Is your business as well-protected as it should be? Do you truly know what goes on when you’re not there to see it firsthand? As a business owner, safeguarding your investment from potential losses—whether from the public or your own employees—is essential. Society Insurance outlines five reasons why every business owner should have an effective video surveillance system.
1. Video Surveillance Deters Crime
Installing a video surveillance system can be a strong deterrent against crime. When potential criminals see that your business is equipped with cameras, they are less likely to commit vandalism, shoplifting, or other illegal activities, knowing there’s a higher chance of being caught. At a minimum, indoor cameras should cover the entrances and cash registers, ensuring a clear view of both the customer and the cash drawer. An enhanced system would cover every aisle in a store or every seating area in a restaurant along with full coverage of the back of house.
2. Video Surveillance Protects the Outside of Your Business
Society Insurance recommends consulting with a professional contractor when installing video surveillance systems to ensure you have comprehensive coverage outside your establishment with minimum blind spots. As a rule of thumb, every entrance and exit should be covered, along with the parking lot. It’s crucial to include back alleys, rear entrances, and any areas where someone would try to conceal themselves. Rear entrances can be prime targets for criminals seeking access to safes or back office areas where money is handled. A surveillance system that covers these entrances not only deters potential threats, but also allows you to record the daily comings and goings of your business.
3. Video Surveillance Increases Parking Lot Safety
Customer satisfaction is top priority for many business owners, however it doesn’t mean much if customers and their vehicles are not safe while on your property. Employee safety is equally important, especially if your employees are required to walk to and from their vehicles at extremely early or late hours. Adequate lighting and video surveillance in parking lots can significantly reduce vehicle break-ins and vandalism, while also enhancing the personal safety of both customers and employees as they enter and exit their cars.
4. Video Surveillance is Powerful Evidence for Injury Claims
Slip and fall injuries are the number one source of liability (customer) and employee loss for Society Insurance policyholders. While many, if not most, claims are legitimate, some can be fraudulent. An effective video surveillance system can significantly reduce the likelihood of false claims succeeding. With a video surveillance system, checking the video for the area where the incident occurred should become standard practice when completing your initial incident investigation. When submitting the claim, make sure the claim adjuster knows you have surveillance footage available. At a minimum, save and copy thirty minutes of the recording both before and after the incident. Reviewing the additional footage can help determine the cause of the incident and the direction your claim defense should take. Even if video footage doesn’t show the incident, it may be used as proof in the claims process to show that the injury or claim did not occur as reported by the claimant/plaintiff.
5. Video Surveillance May Reduce Your Insurance Premium
The daily security, theft prevention, and claim defense benefits of an effective video surveillance system far exceed any possible insurance discount. However, when evaluating a business risk, insurance carriers often look for positives that will reduce the cost or frequency of loss. These positives might range from a comprehensive written safety program, the use of non-slip flooring or footwear, a dedicated slip and fall prevention program, or a video surveillance system. In other words, what are you as a business owner doing to prevent losses and protect your customers and employees? With that information, insurance companies may offer better pricing to businesses with video surveillance compared to those without a system in place.
By implementing an effective video surveillance system, you are improving the overall operation, efficiency, safety, and profitability of your business. Video surveillance not only protects your employees and customers but also allows you, as the business owner, to safeguard your investment around the clock, reducing stress and providing greater peace of mind.
This information is provided as a convenience for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute legal or professional advice and does not establish compliance with any law, rule or regulation.
