets hurt in your home or on your property.
According to Zillow, you should generally expect to pay about $35 per month for every $100,000 of home value. If your home is located in a “risky area,” where it might be more prone to crime or other damages, you might have to pay a higher rate. Fortunately, adding a smart security system to your home is one way you can save on your insurance premium.
There are ways to save money on your homeowners insurance, such as bundling multiple policies with one company to cover your home, car, and life insurance. Consider talking to your insurance agent about other ways to lower your rate.
Related Categories
Fraud & Cyber SecurityTyreo Harrison
As Executive Vice President, Lending & Insurance Solutions, Ty Harrison leads teams of lending and insurance professionals that are dedicated to delivering value-added programs, services and technology tailored to address the needs of lenders, loan servicers, portfolio managers, mortgage brokers, insurance agents and insurance brokers.
Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post.
Put your Comment Below.