Buying security hardware pays you back twice: it protects your home, and most home insurers will cut your premium for having it. The size of that discount depends heavily on what kind of system you have — a doorbell camera and a professionally monitored alarm are treated very differently by underwriters.
Typical discount by system type
| System type | Typical discount | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Smart locks / basic cameras (self-monitored) | ~2–5% | Deters some break-ins, but no automatic response |
| Smoke/CO detectors tied to a monitoring service | ~5–10% | Reduces fire-related claim severity |
| Fully monitored system (police/fire dispatch) | ~10–20% | Fastest response, lowest claim risk for the insurer |
Exact percentages vary by insurer and state/country — always confirm the current discount with your own provider before buying based on this.
How to actually claim the discount
Insurers don't apply this automatically — you have to ask. Contact your insurance agent or use their online policy portal, and be ready to provide a monitoring certificate or proof-of-installation letter, which most monitored providers will send on request once your system is active. Some insurers also accept a photo of self-installed devices for the smaller basic-device discount.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a security system lower my home insurance?
Discounts typically range from about 2% for basic self-monitored devices up to 15–20% for a fully monitored system with police/fire dispatch, depending on the insurer and state.
Does a self-monitored camera qualify, or do I need professional monitoring?
Most insurers give a small discount for basic devices, but the larger discounts are usually reserved for 24/7 professionally monitored systems, since that's what actually reduces claim risk.
What do I need to give my insurer to claim the discount?
Usually a monitoring certificate or proof-of-installation letter from your provider. Contact your insurance agent to confirm exactly what they require.