- Smart home devices include water leak detectors, smart smoke/CO detectors, smart locks, video doorbells, entry sensors, garage door sensors, smart thermostats, smart plugs, and smart sprinkler systems.
- Leak detectors can alert you to plumbing leaks or shut off water automatically; smart smoke/CO detectors send alerts to your phone; video doorbells and cameras can deter theft and document events.
- Smart thermostats may reduce energy use and and maintain adequate temperature in an unoccupied building; smart plugs and lighting reduce wasted electricity and improve safety.
- Amica offers discounts for temperature-monitoring, water-leak detection, hard-wired backup generators, and gas-leak detection systems, depending on state and eligibility.
Smart Home Devices That Help Protect Your Home and May Save You Money
Smart home devices can do more than add convenience to your routine. The right setup may help you monitor your property, detect problems early, reduce energy use and make daily life easier to manage. A good place to start is with products that help protect your home from loss and improve efficiency at the same time.
Key Takeaways
Today’s smart home technology can connect locks, lights, thermostats, cameras, leak detectors and other systems through mobile apps or voice commands. That means you may be able to check on your home from almost anywhere, respond more quickly to problems and potentially avoid claims tied to water damage, theft or weather-related issues.
Quick takeaway: Smart home devices may help protect your home by alerting you to leaks, smoke, break-ins or unsafe temperatures before those issues become more expensive problems.
What are smart home devices and how do they work?
Smart home devices are internet-connected products that can be monitored, controlled or automated through a mobile app, smart speaker or central hub. Some respond to voice commands. Others run on schedules, detect motion, measure water flow or send alerts when conditions change.
For example, a smart thermostat can adjust your home’s temperature while you’re away. A smart leak detector can notify you when moisture appears under a sink. A connected camera or doorbell can show you who’s at the door even when you’re not home. Taken together, these devices can help create a more responsive and efficient home.
Smart home devices that can help protect your home
Many homeowners start with devices that can help reduce the risk of damage or improve home security. These tools may help you spot problems earlier and act faster.
| Device type | What it can help with | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Water leak detector | Detects moisture, leaks or unusual water flow and in some cases, shuts off the water in your home. | May help reduce water damage and catch leaks earlier |
| Smart smoke or CO detector | Sends alerts when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected | Can improve response time when you’re away from home |
| Smart lock or door sensor | Monitors entries and lock status | May improve home security and access control |
| Video doorbell or camera | Shows activity at entry points | Can help deter theft and document events |
| Smart thermostat | Adjusts heating and cooling automatically | May help lower energy use and reduce freeze risk |
Water leak detectors and shutoff devices
Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face. Smart water leak detectors can alert you when they sense moisture or humidity where it doesn’t belong, such as under sinks, behind toilets or near water heaters. More advanced systems can connect to your main plumbing line, monitor water flow and even shut off the water automatically if a major leak is detected.
These devices can be especially useful if you travel often or own a seasonal home. For related prevention guidance, see How to Stop Basement Flooding and Protect Your Home and Water Backup Coverage for Homeowners.
Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Standard smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential, but smart versions can add another layer of awareness. These devices can send alerts to your phone, tell you which room triggered the alarm and, in some cases, notify emergency contacts or services. That can be especially helpful if you’re away from home when an alarm goes off.
Smart locks, video doorbells and entry sensors
Smart locks and entry sensors can notify you when a door opens, confirm whether your home is locked and help you avoid getting locked out. Video doorbells and connected cameras can show you who’s outside, help deter package theft and create a record if something suspicious happens. These tools can add convenience, but they can also support better awareness of what’s happening around your home.
Smart garage door sensors
Smart garage door sensors can tell you whether your garage door is open or closed and allow you to close it remotely. Some systems can also send notifications every time the door opens, which can be helpful for security and peace of mind.
Here's a quick overview of common smart home devices and what they can help with:
Smart home technology that may help save energy
Smart home devices are often associated with security, but many can also improve efficiency and lower utility use over time.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats can learn your schedule, adjust temperature settings automatically and help you manage heating and cooling more efficiently. You can also use them to monitor conditions while you’re away, which may help reduce the chance of frozen pipes during cold weather. When programmed correctly, a smart thermostat may help save energy and lower utility costs over time.
Smart plugs, power strips and lighting
Smart plugs and power strips can turn off idle electronics automatically or run on a schedule. Smart lighting can switch off after no motion is detected or turn on at set times to make it look like someone is home. These tools can reduce wasted electricity while adding a small security benefit.
Smart sprinkler systems
Connected sprinkler systems can water your lawn on a schedule, pause when it’s raining and help you avoid unnecessary water use. They may be especially helpful where water restrictions or seasonal changes make manual watering less practical. While smart sprinkler systems are useful for hands-off lawn maintenance, they don’t add protection to your home and thus don’t qualify for insurance discounts with Amica.
Can smart home devices help with insurance savings?
In some cases, yes. Insurance companies recognize that certain smart home devices may help prevent or reduce losses. Devices that monitor water leaks, temperature changes, smoke, gas or security events may support discounts or rebates, depending on the insurer and state.
Amica currently offers discounts when you install a temperature-monitoring, water-leak detection or gas-leak detection system. You can also explore related savings on the home insurance discounts page and learn more about water damage mitigation devices.
Are smart home devices safe to use?
Smart home devices can be useful, but they should be set up carefully. Because many connect through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, weak passwords or outdated software can create security risks. If you use smart speakers, cameras, locks or other connected products, take basic steps to protect your devices and your data.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each device or account.
- Turn on two-factor authentication when it’s available.
- Keep apps and firmware up to date.
- Review privacy settings and limit shared access.
- Buy devices from established brands with ongoing support.
Making your home smarter, one step at a time
You don’t need a whole-house system to benefit from smart home technology. Many homeowners start with one or two devices that solve a clear problem, such as a leak detector in the basement, a smart thermostat for energy efficiency or a video doorbell for added security. Over time, those smaller upgrades can add convenience, improve awareness and potentially reduce your risk of filing a claim.
If you’re considering new devices, it may also be worth reviewing your insurance needs and available discounts. For broader protection information, see home insurance, home insurance coverages and shopping for a home security system.
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FAQs about smart home devices and protection
Smart home devices are internet-connected products that help you monitor, control or automate parts of your home, such as locks, lights, thermostats, cameras and leak detectors.
Devices that help detect water leaks, smoke, carbon monoxide, unauthorized entry or unsafe temperatures can offer some of the most practical protection because they may help you catch problems early.
They may, depending on the insurer, the device and where you live. Some insurers offer discounts or rebates for qualifying leak detection, temperature monitoring or security systems.
They can. When used correctly, smart thermostats may reduce heating and cooling waste by adjusting temperatures based on your schedule, habits or room occupancy.
That depends on your goals, but many people find them worthwhile for convenience, early problem detection, security awareness and potential energy savings.
Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, keep software updated and review device privacy settings regularly.
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