Monday Security Tip

Smart Home Security Devices That Actually Lower Your Insurance

Certain security upgrades aren't just safer — they qualify for documented homeowner's insurance discounts. Here's what to buy, what to document, and how to ask.

Master Sgt. James D. Harwell (Ret.)· Wednesday, February 25, 2026 · 5 min read

U.S. Army Special Forces, 22 Years Service | Security Consultant

Key Takeaway: Most insurance companies offer 5–20% discounts for qualifying security systems. Most homeowners never ask — and leave hundreds of dollars on the table every year.

Security That Pays for Itself

When I recommend a Ring Alarm Pro or SimpliSafe system, people often push back on cost. What they're not calculating is the return side: most major homeowners insurance carriers offer discounts of 5–20% for qualifying security systems. On a $2,000 annual premium, that's $100–$400 per year.

A $300 SimpliSafe system pays for itself in under a year. The ongoing cost is a $20/month monitoring plan — and the discount typically exceeds that.

What Qualifies for Discounts

Discounts vary by carrier, but these upgrades appear most commonly across major insurers (State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, USAA, Nationwide):

Professionally monitored alarm system: The most consistent discount driver. Central station monitoring (24/7 dispatch) qualifies where self-monitoring typically does not. SimpliSafe, ADT, Ring Alarm Pro, and Vivint all qualify with most carriers.
Smoke and CO detectors: Interconnected, hardwired systems typically qualify. Smart detectors (Nest Protect) often qualify for an additional tech-forward discount.
Smart deadbolts and door reinforcement: Some carriers discount for deadbolts on all exterior doors. Smart locks (August, Schlage Encode) qualify for the same discount as traditional deadbolts with most carriers.
Water leak detectors: An emerging discount category. Flo by Moen (automatic water shutoff) earns meaningful discounts with several carriers because it prevents the claims they hate most — burst pipe damage.
Security cameras: Exterior cameras qualify with some carriers, though less consistently than alarm systems.

How to Claim the Discount

Your carrier will not automatically apply these discounts. You have to ask. When you call:

Ask specifically: "What security discounts are available on my policy?"
Have your monitoring service certificate ready (SimpliSafe and Ring send these via email)
Ask whether smart home devices qualify separately from the alarm discount
Get the discount amount in writing before you assume it applied

If your current carrier offers minimal discounts, this is a legitimate reason to shop. Bring your security documentation to quotes from competitors — USAA and Erie Insurance are consistently recognized for security-related discounts.