Your homeowners insurance premium will probably drop if you install home security devices, but do your homework before you choose a system. The Insurance Information Institute says most home insurancecompanies offer discounts of 2 percent to 15 percent for installing equipment to make a home safer and more secure. Such equipment may include:

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Deadbolt locks.

Window grates and bars.

Smoke, fire and burglar alarms.

The most sophisticated security systems are pricey, and not every one of them qualifies for a discount, the institute says. So, talk to your insurance company before you invest. Find out what type of system theinsurance carrier recommends and how much of a discount you can get before you shop.

High-tech home insurance

A high-tech system features a series of sensors that when armed can detect when a window or door is opened or tampered with. Once trouble is detected, an alarm sounds, and local police are notified if the system includes off-site monitoring. Other sensors can detect if an intruder makes his or her way inside. Motion detectors trip an alarm if they sense movement, and floor sensors trigger an alarm when they detect the weight of a trespasser's footsteps.

Don't get so carried away by technology, though, that you neglect taking low-tech precautions to protect your home. Make your home as unappealing to a burglar as possible. Trim shrubs to eliminate hiding places and install outdoor lights with motion sensors to turn on when movement is detected. Keep your doors and windows locked when you're away from home and don't hide keys in the yard – burglars are good at finding them.

When vacationing, stop newspaper and mail delivery and ask dependable neighbors to keep an eye on things.

1. A creek flows through the back yard of a home I am purchasing. Do I have to buy flood insurance?
2. A neighbor's tree fell across my fence. Whose insurance pays?
3. Are new manufactured homes safer than older models?
4. Can I buy insurance to cover my new diamond engagement ring?
5. Can installing a home security system reduce a home insurance premium?
6. Could my home insurance company cancel my policy after I file just one claim?
7. Do I need to buy flood insurance even if I don't live near water?
8. Does home insurance cover all exterior elements?
9. Does home insurance cover jewelry and fine art?
10. How can insurance protect me if my luggage is lost, stolen or damaged?
11. I own a historic home. Do I need special insurance?
12. I'm building a house. How do I insure it while it's under construction?
13. The laptop my company provided to me was stolen recently. Whose insurance policy pays?
14. What are the insurance issues to consider if I decide to rent out my home?
15. What insurance do I need to cover my laptop computer?
16. Will home insurance cover a stolen bike?
17. Will homeowners insurance cover a gun collection?
18. Will insurance cover my valuable coin collection?
19. Will my home insurance cover falling trees and damaged shrubs?
20. Will my home insurance policy cover an in-law apartment in my house?
21. Will my home insurance policy cover hurricane damage?
22. Do I need flood insurance if I live in a condo?
23. Do I need title insurance if I'm buying a condominium?
24. If damages in my condo spread to a neighbor's unit, will my home insurance pay for repairs?
25. What type of home insurance should I purchase for my condo?
26. Will a roommate's renters insurance policy cover my possessions, too?