Do burglar alarms reduce home insurance costs?

Key takeaways

• Burglar alarms can enhance home security, increase property value, and lead to favourable insurance premiums due to reduced risk

• To choose a burglar alarm, consider the type, installation method, and your home’s specific security needs

• Professional installations potentially offer more reliability and may be required by home insurance companies

Will a burglar alarm reduce the cost of my home insurance?

There’s no guarantee that having a house alarm will cut the cost of your home insurance premium as it depends on the insurer and the type of home alarm system you have in place.

Some insurers will only give discounts for house alarm systems installed and maintained by a third-party security company.

But installing an insurance-approved alarm system undoubtedly improves the security of your home.

Top tip: If you tell your insurer you have a burglar alarm make sure you actually use it and maintain it correctly otherwise your insurance claim might be rejected

Should I get a burglar alarm for my home?

If you can afford it then having a burglar alarm is often worth the investment. Here's why:

• Deterrent effect: A visible burglar alarm system can deter potential burglars from targeting your home

• Monetary savings: Preventing a burglary can save you from the financial losses of stolen items and the potential increase in insurance premiums following a claim

• Peace of mind: Knowing you’ve taken steps to protect your home can reduce anxiety

• Stress reduction: If you avoid a break-in you won’t have the emotional stress and hassle associated with a burglary and subsequent insurance claim

• Housebuyer appeal: Having a burglar alarm system could make your property more attractive to potential buyers when you decide to sell it

Did you know?

There were an estimated 376,000 domestic burglaries in England and Wales in the year ending June 2025, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

What are the different types of burglar alarms?

Do I need to hire a professional to install a burglar alarm?

You don’t have to as a DIY installation is cheaper and you can do it at a time that suits you. However, be aware that professional installation by a certified installer may be necessary to qualify for insurance discounts.

Regular maintenance checks are also usually necessary to ensure your system functions correctly and maintains its eligibility for discounts.

It's advisable to use a reputable installer approved by:

• The National Security Inspectorate (NSI), which was formerly the National Approval Council for Security Systems (NACOSS)

• The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Boards (SSAIB)

How much do burglar alarms cost?

The cost of installing a burglar alarm varies based on the size of your home and the type of system you choose. DIY alarms can be affordable, while professional systems with monitoring services can be more costly.

Remember to factor in any ongoing monthly fees for monitored services.

Fitting a burglar alarm yourself can be cheaper but remember that insurers may only offer discounts to those with a system installed by a professional.

The cost details of installing a burglar alarm include the price range for simple DIY alarms, top-end systems, professional installation costs, and monthly fees for monitored alarms.

What other security measures can I have in my home?

• High-quality door locks and window locks meeting British Standards Institution (BSI) requirements

• CCTV security cameras

• External motion-sensor security lights

• Timed lights to make it look like someone is home

• Doorbell cameras

You may also consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch program and installing a safe for your most valuable possessions – both of which can earn you a discount with some home insurance providers.

How can I compare home insurance?

Comparing home insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket is a straightforward process that can help you assess the impact of a burglar alarm on your insurance costs.

By providing details about yourself, your home, and the cover you require, you can easily compare quotes and select the most suitable policy.

You have the option to compare quotes by the level of cover provided and the excess required for claims, as well as the ability to run two searches to see the effect of a burglar alarm on insurance costs.