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5 Smart Home Devices That Can Help You Save on Home Insurance

Protect Your Home and Prevent Expensive Claims

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By Susan Meyer
Updated December 10, 2025
Reviewed By Beth Swanson
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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
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  1. Why devices can lower premiums
  2. Water leak detectors
  3. Smoke and CO detectors
  4. Home security systems
  5. Smart thermostats
  6. Smart locks
  7. Tips for getting insurance discounts

Are Smarter Homes Safer?

We’ve reached peak smart home technology from voice-activated light switches to garage doors, thermostats, and more that can be activated remotely from an app. 

But smart home technology isn’t just about convenience — it can also protect your home from costly damage. In some cases, it could even lower your home insurance premiums. Insurers increasingly reward homeowners who install devices that reduce risk, like water leak detectors, security systems and smoke alarms. 

If you’re looking to make your home safer and save money, here are five devices you might consider adding. 

Why Smart Devices Can Get You Insurance Discounts

Insurance companies calculate premiums based on risk. When technology helps detect threats early or prevent damage, insurers may offer discounts because the likelihood of a claim decreases.

Common types of discounts include savings for:

  • Burglar alarms and monitored security systems
  • Smart smoke or CO detectors
  • Water leak sensors with automatic shutoff
  • Smart locks or video surveillance
  • Integrated home monitoring systems
  • Smart thermostats

Not every insurer offers the same discounts, so it’s always smart to check with your provider or compare quotes.

1. Smart Water Leak Detectors

Water damage is one of the most common (and most expensive) home insurance claims. About 1 out of every 60 homes makes a claim for water or freezing damage each year, and the average cost of a water damage claim is nearly $14,000. Water damage is the second most common home insurance claim, behind wind and hail.[1]

The most important way to keep costs down with water damage is to catch any leaks early. A smart water leak detector can alert your phone the moment moisture is detected in vulnerable areas like under sinks, behind appliances, or by the water heater.

More advanced systems can automatically shut off the water supply if a major leak is detected.

How they help you save:

  • Reduce the risk of major water damage claims
  • Some insurers offer discounts for systems with automatic shut-off
  • Prevent mold growth and long-term structural issues

2. Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Traditional alarms only notify you if you’re home. The blaring sounds are intended to wake you up and get you to safety. What about when you’re not at home when a fire starts?

While better for your physical safety, when you're not home when a fire breaks out, it gets extra time to spread before the fire department is notified. And with fires, every second counts, with longer response times having the strongest correlation with which fires become extreme fires and which homes become a total loss.[2]  

Smart smoke and CO detectors send instant alerts to your phone and often integrate with other devices (like cameras or HVAC systems) for added safety. This means even if you’re at work or on vacation when a wire short-circuits or an electrical battery combusts, you can take immediate action. 

How they help you save:

  • Lower the risk of severe fire damage
  • Many insurers offer discounts for monitored or interconnected alarm systems
  • Early detection can reduce both damage and claim size

3. Video Doorbells and Smart Home Security Systems

With package theft on the rise, a video doorbell can act as a visible deterrent and provide valuable footage if something happens. Package theft cost consumers $15 billion last year.[3]

Motion detection, two-way audio, and live streaming help you stay aware of activity at your door — even when you’re away. A full smart security system often includes door/window sensors, motion detectors, cameras and sometimes professional monitoring. These systems offer comprehensive protection and are among the most likely to earn insurance discounts. On average, you can save between 1% and 3% on home insurance costs. 

How they help you save:

  • Reduce burglary risk
  • Aid in police investigations, potentially lowering claim payouts
  • Some insurers offer small discounts for security cameras or video doorbells
Packages on a front porch

Does home insurance cover porch piracy?

Yes, standard homeowners and renters policies do cover stolen packages as part of personal property theft. If you’re buying something truly expensive, you can usually get a special protection plan upon purchase. However, if for some reason something worth far more than the cost of your deductible was stolen from your porch, you can file a claim with your insurance company. You’ll need a police report and proof of delivery of the item.

4. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats aren’t only for energy savings. They can also automatically maintain consistent temperatures, allow you to set minimum heat thresholds, or allow remote temperature control. This can ensure pipes stay warm enough, especially under sinks and in basements, whether you're home or far away from the big freeze hits.

The average amount for a claim for frozen pipes is $27,000.[4] To avoid these expensive payouts, many insurers do offer discounts for having smart thermostats. 

How they help you save:

  • Prevent burst pipes
  • Reduce strain on HVAC systems
  • Some insurers offer energy-efficiency or home protection discounts

5. Smart Locks & Entry Sensors

Smart locks allow remote locking/unlocking and customized access codes. They can alert you when someone enters your home. Paired with door/window sensors, they help prevent unauthorized entry and reduce theft risk. You can even get smart garage door openers that can alert you when the door is left open or opened by someone while you’re out.

Much like the smart home security systems mentioned above, these can be another way to lower your chance of being a victim to home or garage theft and thus potentially earn you a discount. 

How they help you save:

  • Lower burglary risk
  • Improve home security without expensive hardware
  • May qualify for security-device discounts

Tips for Getting Insurance Discounts on Smart Devices

Check with your insurer first

Some require specific brands or professional installation.

Save proof of installation

Photos, receipts or monitoring contracts may be required.

Bundle devices for bigger savings

A full home security system often qualifies for more discounts than individual devices

Compare insurers

Many insurance companies offer discounts, but not all are the same. Compare options to find the best rate.

Wrapping Up

Smart home devices are not only convenient, but in the event of a water leak under your cabinet or a fire starting or robber entering while you're away from home...they can save you some big bucks.

Even if nothing bad happens to your home (which obviously is the preferred option) they can offer peace of mind and additional discounts on your home insurance costs.

Sources

  1. Smart home statistics. [Ruby Home]

  2. Statistical Analysis of Fire Department Response Times and Effects on Fire Outcomes in the United States. [Research Gate]

  3. 2025 U.S. Package Theft Report and Worst Metro Cities for Porch Pirates. [Safe Wise]

  4. We Studied 433 Burst Pipe Claims. Here’s What You Need to Know Before Winter Arrives. [Risk & Insurance]