11 Reasons to Install a Home Security System

According to the FBI, there were an estimated 7,196,045 property crime offenses in the United States in 2018 alone, costing Americans an estimated $16.4 billion in losses. There are plenty of other reasons to invest in home security too, like higher property values, lower home insurance premiums, and everyday convenience.

We’ve compiled a list of noteworthy reasons to install a home security system.

1. You know burglaries happen, and want to protect your home and family.

In 2018, a burglary occurred every 25.7 seconds. Maybe you've read the news or seen similar statistics about your own neighborhood. A home security system can empower you to prevent and address intrusions. It can even help you notify authorities if you know there is a real threat.

Plus, you can monitor, arm, and disarm your home from your smartphone. Studies show the value of this investment too — homes without security systems are 300% more likely to fall victim to burglary.

2. Your home is too accessible, and perfect for a clean getaway.

Research shows certain households experience burglary at higher rates. For example, homes located along a thoroughfare or on a quiet residential street may be more vulnerable than homes with restricted access or in high-density neighborhoods.

Homes are also more likely to get burglarized when their guardian is away, or if the home appears unoccupied. Research indicates that simply having a home security system significantly lowers the odds you'll experience an intrusion.

3. You live in an area with fires, floods, or extreme weather.

Along with security alerts, AAA Smart Home's app informs you when certain natural disasters are on the way. We've all seen harrowing videos of wildfires, and in some areas, they're a fact of life.

Home security may cover fire safety as well. Check to make sure you receive extreme weather alerts for your area. This includes wildfires as well as tornadoes and even tsunamis.

A smart smoke alarm not only beeps when there's a fire in your house, but alerts you so that you can verify the threat and if needed, alert the fire department right away. A flood sensor can let you know when water damage is occurring, so you can respond fast and avoid hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of repairs.

Whether it's protecting your important paperwork or plumbing budget, a home security system helps you stay one step ahead of life's disasters.

4. You're looking out for elderly loved ones.

If you work full-time, live far away, or otherwise can't check on them, installing a home security system can help keep your elderly loved ones safe, and you, sane. A 180° Wellness Camera in mom or dad’s house can let them call you for help with the press of a button, all on one account.

In case of a medical emergency, it's crucial to know what's going on right away, and get help as quickly as possible. A medical panic button can help with this, even for folks who aren’t partial to smartphones. With elder safety covered, your mind can be at ease.

5. You travel or are going on a road trip.

Your trunk is packed, you've fueled up the RV, and invested in sunscreen — and borrowed a mountain bike (and a helmet). Perhaps you've stopped at a AAA branch for a map.

You haven't divulged travel plans to strangers, and you have asked trustworthy neighbors to collect your mail. What's left?

With a free app like the one included with Smart Home monitoring, you can:

1. Know when windows and doors are open while you're away (Basic)

2. Get alerts for suspicious activity and send emergency services immediately (Basic)

3. Get alerts for floods, smoke, or carbon monoxide (Basic)

4. Lock and unlock your doors remotely, and greet guests at your door (Smart)

5. Use light automation to give the illusion you're home (Smart)

6. Watch and record video inside and outside your home (Smart)

6. You have kids you'd like to keep an eye on.

Small children are a delight and also a lot of responsibility. Curious ones can get into a lot of trouble, fast. While you know they need constant supervision and do your best, you're only human, and possibly a little sleep deprived.

Outdoor cameras help you keep an eye on backyard games, and indoor cameras show you who keeps drawing on the dining room wall.

Or, perhaps you have teenagers you'd like to keep an eye on. Eliminate back and forth with indoor cameras under our Smart Monitoring, so you can see if something unsafe is going on. Set a curfew and enforce it with a motion detector.

With Basic Monitoring, you'll receive a push notification when someone enters your house, and you can know when your son or daughter is home even if it's after your bedtime. (No more waiting up for them in the kitchen.)

Or, you can use footage from your outdoor camera to defend your new driver. (Video recording of a fender bender in your driveway can help you determine who was at fault.)

7. You have a pet you'd like to keep an eye on.

Ever wonder how your pets behave (or misbehave) when you're away? Now you can know, and use our indoor camera with two-way audio to talk to them. Imagine making sure they're okay, seeing their adorable antics while you're gone, and even communicating with them remotely.

8. You'd like to increase your home value and lower your home insurance premiums.

Most home insurance companies will offer a discount on your premium if you provide them with a security alarm certificate from your provider. Home insurance providers understand that there's a lower likelihood of a claim such as burglary, theft or damage to your home due to a home security system.

Most home insurance providers offer discounts of up to 5% for basic security and 15-20% for one with professional monitoring. This discount on your premium can offset the cost of monitoring and installation. Security cameras can increase your home's value, and can couple with alarms as a competitive advantage if you're selling a home.

While the actual impact a home security system will have on the price of your home, it adds to its intrinsic value by preventing damage through break-ins or fires. Like a home's amenities, a home security system with a reputable provider adds to the sense of safety and security potential owners have about the home.

Buyers may also appreciate having a security system built in without having to set it up (or test its efficacy) themselves.

9. You want to reduce energy costs with home automation.

With plans like our Smart Monitoring, you can control your home's lights, appliances and even temperature remotely — and automate it to function independently. Set your smart thermostat to automatically dial down in the evening and up in the morning.

Our smart thermostat can reduce your energy consumption by 9-16% while heating and 15-23% while cooling. It uses data from other sensors in the home to regulate the temperature of the rooms you use, and avoid using energy on the others.

With smart lights, you can dim your lights and make sure their bulbs last longer, helping you spend less on electricity. Whenever your AAA Smart Home System is set to "Armed Away" mode, smart lights (and plugs) automatically shut off, reducing energy usage while you're not at home.

10. You've experienced a home intrusion, or heard a professional burglar spill their secrets.

Many criminals are opportunistic; a home security sticker in your window will deter them on its own. But some will press on. Career criminals may stalk your travel photos on social media, look for an overflowing mailbox, ply your guard dog with treats, or dumpster dive for sensitive documents.

Statistics indicate that comprehensive home security works. 2019 burglary research found that home security systems encourage intruders to move onto another house, preventing break-ins before they even happen. In fact, they found 83% of burglars would choose another home if the one they were casing had an alarm system.

11. You have some irreplaceable possessions that home or renter's insurance can't replace, even if they cover them.

Maybe it's a family heirloom, an antique pistol, a signed novel, a macaroni collage, or a souvenir from distant travels. Don't risk losing sentimental valuables — it's not worth the heartache.

AAA Smart Home's cameras can focus on a specific area or item in the house, so that your safe or liquor cabinet is always supervised. You can receive a push notification when one of your kids gets close to that model train you've labored on for years.

With an indoor camera's footage, you'll be able to contact the authorities when you receive alerts and automatically record clips, so police know who they're looking for.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for?

Most of us relate to some combination of these factors, along with our own unique experiences. However, every home is unique. Our in-house team of experts can help you build a system that fits your needs.

If you'd like more information on how AAA Smart Home helps you outsmart these common issues, request a quote today.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in December 2019 and has been revamped and updated for comprehensiveness.