Follow these tips to help deter would-be burglars.
When you’re a homeowner, you realize right away just how many threats are out there. This is why home security has become such a big business, with so many products and services available.
According to IBISWorld: “Revenue for the Security Alarm Services industry has increased at an annualized rate of 3.9% to 34.5 billion over the five years to 2022.”
Whether you’re looking to install a new home security system or upgrade your current unit, one thing you’re not going to have to worry about is a lack of choices. Today’s homeowners have countless options to keep their home safe. Regardless of what kind of protection you’re looking for, you won’t have trouble finding a system that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Below are ways to protect and secure your home from burglary and theft. We’ll go over some of the home security options out there, provide you with some best practices, and walk you through the process of filing a claim if your home is burglarized.
The Many Benefits of Home Security
There are many benefits to home security. At the top of the list is protection—if someone tries to break into your house, your home security system is the first and most effective line of defense. It also serves as a strong deterrent to would-be burglars—they are looking for the easiest target possible. Never discount the power of peace of mind too. It’s a comforting feeling to know your home and family are protected by a home security system.
There are also some benefits that you may not even realize. Most smart home devices offer the convenience of being able to control everything directly from your smartphone. And some units can help with energy savings.
Here at FMI, we are such believers in the power of smart home security devices, we will actually offer discounts up to 6% on homeowner policies for those with devices. Talk to your FMI agent to learn more.
Finding the right home security option for you
The days of simple burglar alarms are long gone. Today home security systems are high-tech, high-performance, and can often be controlled by your smartphone.
Even something as simple as the original home security device—the door lock—has gone high-tech, with countless smart locks available.
However, if you’re interested in an “old school” no-tech door lock, you’ve got plenty of powerful choices to keep your home secure. You can view some of the highest rated door locks for 2023 here.
If you’re looking for burglar alarms, keep in mind that the most effective models alert monitoring centers. If it’s a false alarm, you can tell your security service operator that everything is ok. However, if an intruder is indeed trying to break into your home, you can have them contact your local police force.
Here are some of the best-rated security systems for 2023.
Home security tips and best practices
- Security cameras. Make sure to cover all key entry points (front, back, and side doors) and mount them out of easy reach for burglars.
- Door and window sensors. These can alert you when a door or window is opened. Here the top window and door alarms.
- Shrubs and bushes. Thick shrubbery can be an asset for burglars, giving them cover and a place to hide. Make sure the shrubs near your house are trimmed.
- Motion sensor lights. These turn on when someone or something moves in front of the sensor. These exterior lights can reduce the darkness a burglar needs to stay undetected.
Going away for vacation? The best way to keep your house secure is to trick burglars into thinking you’re still home. Here are some ways to accomplish that:
- Leave your blinds open in their usual position.
- Let dependable neighbors or relatives who live close by know that you’re going to be away.
- Make arrangements to mow your lawn in the summer, and plow your driveway in the winter.
- Call the post office and put a stop to your mail for the time you’re away. If you have packages being delivered, ask a neighbor or nearby friend/relative to hold them for you.
- Use automatic timers to turn lights on and off in various parts of the house at appropriate times.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Be vigilant about locking all doors and windows before leaving your home. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure to set it.
- Don’t post to social media while you’re away. Criminals could be monitoring online activity and use that to figure out you’re not home.
Tips for reporting a theft insurance claim
Unfortunately, despite all the security systems, smart devices and powerful door locks, home burglaries still occur. According to FBI data, in 2019 there were over 1 million burglaries.
It’s important to note that several coverages in your FMI Homeowner policy may cover the loss, including dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and other structures coverage.
If you’re a victim of theft or burglary, you’ll probably feel scared, angry, and overwhelmed. And chances are, you may not know what to do. That’s why we created the guide below.
Simply follow the steps on how to file a theft insurance claim, and the order in which you should do things.
- First, make sure everyone in your house is safe and unharmed.
- Report the theft or burglary to the police.
- Document any property damage with photos or video.
- Prepare a list of all stolen or damaged items.
- Submit your claim. This can be done through your FMI insurance agent. Or you can do it yourself one of two ways:
- Visit the Claims section of our website: www.fmiweb.com
- Contact our Claims Team at (800) 336-3642
- Make emergency repairs to your home to prevent any further damage. For example, fix any broken door locks, windows, etc. Be sure to keep your receipts.
Learn more about our homeowners insurance policies or keep up with the latest articles, tips and insights from FMI.