If you Google “benefits of a home security system,” the first thing you read is: “It will lower your home insurance premiums!”
It sounds great. You pay for the alarm, and the insurance savings pay you back, right? That depends heavily on your zip code.
I recently decided to upgrade my home security to the Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) because I wanted something that integrated with Alexa. Before I signed up for the professional monitoring plan ($20/month), I called my insurance agent to ask the golden question: “If I install a monitored burglar alarm, how much will I save?”
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The Math (For Me): $240 Cost vs. $17 Savings
My annual home insurance premium is roughly $918. The agent ran the numbers and came back with the discount amount: $17 per year.
You read that right. Seventeen dollars. To get that discount, I would need to pay for Ring’s “Protect Pro” monitoring plan, which costs $20/month (or $240/year).
In my specific case (Maryland suburbs), the math was terrible. I would be losing $223/year.
However… Your Math Might Be Better
Here is the important part: Do not take my numbers as the rule. Insurance discounts are based on risk.
- High Crime Areas: If you live in a zip code with higher burglary rates, your discount will likely be much higher.
- High Value Homes: If your policy covers a lot of expensive personal property, the discount percentage translates to more dollars.
- Different Carriers: Some insurers (like USAA or Amica) might offer flat percentages (e.g., 10-15%) regardless of location.
The Lesson: Don’t assume it pays for itself. Call your agent first. Ask exactly how much the “Central Burglar Alarm” discount is for your address.
So, Why Did I Buy It Anyway?
Even though the insurance discount didn’t pay for the system in my case, I still bought the Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit. And I actually recommend it.
Here is why, specifically for smart home enthusiasts:
1. The “Self-Monitoring” Sweet Spot
You don’t have to pay the monthly fee. The Ring hardware is excellent. The sensors are fast, the keypad is clean, and the installation takes 30 minutes with sticky tape (no tools needed).
If the math doesn’t work out for you (like it didn’t for me), simply use the Free Tier.
- You get alerts on your phone.
- The siren still screams if someone breaks in.
- Cost: $0/month.
2. Why Ring Vs Competitors
This is the real reason to buy Ring over competitors like SimpliSafe. With SimpliSafe, key smart features (like controlling the alarm from your phone) are often locked behind a monthly paywall. With Ring, the app control and Alexa integration are completely free.
- “Alexa, Goodnight”: I set a routine so that when I say this, Alexa turns off all the lights AND arms the Ring Alarm to “Home Mode”.
- “Alexa, I’m leaving”: She turns off the thermostat, locks the smart lock, and arms the Ring to “Away Mode”.
| Feature | Ring Alarm | SimpliSafe | Eufy Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | $$ | $ (charge subscription for app) | $$ |
| Free Mobile App Control | Yes | Limited/Paid¹ | Yes |
| Native Alexa Integration | Yes (Best) | Partial | Partial |
| Cellular Internet Backup | Yes (w/ Pro Plan) | Yes (w/ Max Plan) | No (Standard Kit) ² |
| Professional Monitoring | Optional ($20/mo) | Optional ($30+/mo) | Partial (via 3rd party) |
| Local Storage (No Cloud) | No | No | Yes |
| Insurance Certificate | Yes (Easy PDF) | Yes | Hard to get |
¹ Traditionally, SimpliSafe requires a monthly subscription just to use the mobile app for remote arming/disarming. Ring and Eufy allow this for free.
² Most standard Eufy HomeBase units rely on Wi-Fi and do not have built-in cellular backup out of the box.
3. The “Protect Pro” Features (My “Blizzard Insurance”)
I eventually decided to pay the $20/month, but NOT for the home insurance discount. I paid for the Internet Backup.
We all saw the news about the recent blizzards. In extreme weather, it’s not just about power; it’s about connectivity. If a tree branch falls on my cable line and kills the internet, my smart home usually goes blind.
- That means my Smart Garage Opener can’t notify me if the door froze open.
- My leak detectors can’t email me about a burst pipe.
The Ring Alarm Pro base station has a built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router with cellular backup. If my fiber internet goes down during a storm, the Ring keeps my entire smart home online using 4G LTE.
Pro Tip: This 4G backup only works if the base station has electricity. To be truly bulletproof during a storm, I plugged my Ring Base Station into a Battery Backup (UPS). This combo (Ring 4G + UPS) means my house stays online and secure, even if the rest of the neighborhood is dark and offline.
Verdict: Check Your Own Math
For some people, the insurance discount covers the entire cost of the monitoring plan. For others (like me), it barely covers a lunch.
Do the math. But regardless of the discount, the hardware is a solid investment for peace of mind.
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (newest model), Home or business security system with optional 24/7 professional monitoring