Home security is a crucial issue for Australians, as hundreds of thousands of households experience break-ins every year. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), break-ins have decreased by 29% over the last 12 months, but 113,000 households still suffered a loss and 79,600 houses sustained damage.
As a homeowner, you may be considering upgrading to a smart door lock for added security and convenience. However, you may be wondering how this new technology could affect your home insurance policy.
Smart door locks have become increasingly popular among Australian homeowners in recent years. Not only do they offer enhanced security and convenience, but they may also potentially lead to insurance discounts.
Here are some important things to keep in mind about smart door locks and how they can affect your home insurance policy:
How smart door locks can affect your home insurance policy
While insurance providers may vary in their policies and requirements, many will offer discounts or other benefits to homeowners who install smart door locks. This is because these locks can offer enhanced security features, such as remote monitoring and control, automatic locking, and activity logs, which can help prevent break-ins and improve response times in the event of a security breach.
However, it's important to note that not all smart locks are created equal. Some may not meet the installation or security requirements of your insurance provider, which could result in a denial of coverage or other issues. This is why it's important to do your research and choose a high-quality smart lock from a reputable manufacturer that meets the standards set by your insurance provider.
Insurance discounts for homeowners with smart locks
Many insurance providers offer discounts or other benefits to homeowners who install smart door locks, as part of their efforts to encourage home security and reduce the risk of break-ins. These discounts can vary depending on the specific features of the smart lock, so it's important to check with your provider to see what benefits they offer.
For example, some providers may offer a discount of up to 5% on home insurance premiums for homeowners who install smart locks, while others may offer a flat rate discount or other benefits such as waived deductibles or free replacement in the event of a break-in.
The importance of installing a smart lock correctly for insurance purposes
While installing a smart lock may seem straightforward, it's important to ensure that the lock is installed correctly to meet the security and installation requirements of your insurance provider. This includes choosing a lock from a reputable manufacturer, ensuring that the lock is installed properly, and maintaining the lock over time to ensure it continues to function correctly.
Lemaar Smart Lock: a great value option for Australian homeowners
One high-quality smart lock option for Australian homeowners is Lemaar's electronic door lock range, which offers security and multiple functions at a great value. Backed up by a market-leading warranty, Rectangle and Radius electronic locks from Lemaar can be paired with Lemaar hardware, such as a deadbolt, privacy set, etc., for a complete solution. With step-by-step guidance from the installation video, even DIYers with minimal tools and some confidence can successfully install either smart lock.
In conclusion, installing a smart door lock can offer many benefits for Australian homeowners, including improved security, insurance discounts, and peace of mind. However, it's important to choose a high-quality lock from a reputable manufacturer, ensure that it meets the requirements of your insurance provider, and install it correctly to ensure proper function and coverage. With the right smart lock and the right precautions, you can help protect your home and family from break-ins and other security threats.
