ADT partners with State Farm to promote Pulse

Security companies often use as a selling point the fact that insurance companies give discounts to homeowners who have a security system. But ADT announced this week that it is leveraging that insurance company relationship in a new way: by partnering with State Farm to give that leading insurer's customers special deals on Pulse. And the customers who get Pulse can also end up with a discount on their State Farm home insurance.

Seems like a pretty smart way to get customers to sign up for a smart home solution—and one that benefits both of these big companies.

Here's more from ADT's Dec. 3 release:

ADT today announced it is teaming up with State Farm to help its customers better manage and control their homes. ADT will provide special offers on its ADT Pulse home security and automation solution to State Farm customers, who may also qualify for home insurance discounts. The special offer also includes a free in-home security consultation, 24/7 professional monitoring by trained ADT security specialists and custom installation with a six-month money-back guarantee.

… “The average insurance claim for a home burglary or fire can cost thousands of dollars,” said Don Boerema, chief corporate development officer at ADT. “Through home automation capabilities and enhanced security features, ADT Pulse is the ideal solution to help State Farm customers connect to their families and homes to mitigate loss.”

“As the leading provider of homeowners insurance in North America, State Farm has a keen interest in helping customers prevent loss,” said Jack Weekes, operations vice president at State Farm. “By teaming up with ADT and other home control and monitoring providers, we are helping customers protect their family and property in today's high tech world.”

The deal caught the attention of Insurance & Technology magazine, a business trade publication for insurers, which says in an article that it's "the latest sign that the smart device revolution is poised to shake up the insurance industry." The article wonders if insurers can "find the right tone and offering to capitalize" on the new trend. I'm wondering what other security companies will team up with insurers to better promote their security products.