I installed a $2,000 Vivint security system with cameras and glass break sensors. I called my jewelry insurer (Jewelers Mutual) to get my discount. They knocked $12 off my $300 annual premium. I spent $2,000 to save $12.
Key Takeaways
- Discounts are Small: Jewelry insurance premiums are already low (~1-2% of value). A 5% discount on a $300 policy is $15. Don’t buy an alarm just for the jewelry discount.
- Homeowners Discount is Bigger: The alarm discount applies to your entire home policy premium (dwelling + contents). That is where the real savings are (often 10-15%).
- The “Warranty” Risk: If you take the discount, you warranty that the alarm is active. If you forget to set it and get robbed, they can deny the claim. (See Article 1 in Studio series). Sometimes it’s safer not to take the discount to avoid this trap.
- Safe Discounts > Alarm Discounts: For jewelry, insurers prefer safes (TL-15) over alarms. A safe physically stops the theft; an alarm just announces it.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Conditions of Coverage.”
Taking the $12 discount adds a “Protective Safeguards” clause to your policy.
Now you must use the alarm.
Is saving $12 worth the risk of a denied claim if you forget to arm the system once?
For many people, the answer is no.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Savings)
I ran the math on discounts.
Jewelers Mutual
- Alarm Discount: ~2-5%.
- Safe Discount: ~5-10% (depending on rating).
- Vault Discount: ~50% (Bank vault).
Lavalier
- Alarm Discount: Minimal. They focus on the item value.
Comparison Table
| Security Measure | Installation Cost | Annual Savings (Jewelry) | Risk of Warranty Breach |
| Central Alarm | $500+ | Low ( 10−10− 20) | High |
| Local Alarm | $100 | $0 | None |
| TL-15 Safe | $1,500 | Medium ( 30−30− 50) | Medium |
| Bank Vault | $50/yr | High ($150+) | Low |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Ask “How much?”: Before applying the discount, ask the agent the exact dollar amount.
- Decline if Low: If it saves you $10, tell them “Remove the discount. I don’t want the warranty clause.”
- Apply to Homeowners: Apply the alarm certificate to your Home insurance instead. The savings there are real.
- Get a Safe: A safe protects the jewelry better than an alarm. Just don’t lose the combination.
FAQ
Does a Ring doorbell count?
Usually no. They want “Central Station Monitoring” (police dispatch).
What if the alarm malfunctions?
You must notify the insurer immediately.
Can I get a discount for a gated community?
Sometimes, yes. It lowers theft risk.