Home is more than just the place where we keep our things – it’s where we want to feel comfortable and secure.
But burglaries and thefts do happen. During 2022 and 2023, 1.8% of Australian households experienced a break-in, with 69% reporting theft and 48% reporting property damage.1
While home insurance may help you repair your home or replace your belongings after an event, other protection measures – such as home security cameras – may help you detect and deter offenders.2
Here’s what you need to know about installing security measures such as cameras in your home – and the impact they might have on your insurance premiums.
Types of home security systems
Home alarm systems
Used by an estimated 28% of Aussies,3 home alarm systems come with an array of motion and heat sensors that may detect movement at doors and windows. These systems set off a high-decibel alarm when triggered. Some monitored alarm systems – known as back-to-base systems – send an alert to a security company.4
Security cameras
While cameras are often part of a larger home security system, they may also be a standalone solution. You can buy wireless cameras that run on batteries, mains power and even solar energy. Alternatively, you could choose more permanent wired-in home security cameras, which must be professionally installed.5
Smart home security systems
Smart home security systems, consisting of one or more wireless security cameras watching over your property, offer all the benefits of a home alarm system, plus some cool new features. Controlled via your smartphone, computer or tablet, these systems may allow you to remotely view and record video, lock and unlock doors and receive instant alerts via SMS or email when there’s footage to be viewed.5
Smart video doorbells
Over 25% of people in Australia are estimated to use smart video doorbells.3 These connect to your Wi-Fi and can be controlled via a phone-based app. This allows you to see who is at your door, even if you’re out and about.6
Smart locks
An innovative security option, smart locks replace a traditional door lock with a digital pad, which means you can enter your home using a code, fingerprint, key fob or your smartphone. These locks can be controlled via an app, allowing you to set up auto locks, away mode and more.7
Will home security cameras reduce your insurance premium?
Home security cameras might offer extra peace of mind – but when it comes to your insurance premium, they may not make a difference. At Youi, only certain types of alarm systems – like monitored back-to-base alarms – can be considered when calculating your premium.
While cameras can act as a visual deterrent or provide helpful footage in the event of a claim, alarms offer a faster response to incidents like break-ins, reducing the risk of loss, which is why they can influence your premium.
“Insurers will consider certain security systems in their own way, though, so it’s best to discuss your individual situation with your provider if you’re not sure,” says Bryce Lowry, Youi’s Home Product Specialist.
So, while installing security cameras, smart doorbells or motion sensors might help support a claim with video evidence, they won’t necessarily reduce your premium.
Why install home security cameras at your house?
More than a third of Aussies are estimated to use home security cameras to protect their homes and property,3 and with so many benefits to homeowners, it’s not hard to see why.
Depending on your system and model, cameras can help you remotely monitor your home and collect and access recorded footage. Some models also come with additional features, such as night vision, high-definition cameras and motion detection.
Having a visible outdoor home camera security might also help protect bicycles and other gear you keep outside, by deterring criminals and potentially helping with offender detection.2
Lowry adds that even without a high-tech system, having security cameras could make your insurance claims process faster.
“Having video footage of a break-in or other incident may help police in their investigations, which may help us process your claim more efficiently,” he says.
Setting up your home security cameras
Security cameras are very accessible, with options at variedprice points. If you want to save money, you might be able to buy single wireless home security cameras for as little as $30, while a high-quality kit might cost over $1,000.5 Wired-in systems also range in price but generally will set you back around $2,000 to $2,500.4
There may also be some ongoing costs to account for, such as subscription fees for remote monitoring, video streaming or data storage.5
The next step is choosing where to place your home security cameras. It might be a good idea to install them above or near any possible entry or exit points, such as doors, windows, driveways, garages and stairways.8
You may also want to place them in living rooms or other common areas where you keep expensive items.8 Criminals tend to target items that are valuable and easy to carry, such as cash, laptops, personal electronics, cameras, phones, ID documents and jewellery.
Before your camera installation, you should also check with your local state or territory government and council to make sure you’re aware of privacy regulations. For example, Queensland law requires outdoor cameras to be positioned in a way that avoids impacting neighbouring properties.9
Other smart safety steps
While home security cameras and alarms can help you deter and detect crime, police agencies say taking other simple security measures may help reduce your chances of being targeted for a break-in.
- Lock all entry and exit points, including doors, windows, garages, pet doors, gates and sheds,10 even when you’re at home.11
- Remove any spare keys hidden around your home.10
- Install deadlocks, security doors and peepholes.10
- Secure your valuables away from windows.10
- Install sensor lights.11
- When you go away, leave lights on inside and ask someone to periodically check on your home.11
Of course, even well-protected properties may sometimes be targeted, which is where home and contents insurance comes in. It’s also essential to check you’re insured for the right amount – many Australians are underinsured, making it hard for them to resume their previous standard of living or replace their belongings to the same standard after an event, such as a burglary.12
“Going room-to-room to create a detailed inventory of your valuable items might help you estimate an accurate replacement cost,” Lowry explains.
“For building insurance, online tools such as the Sum Sure Calculator are helpful to use.”
Looking for insurance that’s a little more you-shaped? Visit the Youi website to learn about our home insurance policies or give us a call.
1 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Crime Victimisation, Australia, March 2024
2 Source: Victoria Police – CCTV installation
3 Source: SafeWise – More than a quarter of Aussies have no home security, March 2023
4 Source: Canstar – How much does a security alarm cost?, November 2024
5 Source: CHOICE – What to know before buying a security camera
6 Source: CHOICE – Should you get a smart doorbell?
7 Source: CHOICE – What to know before buying a smart lock for your home, March 2023
8 Source: SafeWise – Where should home security cameras be installed?, July 2022
9 Source: Qld Government – Household surveillance devices, February 2022
10 Source: Victoria Police – Prevent home burglaries, November 2024
11 Source: ACT Policing – Home Security
12 Source: Insurance Council of Australia – The risk of underinsurance
