You lock your doors. You set your alarm. You installed a security camera system. But does any of that actually save you money on your home insurance?

It's a fair question. Insurance companies love when you reduce risk. Security cameras definitely reduce risk. So there should be a discount, right?

The answer is yes — but it's not as simple as "install cameras, get money off." I've helped dozens of OHWOAI customers navigate this exact question. Here's what you actually need to know about security cameras and home insurance in 2026.

The Short Answer

Most home insurance providers offer discounts for security devices, including security cameras. But the discount is usually modest — typically 5% to 10% off your annual premium.

For the average homeowner paying $1,500 per year for insurance, that's $75 to $150 in annual savings. Not life-changing money. But over five years, that's $375 to $750 — which might cover the cost of your security camera system entirely.

However, the bigger financial benefit isn't the discount. It's the claim protection.

The Real Savings: Claim Protection

Here's what insurance agents won't tell you: the biggest money saver isn't a small annual discount. It's having video evidence when you file a claim.

Your house gets broken into. $5,000 worth of electronics and jewelry is stolen. You file a claim. The insurance company asks questions. Without evidence, it's your word against theirs. Claims adjusters are skeptical by nature — they see fraud every day.

Now imagine you have an OHWOAI security camera system. You have clear 4K footage of the break-in. You have timestamps. You have a description of the thief. You can see exactly when they entered and what they took.

Your claim gets approved faster. You get paid faster. And you're less likely to have your rates raised after the claim.

That's where the real value is.

What Insurers Actually Want to See

Not every security camera system qualifies for the same discount. Insurance companies look for specific features.

Professional monitoring is the gold standard. If your security system is professionally monitored (like ADT or SimpliSafe), you'll get a larger discount — often 15-20%. But professional monitoring costs $30-60 per month, so the discount rarely outweighs the fee.

Self-monitored systems like OHWOAI still qualify for discounts, but smaller ones. Insurers like that you have cameras, but they prefer a dedicated monitoring center watching 24/7.

What insurers love: visible cameras at all entry points, exterior cameras covering driveways and back doors, cameras with night vision since most thefts happen after dark, systems with backup power and local storage, and cameras that record continuously or have good motion detection.

What insurers don't care about: whether your camera is 4K or 1080p, AI person detection, or two-way audio. Those features are great for you, but your insurance agent has never heard of them.

An OHWOAI PoE system with cameras at your front door, back door, garage, and driveway checks all the right boxes.

Discounts by Insurer

Discounts vary significantly by company. Here's what you can generally expect from major insurers.

State Farm typically offers 5-10%, but they prefer professionally monitored systems for the best rate. Allstate is in the 5-8% range, and they do accept DIY systems though the discount is smaller. Farmers is more generous at 10-15%, especially if you have exterior cameras. Nationwide offers 5-10% but requires at least two exterior cameras. Travelers is solid at 8-12% and works well with self-monitored systems. USAA offers the best discounts at 10-15%, but that's only available to military members and their families. Liberty Mutual offers a modest 5-8% discount that's relatively easy to get.

OHWOAI customers report the most success with Farmers, Travelers, and USAA. State Farm and Allstate are hit-or-miss depending on the local agent you talk to.

How to Claim Your Discount

You can't just buy cameras and expect your insurance to drop automatically. You have to ask.

First, call your insurance agent. Don't email. Call. Ask specifically whether they offer a discount for security cameras and whether self-monitored systems qualify.

Second, ask about requirements. Some insurers need a certain number of cameras. Some want proof of installation. A few require professional installation, though most accept DIY setups.

Third, document everything. Take photos of your installed cameras. Save your receipts. Keep a copy of your system specs. Your OHWOAI order confirmation counts as proof.

Fourth, submit the paperwork. Your agent will tell you what they need. Send it promptly and follow up if you don't see the discount on your next bill.

Fifth, check other insurers. If your current insurer doesn't offer a camera discount, shop around. Some companies are more progressive than others.

A Real Example

Let me tell you about a real OHWOAI customer. His name is Dave. He lives in a suburb of Dallas. Someone stole his riding lawn mower from his shed. $3,500. He filed a claim. His insurance company asked for proof of purchase, a police report, and any video evidence.

Dave had two OHWOAI bullet cameras covering his backyard. The footage showed the thief's face, his truck, and his license plate. Dave gave everything to the police and his insurance company.

His claim was approved in four days. The police found the thief a week later. Dave got his deductible back. And his insurance rates didn't go up.

Without the footage, his claim would have taken weeks. His rates might have increased. And the thief probably wouldn't have been caught.

Does the Discount Apply to Renters?

Yes. Renters insurance often provides the same discounts for security cameras as homeowners insurance.

If you're a renter with an OHWOAI wireless security camera system, call your renters insurance provider. Ask about their security device discount. The same rules apply — visible cameras, exterior coverage if you have a balcony or patio, and documented proof of installation.

Many renters don't think to ask. That's why most don't get the discount. Be the exception.

What About False Alarms?

Insurance companies hate false alarms. Some municipalities fine you for excessive false alarms. And those fines can cost more than your camera discount.

If you have a security system that calls the police on every false trigger, you might actually lose money. That's another reason self-monitored systems like OHWOAI are appealing. You get the notification. You decide if it's real. No false alarm fines. No annoyed police department.

Final Thoughts

Do security cameras lower your home insurance? Yes — modestly. A 5-10% discount is typical.

But the real financial benefit isn't the discount. It's having video evidence when you file a claim. That's where security cameras pay for themselves.

An OHWOAI security camera system costs a few hundred dollars. Over five years, the insurance discount might save you $375-$750. And if you ever need to file a theft claim, the footage could save you thousands.

Call your insurance agent tomorrow. Ask about the discount. And while you're at it, make sure your OHWOAI cameras are covering your entry points, driveway, and backyard.

Because the best insurance discount isn't the one you get every year. It's the one that saves your claim when something actually happens.