Insurance Industry Recognizes Value, Discounts in Alarms

Insurance Industry Recognizes Value, Discounts in Alarms
Wednesday, July 2, 2014  

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Posted by: Bob Ogle

The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) recommends that homeowners invest in a monitored security system to alert the police or fire department in the event of an emergency. For Immediate ReleasePRESS RELEASEESA Media ContactsLaurie KnoxVice President,Communications & Public RelationsPhone: (888) 447-1689 ext. 6825E-mail: [email protected] OgleCommunications SpecialistPhone: (888) 447-1689 ext. 6813E-mail: [email protected] BengtsonCommunications CoordinatorPhone: (888) 447-1689 ext. 6811E-mail: [email protected] Industry Sees Value in Alarms,Provides Discounts on Policies Homeowners with security systems may be eligible for insurance discounts Irving, Texas (July 2, 2014) — Everyone wants to save money, but to save money while increasing the safety of your family and protecting your property is an added bonus. For decades security systems have been regarded as effective deterrents against home burglaries; so much so that some insurance companies offer discounts when a home has one installed.According to this article, the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) recommends that homeowners invest in a monitored security system to alert the police or fire department in the event of an emergency. This article and a brochure from I.I.I. report that homeowners who invest in a sophisticated alarm system could see insurance discounts of 15 to 20 percent.”The majority of insurance companies offer discounts for alarm systems,” said Michael Barry, spokesperson for I.I.I. “Homeowners should check with their individual carriers to determine the amount and availability of the discounts.”Two studies funded by the Electronic Security Association’s (ESA) research arm, the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF), demonstrate the value of security systems and why insurance companies would want to offer discounts.The first study was conducted by Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice in Newark, N.J. Entitled “The Impact of Home Burglar Alarm Systems on Residential Burglaries,” the study reported that an alarmed single family home is more than 60 percent less likely to be burglarized than a similar home without an alarm.A more recent study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., also confirmed that security systems are effective crime prevention tools. More than 420 incarcerated burglars were interviewed for the study entitled, “Understanding Decisions to Burglarize from the Offender’s Perspective.” Approximately 83 percent of the offenders said they would attempt to determine if an alarm was present before committing a burglary and 60 percent said if the home was equipped with an alarm they would seek an alternative target.In addition to discouraging burglars, monitored alarm systems protect lives and property during fires. Alarms triggered by fire notify fire departments sooner, leading to saved lives and reduced damage. According the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2012 there were more than 381,000 residential fires that caused nearly $7.2 billion in property loss. Fire, lightning and debris removal are the costliest claims with an average claim of $34,306 per incident, according to I.I.I.For more information about protecting your home with a security system, please visit ESA’s consumer website www.Alarm.org. ABOUT ESAEstablished in 1948, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) is the largest trade association representing the electronic life safety and security industry. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. In cooperation with an alliance of chapter associations, ESA provides technical and management training, government advocacy and delivers information, advice, tools, and services that members use to grow their businesses and prosper. ESA may be reached at (888) 447-1689 or on the Web at www.ESAweb.org.You are receiving this press release as a courtesy of the Electronic Security Association (ESA). If you prefer to receive information in a different format, or as an attachment, or if you need additional information, please contact the Communications Department.Electronic Security Association6333 N. State Highway 161, Suite 350 • Irving, TX 75038Toll Free (888) 447-1689 • Local (972) 807-6800 • Fax (972) 807-6883All content 2014 © Electronic Security Association, Inc.