• Elmira, NY Phone: 607-734-6527
  • Corning, NY Phone: 607-962-6831

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2205 College Ave
Elmira, NY 14903

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39 E Pulteney St
Corning, NY 14830

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Simple Safety: Home Improvements

Enhancing your home security doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. Investing in cost-effective smart home devices can make your Elmira, NY home safer. Improved safety can reduce the number of claims filed on your policy from Stewart Agency Inc. This blog will discuss self-installed security systems and other intelligent features that cost less than $50.

Essential Security Systems: Cameras

Many high-quality doorbell video cameras are priced below $50. Multiple brands offer user-friendly cameras with smartphone app controls, costing between $35 and $45. They are accompanied by self-installation instructions, eliminating the need for professional installers.

Yard cameras are even more cost-effective. Depending on the brand, a single camera costs between $15 and $45. Some packages even offer up to four cameras for around $60. These systems, too, come with self-installation guides and mobile apps.

Security System Essentials: Sensors

Packages of four to six window and door sensors are generally priced around $15. These simple-to-install devices trigger an alarm when someone opens a window or door from outside. Since many security camera manufacturers also produce sensors, you can build a custom system, buying one economical element at a time.

Smart Home Essentials

With smart outlets, every home can become a smart home. These devices, which cost between $7 and $45, are available as single pieces or in multi-packs. Just plug the outlet adapter into any standard US electrical outlet, turn it on, install the manufacturer’s app on your mobile device, and complete the setup procedure. Afterward, you can control the device with home assistant systems like Google Assistant or Alexa.

Contact Us Today

Contact Stewart Agency Inc. for more information on enhancing the safety of your Elmira, NY home. Call us today to schedule a home insurance review.

A Short Guide to Smart Locks

Smart locks are among the latest in home security trends as they offer a convenient and secure way to control your home’s access. These keyless, high-tech entry systems can be accessed remotely and offer remote monitoring of your home. If you live in and around the Elmira, NY area, the insurance professionals at Stewart Agency, Inc. offer the following helpful guidance regarding smart locks:

Types of Smart Locks

The market for smart locks is still somewhat in its infancy, so current smart lock applications are currently evolving. Most available smart locks offer user management options, integration with smart home systems, as well as the ability to maintain and download activity logs of those who accessed your home. The following are a few of the types of smart locks available in the marketplace-

  • Wi-Fi Enabled– connecting through your home’s network.
  • Key-based– uses a touchpad to enter a defined code.
  • Bluetooth Enabled- connecting through a smartphone, etc.
  • Biometric- uses biometrics like fingerprinting, etc.

Do Smart Locks Impact Home Insurance?

The implications on insurance may include:

  • Certain policies may offer discounts on premiums for homeowners who have installed a security measure, like a smart lock. This is because a smart lock adds a layer of security.
  • Smart locks can help should you need to defend against a liability claim. For example, if you use smart locks to allow access to contractors, it shows reasonable caution and may limit liability in case of an incident.

Contact Us Today

If you live in the greater Elmira, NY area and would like additional information regarding how smart locks may impact your home insurance, contact the Stewart Agency, Inc. We look forward to meeting your New York State insurance needs today.