Burglar Alarm and Security Systems in France
Owning a property in France or a second home in a foreign country is guaranteed to bring you, your family and friends fun holidays, endless adventures and ever-lasting memories. Once you’ve found and purchased your dream property, the next logical step is to keep it and your family safe, starting with French insurance.
In addition to insuring your home and belongings, it’s important to think about burglar alarms and security systems. Installing a smart alarm and video security system is not just common sense; in some circumstances, it can be essential to insure and cover a second home in France, especially in rural locations and cities. Learn how to keep your holiday or investment property safe and secure, even when you’re not there, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investment is protected.
Three reasons home security is vital
Firstly, if the property is your holiday home, it is unlikely to be occupied all year round, leaving it vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism, this is a potential risk.
Secondly, there’s a high possibility that you reside or work in a different country, making it challenging to keep a constant eye on your property while you are away. How do you ensure its safety from afar?
Lastly, if the property is your main residence, a security system provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your family, safeguarding your home against potential threats.
Benefits of using an Alarm System
Deterrent effect
- Visible Deterrent: The presence of a security system, especially if it includes visible cameras and alarm signs, can deter potential burglars. Thieves often avoid properties with obvious security measures, it’s not worth the risk and the hassle.
- Reduced Risk: Statistically speaking, homes with security systems are less likely to be targeted, providing peace of mind for homeowners.
Immediate response
- Real-Time Alerts: Modern security systems can send real-time alerts to your smartphone, your computer or a monitoring service if a break-in is detected, allowing for a quick response.
- Police Notification: Some systems can automatically notify local authorities of any security breach, ensuring a rapid and efficient response.
Remote monitoring
- Access from Anywhere: A video security system allows you to monitor your property from anywhere in the world using a smartphone app or a computer. This is particularly useful for holiday homes that may be unoccupied for extended periods.
- Check-Ins: You can periodically check in on your property to ensure everything is in order, even when you’re not there.
Evidence collection
- Video Footage: In the event of a break-in, video footage can provide valuable evidence for law enforcement, increasing the likelihood of catching the perpetrators and hopefully recovering some of the stolen property.
- Insurance Claims: Video evidence can also support insurance claims, making the process smoother and more straightforward, sometimes faster.
Peace of mind
- Safety and Security: Knowing that your home is protected can provide significant peace of mind, whether you’re at home or away.
- Family Safety: For family homes, a security system ensures the safety of your loved ones, offering protection against intruders and other threats., whether you’re asleep or at work.
Integration with Smart Home Systems
- Automation: Many modern security systems can be integrated with smart home devices, allowing for automated responses such as turning on lights or locking doors when a threat is detected to deter potential intruders.
- Customisation: Some providers and advanced systems can customise the system to suit your specific needs, such as setting up motion sensors, door and window sensors, or smart locks.
Property value
- Increased Value: A well-installed security system can increase the value of your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell.
- Rental Appeal: For holiday homes, a security system can make your property more appealing to renters, who will appreciate the added safety measures.
Insurance benefits
- Lower Premiums: Some insurance companies offer lower premiums or small discounts for homes with security systems, as they are considered lower risk.
- Compliance: Having a security system can help you meet insurance requirements, especially for holiday homes that may be vacant for extended periods.
Emergency assistance
- Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detection: Many security systems also include features for detecting fire and carbon monoxide, providing an additional layer of safety.
- Medical Alerts: Some systems offer medical alert features, which can be particularly useful for elderly family members. In case of an emergency in France, visit our article with emergency numbers.
Community benefits
- Neighbourhood Safety: A secure home contributes to the overall safety of the neighbourhood, benefiting not just your property but also the surrounding community.
- Shared Monitoring: In some cases, you can share access to your security system with trusted neighbours or family members, allowing them to monitor your property when you’re away.
Make it your priority
If you own a property or a holiday home in France, please check your system as soon as possible, it must be high on your priority list. Typically, the previous owner would have provided documentation to help you understand how to operate the existing system. This documentation may be in French.
Most buyers plan to improve their new property, so ask a local artisan, such as an electrician or a builder, for example. They may have advice they can share, history about the area and be able to recommend local burglar alarm and security installers. And if you’re an English-speaking alarm specialist in France, we’d love to hear from you, advertising on our directory is free!
