The Hidden Costs of Not Having a Home Security System

UPDATED: 29/09/2023

You may think a home security system is expensive. Especially if you’ve just seen a brand new kitchen at a trade show and yours is looking awful tired. Or your neighbours have just put in a shiny new deck.

But a home security system is an investment far beyond decoration or simple home improvement. Marble countertops and brand new splashbacks wont stop your items from being taken.

Not having a security system can prove to be far more expensive than being protected.

The High Cost of Burglary and Property Crime

Burglars, driven by the prospect of profit, often take the risk of breaking into homes and businesses. Profit off of your valuable belongings. However, the consequences they face if caught are significant, potentially including imprisonment. Yet, the real cost of burglary is often borne by the victims, who lose valuable belongings and face substantial financial burdens. Here’s a closer look at the high cost associated with property crime:

Loss of Valuables: When burglars strike, they target valuable items, including computers, TVs, tablets, smartphones, appliances, and other electronics. Luxury possessions such as jewelry and high-end handbags are also at risk.
Financial Impact: The cost of replacing stolen items can be substantial, especially if you lack insurance coverage. A burglary can result in losses amounting to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, creating a significant financial setback.
Depleted Savings: For many victims, the aftermath of a burglary means depleted savings. Money that might have been set aside for vacations or other expenses now must be redirected to replace stolen items or repair property damage.

Property crime, like burglary, not only endangers personal safety and security but also imposes a considerable economic burden on those affected. The loss of valuable possessions and the financial repercussions highlight the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent burglary and protect your property.

Insurance Premiums: Not Having a Home Security System Affects Your Rates

Insurance premiums, regardless of the type, hinge on risk calculations. For example:

life insurance becomes more costly for individuals with less-than-ideal health
car insurance premiums rise for those with a history of dangerous driving.

Similarly, when it comes to home and contents insurance, the cost is determined by the risk factors associated with your property.

A significant risk factor that insurance providers consider is the likelihood of burglary or robbery. The more vulnerable your home appears, the higher your premiums will be. However, investing in a home security system can be a game-changer. These systems are formidable deterrents against burglars and intruders. Insurance providers recognize this and often offer attractive incentives in the form of premium discounts. By installing an active home security system, you could enjoy a reduction in your insurance premiums ranging from 5% to 20%[1][2][3].

In summary, insurance premiums are fundamentally linked to risk calculations, and properties at higher risk of burglary or robbery face more expensive premiums. A home security system, equipped with surveillance cameras and other protective measures, not only enhances your safety but can also lead to significant long-term savings by reducing your insurance costs.

Peace of Mind: The Psychological Toll of Feeling Unsafe in Your Own Home

Among all the expenses you might incur, the cost of peace of mind is immeasurable in dollars. It’s a precious commodity that, when lacking, exerts a terrible weight on your shoulders—an invisible burden that can be more taxing than any financial loss. Here’s why:

Constant Anxiety: If you’ve ever experienced a burglary, or if your neighbors have been unfortunate victims, a constant undercurrent of anxiety and nervousness may plague your thoughts.
Dreadful Atmosphere: The fear of a potential intrusion can cast a dark shadow over your home, which should ideally be a sanctuary—a place where you and your family can find safety and solace.
Psychological Toll: The psychological toll of not feeling secure in your own home can lead to a life filled with stress, akin to constantly crossing a road without looking, brimming with cold sweats and shivers.

In summary, the intangible yet invaluable asset of peace of mind often outweighs the most significant financial costs. Feeling unsafe in your own home can exact a profound psychological toll, akin to living with constant dread and anxiety, which starkly contrasts with the comforting and secure atmosphere a family home should provide.

Costly Home Repairs: The Aftermath of a Break-In

The aftermath of a break-in extends far beyond the loss of missing items. Homeowners often find themselves facing a host of repairs to restore their sense of security and safety. Here’s what you might need to address:

Window Replacement: Broken windows are a common occurrence during burglaries. Replacing a single window can be a costly endeavor, often ranging from hundreds to over a thousand dollars. If you have double-glazed windows, the cost can be even higher.
Door and Lock Repairs: Busted locks and damaged doors are vulnerabilities that need immediate attention. The expenses associated with repairing or replacing these security features can add up significantly.
Garage Door Damage: Intruders often target garage doors for access. Repairing a garage door can be a sizeable expenditure, and in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace it entirely.
Interior Damage: A fast-moving burglar can cause interior damage while searching for valuables. Repairing or replacing torn carpets and addressing other forms of interior damage can be an additional financial burden.

