How Secure is Your Home?

Home security is more than leaving a light on while you're away. It's investing in the peace of mind in knowing that you have adequate fire and carbon monoxide detection, an exit plan in case of fire, and protection from intruders. Fire and carbon monoxide safety can be insured by having the proper number of detectors and by properly maintaining them, but what is the best way to protect your home from a burglar?

According to the FBI, one home is broken into every 14.6 seconds. To understand what motivates a burglar and what they look for when choosing a home to rob, a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte examined 422 convicted offenders from North Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio. According to the study, a majority of burglars considered the presence of alarms, outdoor cameras, and other surveillance equipment when choosing a potential. Approximately 83% of the offenders said they would attempt to determine if an alarm was present before attempting a burglary, and 60% said they would seek an alternative target.

Among those who discovered an alarm while attempting a burglary, 50% said they would discontinue the attempt, while another 31% said they would sometimes leave. Only 13% said they would always continue the attempt even after an alarm had been discovered. Other findings included that the presence of video surveillance was an effective deterrent. Nationwide Insurance reported that homes without security systems are three times more likely to be broken into. Almost one in three burglars reported entering via open windows or doors or forcing windows or doors open.

To get another perspective from those who commit the crimes, the investigative team at KGWH in Houston, Texas sent a survey to 86 inmates who were serving time for burglary in the Oregon Department of Corrections. Regarding lights on in a home, “I would drive through upper class neighborhoods looking for many things, like porch light on with all window blinds closed,” wrote one inmate. When asked if they knock before entering? Yes. All of the inmates who responded said they would knock on the front door before breaking in.

With this information, what does a homeowner do to protect themselves and their personal property?

• Invest in a home security system. The latest trends involve the use of smart phone technology, although industry experts expect to see a rise in hacking of these systems. Research which system and provider is best for you.
• Wait to post your vacation pics on social media until you get back home. Make sure the privacy settings on your accounts are strict.
• Lock your doors and windows.
• Install motion-detection lights around your home.
• Stop mail and newspaper delivery while your gone for extended periods. 
• Get to know your neighbors and the cars they drive. 

Some of these tips seem obvious, but according to Nationwide Insurance a high percentage of homeowners admit to at least one of these risky behaviors during the past year. We don't want you to be one of them.

What Affects Your Home Insurance Premium?

Home owner's insurance protects your property and belongings from unforeseen circumstances (such as a fire) by providing both property insurance and liability coverage. In some instances, you cannot control the premium you pay. Consider the following:

• Home age and materials. These two factors affect the premium you'll pay for home owner's insurance. Older homes are more prone to electrical, plumbing, roofing and foundation problems and thus can increase your premium. Check with your insurance provider to see if renovations can keep these related expenses down. Wood materials often warrant a higher premium because they are more susceptible to fire and water damage. 
• Location. Lower premiums are granted to homeowners who live near fire stations and not in flood plains or areas prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes. Additionally, neighborhoods with a high claim frequency may charge homeowners a higher premium.   

Fortunately, there are many things you are can do to lower your home insurance premium, such as:

• Increase your deductible. Generally speaking, there is a tradeoff between your monthly coverage payment amount and your deductible. A higher deductible means you will face lower monthly payments, but should you make a claim, you will be held responsible for paying more upfront.
• Find a provider who is a good fit for you. For example, some companies will charge higher premiums to pet owners. When shopping for an insurance provider, search for one that is pet-friendly and does not up-charge for pets.
• Keep your credit score as high as possible, which requires you to pay bills on time and avoid accumulating high levels of debt.
• Increase security by installing an alarm system, gated entrance, insurer-approved locks, or fence. These measures all result in a reduced likelihood that your home will be damaged or destroyed. Have fire sprinklers and an extinguisher, and take other precautions as needed. For instance, if you live in hurricane-prone region of the U.S., install hurricane shutters. Remember that floor insurance is a separate entity than home owner's insurance and should also be considered based on where you live.