I finally hit the $50,000 mark in my collection value. I called Wax to up my coverage, and the underwriter asked a question I wasn’t expecting: “Do you have a central station burglar alarm?” I said “I have a Ring camera.” He paused. “That might not be enough.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Protective Safeguards” Endorsement: High-value policies often require a monitored alarm. If you claim you have one to get the discount, and you forget to turn it on the night you are robbed, they can deny the claim.
- Self-Monitored vs. Central Station: A Ring camera that pings your phone is “Self-Monitored.” A system that calls the police automatically (ADT/SimpliSafe with subscription) is “Central Station.” Insurers want the latter.
- The Discount Math: A monitored alarm saves you ~5-10% on premiums. For a big collection, the alarm subscription pays for itself.
- Safe Rating: For watches and super-high-value sneakers (mags, PEs), insurers may require a TL-15 or TL-30 rated safe, not just a locked closet.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Warranty of Security
For collections over a certain threshold (usually $50k or $100k), the insurer adds a “Protective Safeguards Warranty.”
It states: “You agree to maintain an active burglar alarm system. Coverage is suspended if you fail to maintain this service.”
If your Wi-Fi goes down and the Ring misses the thief? You might be fighting a denial.
The Investigation (I Called Them)
I quoted a $75,000 collection.
1. Lemonade
- Requirement: They didn’t explicitly require an alarm, but the premium was $60/month.
- Discount: Small discount for “Smart Home” devices.
2. Wax Insurance / Chubb
- Requirement: Strongly suggested a central alarm.
- Premium: With an alarm: $45/month.
- Without an alarm: coverage may be declined or require a higher deductible ($2,500).
- The Verdict: The alarm unlocks the “Collector” tier rates.
3. DIY (Ring/Nest)
- Analysis: Most insurers now accept “Professional Monitoring” add-ons for Ring (Ring Protect Pro). You must download the “Alarm Certificate” PDF from the app to send to your agent.
Comparison Table
| System | Insurance Discount | Meets “High Value” Requirement? | Cost |
| No Alarm | 0% | No (High Deductible) | $0 |
| Ring/Nest (Self) | ~2% | Maybe | One-time |
| ADT/Central (Monitored) | 5-15% | Yes | ~$40/mo |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Time to secure the bag.
- Get the Certificate: If you have SimpliSafe or Ring, pay for the “Pro” monitoring ($20/mo). Go to Settings > Monitoring > Insurance Certificate. Download it.
- Email Your Agent: Send the cert. “Please apply the Protective Device discount.”
- Test the Sensors: Ensure the window sensors in your “Sneaker Room” actually work.
- Bolt Down the Safe: If you keep 5 pairs in a small Sentry safe, bolt it to the floor. A thief will just carry the whole safe out (stolen safe = stolen shoes).
FAQ
Q: Does a dog count as an alarm?
A: No. Insurers do not give discounts for dogs. In fact, certain breeds (Pitbulls, Rottweilers) can get your home insurance cancelled due to liability risk.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a Ring App “Insurance Certificate” download screen.]