Devices that help prevent claims can earn discounts — and the qualifying bar is lower than most people assume. You don't necessarily need a professionally monitored contract. Self-monitored smart devices can qualify.
Water. A discount may apply when a monitored water detection system is present. Water is the most common claim in a home, which is why this device does double duty — beyond the discount, a qualifying water detection device (which may include automatic shut-off) can also improve your eligibility and deductible options if you've had a prior water loss. One gadget, three effects.
Theft. A discount may apply for a professionally monitored theft system connected to a central station — or a self-monitored home theft system. The second half of that sentence is the news.
Fire. A discount may apply for a professionally monitored central-station system, or a self-monitored smoke and fire alarm system — a Wi-Fi programmable smoke and carbon monoxide detector of the kind sold at any hardware store is the named example — or other self-monitored setups.
Two years ago you swapped your chirping smoke detectors for Wi-Fi smoke and CO units that ping your phone. You did it for the convenience and never once thought to tell your insurance agent. Those self-monitored detectors are precisely the kind of system the fire protection discount contemplates — named right down to the example product category. A discount may have been sitting on your ceiling this whole time; finding out is one phone call reading off what's installed.
