What exactly is a 'local' fire alarm in terms of renters insurance?

Question

I am getting a quote now for renters insurance, but it asks if I have one of three types of fire alarms in our apartment. Local, Central, or Direct. Of the three I have narrowed it to either I have none of those or local. The meaning they give for 'local' is: "an audible alarm sounds from speakers fitted to the home that alerts you and those around you that the home is experiencing a fire."

The kind I have in our apartment is just one fire alarm that is hanging on the wall, just the normal round kind that beeps. No extra speakers anywhere.

Is this what a 'local' fire alarm is or not?

Answer 1

You have none of the three. You have a simple smoke alarm not tied to any alarm company or dispatch center.

Answer 2

If it's the battery kind with no wires, it's a local alarm.  Central is where it reports to a station, where if the alarm goes off, the station calls you, and asks if everything is ok.  Direct, is when it reports directly to a fire station - it goes off, and the trucks show up.

Answer 3

Local alarm is one that is in the hall ways that alerts all neighors.  Central alarm will general include local but go to a call center, Direct alarm is on that will directly be routed to a 911 call center or fire station.   The higher level of alarm usually a larger discount.  This doesnt change the cost of your renters policy by much because the premium is low anyways but every penny does count.  Good Luck.

Answer 4

Steve S nailed it. His answer is the right one.

Answer 5

you have a local alarm