Can Neighbourhood Watch affect home insurance?

Key takeaways

• Neighbourhood Watch is charity which helps neighbours reduce local crime

• Some home insurers offer a 2-5% discount for homes in Neighbourhood Watch areas

• You can set up a new Neighbourhood Watch scheme by registering on their website

What is Neighbourhood Watch? 

Neighbourhood Watch is a charitable organisation made up of neighbours who work together to reduce the risk of crime in their areas. It provides resources, projects and networks that support volunteers and communities to work together to prevent crime, raise awareness around safety initiatives and community resilience, and connect neighbourhoods.

Most local Neighbourhood Watch groups are run by local volunteers. With more than 60,000 active volunteers and more than 2 million members, it is the largest voluntary crime prevention movement in England and Wales. 

Does Neighbourhood Watch affect home insurance costs? 

Some home insurance providers offer a discount for homes located in an active Neighbourhood Watch area, typically ranging from 2% to 5%. However, this is not a universal policy.

Neighbourhood Watch membership could also indirectly lead to cheaper home insurance premiums if the existence of a local group has led to lower crime rates, especially break-ins and burglaries. People who live in areas at a high-risk of crime usually pay more for home insurance.

Insurers and price comparison websites usually ask if you live in a Neighbourhood Watch area when you apply for a buildings insurance or contents insurance quote.

What do Neighbourhood Watch members do? 

Members of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme work together and with police to reduce crime in their area.

Neighbours actively monitor each other's properties, especially after a burglary or while someone is on holiday. It's a strategy where everyone looks out for suspicious activity and promptly reports it to the police, creating a sense of community vigilance. 

How can I reduce my chances of being burgled?

There are several ways homeowners can reduce the likelihood of being burgled. Insurance companies usually ask about some of these when you apply for home insurance.

• Installing a burglar alarm or add other home security measures

• Having a Ring doorbell (or similar)

• Locking doors and windows when you go out

• Making sure your locks meet the standards specified on you home insurance policy

• Using a timer-switch for your lights for when you go on holiday

• Using smart cameras to monitor your home while you are away

• Not posting pictures on social media while you are on holiday

• Marking items with SmartWater

You can find out more about preventing burglary in our guide here. 

What are the benefits of joining Neighbourhood Watch? 

Joining your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can offer the following benefits:

Can I join a Neighbourhood Watch group in my area? 

Yes, you can join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area, or set one up if there isn’t already a group.

To get started, visit the Neighbourhood Watch website and run a Neighbourhood Watch postcode check.

Then you will need to register as an individual member to join. Membership is free. 

Once you’ve joined, then you will be able to team up with the rest of your community keeping an eye out for crime – from home break-ins to car theft – and lower-level antisocial behaviour.