The aftermath of a break-in can result in costly home repairs. These expenses include replacing broken windows, repairing damaged doors and locks, addressing garage door damage, and restoring the interior of your home. The financial impact can be substantial, making it essential to invest in preventive measures like a robust home security system.

Loss of Sentimental and Irreplaceable Items

Beyond the financial aspect of replacing stolen items, there’s a deeper and often more painful loss to consider—the sentimental value of these possessions. These are the items that hold precious memories and family ties, transcending their monetary worth.

Imagine a family heirloom, like a necklace passed down through generations, suddenly gone. Or a bracelet that adorned your wrist on your wedding day, holding the emotional memories of that special moment. Luxury watches and other personal items often carry stories and connections that cannot be replaced.

These are the memories that can’t be relived, etched into possessions that hold an irreplaceable place in your heart. The grief that comes with the loss of these sentimental and irreplaceable items can be just as profound as the monetary costs incurred.

Legal Fees and Liability

When a burglar invades your home and pilfers your belongings, your natural inclination is to seek recovery for your financial and material losses should the perpetrator be apprehended. Unfortunately, establishing a solid connection between your missing items and the burglary can be challenging, especially when there is a dearth of compelling evidence. This situation often necessitates enlisting the expertise of a proficient lawyer who can aid in the prosecution and unravel the complexities of the legal process.

Pursuing compensation for your losses post-burglary hinges on your ability to demonstrate a clear link between the crime and your missing possessions.
Engaging the services of a capable attorney becomes pivotal in building a compelling case against the burglar, given the potential intricacies of legal proceedings.
Legal professionals play a crucial role in representing your interests, working closely with law enforcement and the prosecution to strengthen the case.
Beyond legal representation, there are associated costs, such as attorney fees and expenses related to court filings and investigations, which can further strain your financial resources during this trying period.

Reduced Home Value: Lack of Security Affects Resale Value

Contrary to misconceptions, investing in a home security system is far from being an irrecoverable sunk cost. In fact, security measures such as CCTV cameras and alarm sensors are as valuable as other home improvement assets. Here’s how these enhancements can boost your home’s value and safeguard your investment:

Valuable Home Improvement Assets: CCTV cameras and alarm sensors should be seen as valuable home improvement assets. They contribute to an overall net increase in your home’s value, much like other enhancements such as double glazed window, solar panels or heat pumps.
Profitable Resale: The value boost isn’t solely from the tangible hardware components of the security system. Equally significant is the psychological value it bestows upon homeowners. The assurance of a safeguarded family home, a sanctuary where you can rest easy, carries immeasurable worth in itself.
Creating a Safer Living Environment: When the time comes to put your house on the market, the incorporation of a comprehensive security system can positively impact the resale value, reflecting both the tangible and intangible aspects of creating a safer living environment.

Investing in security is an investment in your home’s future, providing both peace of mind and the potential for increased property value.

Lost Time and Productivity: Dealing with the Aftermath of a Break-In

The aftermath of a break-in can be a time-consuming and draining experience. Here’s a summary of the actions that often demand your time:

Shopping to replace lost items.
Filing insurance claims and negotiating with the agent.
Booking tradesmen to repair home damage.
Navigating the legal process and police investigations.

All of these tasks, while necessary, can feel like a significant drain on your time and productivity. What makes this loss of time even more frustrating is that it often encroaches on the leisure time you should be spending on relaxation and enjoyment. Instead of unwinding and recharging, you find yourself caught up in the arduous process of recovery. It’s a constant reminder of the trauma you’ve experienced, as your personal space has been violated. This not only affects your mental and emotional well-being but also your overall productivity and quality of life.

Conclusion: The Hidden Cost of Inaction

In conclusion, the cost of inaction in securing your home goes beyond the dollars and cents you might typically associate with home security. It encompasses the opportunity cost, which is often much more significant. By failing to take the necessary steps to safeguard your home, you risk exposing yourself to a huge cost that extends far beyond financial losses.

The toll includes the anguish of dealing with lost belongings and the psychological trauma that follows a burglary. Moreover, it encompasses the precious hours and days spent on filing insurance claims and repairing your house. This is time that could be better spent on more meaningful and enjoyable pursuits.

Investing in a robust home security system, complete with residential security features such as indoor and outdoor CCTV cameras, acts as a powerful deterrent against burglars and potential robberies. It not only shields you from these hidden costs but also provides you with peace of mind and protection. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to secure your home and your well-being. Get in touch with us for a free consultation, and take the first step toward a safer and more secure future.