Whole house surge protectors reduce the level of the incoming surge so your individual surge protectors at your electronics have a better chance of stopping the surge and protecting your equipment. Surge protection is a multi step process. Whole house surge protectors are best located at the source, i.e., your meter because as one responder correctly stated you want as little distance as possible between the power source and the surge protector to catch very fast spikes but the ones installed in your electrical panel will work fine as well.
The power company supplied surge protector will give you the most protection for your appliances such as your HVAC system where you can't install individual surge protectors. You appliances should be covered by the insurance.
Although nothing is 100% especially if you house takes a direct hit or a hit very close by, it's worth the money to get a whole house surge protector.
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