Extra Space Storage expands SmartEye after claims costs fall

Extra Space Storage says INSOMNIAC SmartEye has helped cut the volume and severity of security incidents and related claims costs since the operator adopted the OpenTech Alliance service in 2019. The company has rolled it out at hundreds of properties as part of a broader push to use proactive monitoring to reduce losses and support site staff.

Why it matters: - Extra Space Storage is using security monitoring data to shape portfolio-wide decisions, showing how self storage operators can tie security tools directly to claims costs. - OpenTech Alliance says SmartEye can work with existing CCTV systems, which may make proactive monitoring easier to add without replacing current infrastructure. - The company says the service can also reduce pressure on on-site employees at higher-risk properties.

What happened: - Extra Space Storage adopted INSOMNIAC SmartEye in 2019 and has since deployed it at hundreds of properties. - OpenTech Alliance announced that Extra Space Storage has seen a material decrease in the volume and severity of security incidents and associated claims costs. - OpenTech Alliance made the announcement in Phoenix on Oct. 20, 2026.

The details: - SmartEye combines artificial intelligence with a live Virtual Security Team to identify suspicious activity and intervene as incidents unfold. - Monitoring professionals use facility speakers to communicate directly with individuals on site and contact local authorities when extra intervention is needed. - Extra Space Storage said claims savings were large enough to make SmartEye part of security planning for properties entering the portfolio. - The operator said it can activate monitoring as soon as a property begins operating under the Extra Space brand when local conditions or nearby facility experience point to elevated risk. - David Wiehe, senior director of tenant insurance at Extra Space Storage, said the company continues expanding SmartEye because its data shows the service is effective. - Wiehe said monitoring teams have identified small fires and alerted authorities in time for responders to extinguish them before major damage occurred. - Wiehe said interrupting a break-in before an intruder reaches additional units can reduce tenant losses and related claims costs. - Extra Space Storage said live audio intervention handles most interactions, with relatively few cases escalating to police dispatch. - The company said those verbal warnings can remove unauthorized individuals before they create damage or other security problems. - Wiehe said SmartEye allows property teams to focus on their core duties and gives employees less to manage during security incidents. - Wiehe said the approach can improve morale at tougher sites and may reduce staff turnover. - Ryan Stewart, vice president of sales at OpenTech Alliance, said Extra Space Storage’s continued investment in SmartEye reflects years of incident data, claims data and firsthand experience. - Stewart said claims costs are one measure of value, but staff impact also matters when operators evaluate security services. - OpenTech Alliance said interested operators can learn more through the company or by emailing sales@opentechalliance.com. - OpenTech Alliance also listed social media links for LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo. - The release included contact information for Kimberly Robinson at OpenTech Alliance.

Between the lines: - Extra Space Storage is treating security monitoring as a financial risk-management tool, not just a loss-prevention feature. - The rollout suggests the operator sees value in intervening before incidents escalate, especially at sites with higher exposure. - The emphasis on employee morale hints that proactive monitoring may help with retention as well as property protection.

What's next: - Extra Space Storage plans to keep expanding SmartEye where performance data and site conditions justify it. - Other self storage operators may view the reported claims results as a benchmark when deciding whether to add proactive monitoring. - OpenTech Alliance is positioning SmartEye as an add-on to existing CCTV systems for operators looking to upgrade security without a full hardware overhaul.

The bottom line: - Extra Space Storage says years of data support a broader deployment of SmartEye because the service is cutting claims and helping teams manage security more efficiently.