Zoneminder and Frigate make it very easy to run your own security system without backdoors. It’s not hard, just takes some thought and effort to set up.

You didn’t watch the video, did you?

one thing he discusses is that having ANY cameras, even completely local and totally under one’s own control, can be a liability for insurance claims

The liability of what, proving I was correct? Cause in my claims that’s what it’s done and made legal jobs much easier…

I’m struggling to think of a situation where having cameras will help you, the homeowner, with insurance claims. Let’s say someone fakes a slip and fall on the sidewalk out front of your house. Sure, your camera may prove they faked it. However, you’re not going to be the one actually paying that claim. Beyond the deductible, it won’t actually keep money from leaving your pocket.

But there are plenty of cases where having a camera could result in the denial of a claim. Introducing video of yourself to an insurance claim opens up a can of worms of intentionality, negligence, and liability. And insurers will look for any flimsy excuse to rule a claim is not covered.

At best, having cameras lets you avoid an insurance deductible from someone filing a fraudulent claim against you. But on the downside, it may result in entire claims being denied that you would otherwise have coverage for.