If you are thinking about installing a home security system, you more than likely have a few questions. However, the real question that homeowners want answered is "Are home security systems are worth the price?" Although the answer to this question is based on opinion, there are a few things you should consider.
Peace of Mind
How much is your peace of mind worth? Can you really put a price on that? According to the FBI, there were over 2 million burglaries in the United States in 2002 alone. The average loss per burglary in 2007 was just under $2,000. Since 2002, these numbers have continued to increase. Studies indicate that there is a home break-in every 60 seconds. The real question is not if a home security system is worth it, it's if you can afford not to have one. A wireless outdoor camera can protect you in the event your home is target by filming intruders so they can be identified and arrested.
Having a home security system gives you a little peace of mind. You will no longer have to worry about someone breaking into your home when you are away on vacation, which gives you more time to actually enjoy your holiday. If you have young kids living at home, you can rest assured that residential security cameras will protect them. This goes double for all of you working parents who have kids that are left home alone for a few hours every day before you get home from work. Wireless video surveillance systems for your home provide a peace of mind you simply can't recieve otherwise.
The average monthly fee for a typical home security system is around $30 a month. But don't forget installation and equipment fees. Installation can be as low as $100, but equipment fees can range from anywhere between $500 to $1,000. Budgeting for a minimum of $1,000 to put in a home security system, it's up to you to determine if this amount is worth your peace of mind.
Discounts on Insurance
There are still some homeowners out there who are hesitant that a home security system is worth the money. Maybe they have never been a victim of a robbery, or they live in a nice neighborhood where they think break-ins won't occur. Even if that is the case, having a wirelss home security camera system can still save you money. This is because many insurance providers offer discounts for those with home security systems.
In order to obtain this discount, most insurance providers require the home security system to be installed by a professional. Trying to set up your own home security system is not going to count. Most of the time, however, insurance companies will offer discounts of up to 20%. Before installing a home security system, check to see if your insurance company has an approved list of security systems. If they do, you will need to install one of these systems to be eligible for the discount.
So let's do a little math to see if a home security system is really worth it. Let's say that your insurance costs $1,000 per year. If you receive a 20 percent discount from your insurance provider, that home security system is going to save you $200 a year. The money that you are saving on your insurance is going to help cover the cost of having a home security system in the long-term.
