How you can turn your home into a secure smart home

Smart home technology has never been more accessible. It allows homeowners to leverage new technology that can help make their home more responsive and secure.

From extra safety measures to improved peace of mind while you’re away, smart devices can offer a lot. And, as a bonus, they can be pretty simple to install!

You decide how connected you are

Smart home technology doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. You can choose devices for your home based on:

• what's going to be most useful for you
• what’s achievable with your budget, and
• how comfortable you are with a smart connected home.

Installing one or two products may save you time or money, while helping you feel more secure in your home. This may be as simple as a motion sensor, or as complex as a magnetic lock controlled by an app.

Depending on how all-out you go, you may need to stay aware of how cyber security will be factored in, and how this may impact your overall security.

How to create a smart home security system

Whether you’re going away for the afternoon or for an extended holiday, smart home security devices can help keep your home safe.

By scheduling some smart lights, you can make it look like you’re at home even when you’re not. Even hooking up some lights to a motion sensor may help deter would-be burglars.

Smart locks are also available. From code-locked keypads to motorised deadbolts triggered by an app, all the way to fully sci-fi biometric smart locks, there are plenty of options to consider for all budgets and needs.

Video-capable doorbells and smart cloud connected security cameras can offer more functionality than traditional security cameras. For example, they can:

• allow you to monitor your home remotely through your phone, and
• alert you to potential disturbances in real-time, even when you’re out and about.

Some models even come with two-way audio systems so you can communicate to anybody approaching your home. Plus, they can double as a pet monitor if you set one up inside.

How insurance could help

If you have Suncorp Classic Advantages Home and Contents Insurance and your monitored, working house alarm is activated by an illegal break in, attempted break in or malicious damage, we can cover security attendance fees charged by your security provider to respond. The most we will pay is $2,500.

This won’t be covered if it’s a false alarm, like being triggered by a pet or for reasons unknown.

You won’t need to pay an excess if you make a claim for this additional cover. Read the Product Disclosure Statement for the full details including limits, conditions and exclusions.

Explore Suncorp Home and Contents Insurance

Review your home and contents insurance cover

Smart home devices are covered by your Suncorp Home and Contents insurance. If they are hard-wired to the home, they are part of the building. If they are portable or you can take them with you if you sold your home, they are contents.

After any devices are installed, consider updating both your home sum insured and contents sum insured to meet your needs. Underinsurance may lead to a financial loss if a claim occurs and those items are damaged or stolen.

You can check and update your sum insureds online via your My Suncorp account, or through the Suncorp Insurance App.

Update your policy

Read more on Learn About:

• How to make a home insurance claim with Suncorp Insurance
• The financial benefit of having home and contents insurance
• Home security tips

Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to Suncorp.com.au for a copy. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.