Is a Home Security System Worth the Expense?
May 13, 2010 – 5:42 pm
Let’s face it…a home security system is quite an expense for a homeowner who is working hard to pay off the mortgage. So if you’re thinking about purchasing this type of system and service, you might have to sell yourself on the idea.
Depending on what type of system and service you go with, you could be spending a monthly monitoring fee between $25 and $100. Obviously, it’s important to get a lot for your money. So why should you be spending all of this money on an alarm system every year?
It’s impossible to predict whether or not your house will be burglarized, but it can happen to anyone regardless of where you live, how much money you make or if you’re a typically “lucky” person. When it comes to home security, you just have to be prepared for the worst. Even if you live in a quiet and seemingly crime free neighborhood, a stranger could drive past your house one day and consider it an easy target to burglarize. So preparing for the worst can be a wise decision, but how else can you validate this expense?
Well, it’s beneficial to contact your homeowner’s insurance, because it’s possible that they will discount your monthly insurance rate. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the typical discount is between 15 and 20 percent. Of course, you would have to do all of the calculations, but maybe the discount would make up for the cost of the monthly monitoring fee or at the very least come close. Then you will have affordable homeowner’s insurance and a home security system.
Another plus to a home security system is that it can do more than just monitor your home. It can also include fire alarms, heat sensors and other features. Some will alert you to which door or window has opened, which can be helpful if you have indoor pets or if you’re trying to keep tabs on your child.
Of course, there are downsides to a home security plan. For example, you might not be particularly happy with the monitoring company or how they handle your concerns. There can also be a delay when you need authorities to come to your house immediately. All kinds of issues can arise including false alarms, but at least there would be an alarm to alert you when the real deal was happening and that might be enough for you to warrant the cost of the system.
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