Alarm systems required for property insurance?

Hi, any of you out there required to get an alarm system as part of getting home owner’s insurance? We are thinking of switching to Chubb from Distinguished Programs but are being told by the broker that Chubb requires an ADT alarm system/service in order to qualify. There is supposedly a discount on the premium equal to the cost of the annual ADT service. My issue is that I think the alarm system is a pain and will result in false alarms rather than any break-ins. Also, we really just have nothing to steal! What are your thoughts?

NorthSleeper

in General Discussion 8 years and 10 months ago

8

Please log in, in order to post replies!

8 replies

Newest Oldest

SoSlope | 8 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4841 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4856 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "16781"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpNWkcfKZsrSiAOYnmRvIA8.yhAXCk1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "danielcprice@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-09-10 19:27:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(16781)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

One other thing: when we first got Chubb, they sent someone to the house who told us we needed an additional smoke detector. It was no big deal.

SoSlope | 8 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4840 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4839 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "16781"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpNWkcfKZsrSiAOYnmRvIA8.yhAXCk1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "danielcprice@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-09-10 19:27:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(16781)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We have Chubb. Their claims handling is outstanding. Even for a few extra dollars, we decided it was very well worth it.

I do believe that they require a central station monitored fire alarm. I am not sure about burglary (but the two generally come as a package for no additional cost). Even if you do not want a burglar alarm, there is a huge benefit to a centrally monitored fire alarm. Not only will it potentially protect your house, but it could save lives. For example, if an alarm goes off in the basement while you are sleeping, it will wake you up and call the fire department long before smoke makes it up to your bedroom. Also, it will call the fire deparment if there is a fire and you are not home, before it spreads to your neighbor’s house, giving them a chance to get out.

ADT is a rip-off. There are many options that are less expensive without long contracts, especially if you are willing to install it yourself (pretty easy with wireless systems). I do not believe that Chubb requires ADT per se.

mozeeatupu | 8 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4832 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4842 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176749"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BHO3bQekVGtCrXmPMzpkzkalt5eAQl/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "grandzu@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/mozeeatupu/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176749)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks for the info. I haven’t filed any claims but good to know

NorthSleeper | 8 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4839 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4841 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1735"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "NorthSleeper"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(17) "north-sleeper-2-2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "samanthafong@msn.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "/forums/users/northslopian/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-17 21:38:41"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "C0yVR32Mbkw2eR4OXyDe"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "North Sleeper"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1735)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Hi Mozee, we were not going to drop Distinguished but Chubb was supposedly offering a better rate for more coverage (we are apparently underinsured right now). I have not filed a claim with them, but I have heard on this forum that they give customers a hard time about reimbursement.

NorthSleeper | 8 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4840 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4843 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1735"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "NorthSleeper"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(17) "north-sleeper-2-2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "samanthafong@msn.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "/forums/users/northslopian/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-17 21:38:41"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "C0yVR32Mbkw2eR4OXyDe"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "North Sleeper"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1735)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Hi EJR, we are using Alwex based in lower Manhattan. The broker did not tell me it was mandatory at first but after I told him we might still go with Chubb even without the discount, he mentioned we could not coverage without it. I will look into gotham, thanks.

lgwlcvqt | 8 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4841 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4832 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209014"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bco4X0PubGzep2htJkd59TCdDT9PSx1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "brodydude2001@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-06-21 12:39:37"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209014)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Any reason you’re dropping Distinguished? We might start a policy with them

lgwlcvqt | 8 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4843 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4839 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209014"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bco4X0PubGzep2htJkd59TCdDT9PSx1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "brodydude2001@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-06-21 12:39:37"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209014)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Any reason you’re dropping Distinguished? We might start a policy with them

EJR | 8 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4840 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4844 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "79362"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(3) "EJR"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B.h6vu7ImM77fV6j0TvRwlieo3mAr4/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(3) "ejr"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "ejrothman@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(46) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/ejr2/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:30:58"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(3) "EJR"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(79362)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I have Chubb and recall that I received a discount for having an alarm system, but not that it was mandatory. What broker are you using? I was very pleased with http://gothambrokerage.com/