Did you know that there is a burglary every two minutes in the UK? It might seem a bit high, but sadly it’s very true. On top of that, the average burglary costs homeowners £3,000. It’s just one of the reasons investing in good home security is so important. And if you wanted another reason- having a security system and burglar alarm can actually reduce your insurance premiums.
Why Do Burglar Alarms Matter?
Insurance companies work out your premiums based on risk. The more likely it is that your home will be broken into (leading you to claim on the policy), the higher your premiums will be. That’s why they ask questions about how long the house is unoccupied, where cars are parked and what security systems you have in place.
Insurance companies want to know that you’ve done everything possible to reduce the risk of break-ins. Some insurance companies will even insist you have locks of a certain standard installed before they will insure you. Even if they don’t, what they want is to see that you aren’t leaving your home vulnerable to crime. A burglar alarm or wider security measures are a perfect way to demonstrate that. When insurance companies see the measures you put in place, they will often offer you lower premiums. That’s why you should be completely transparent about what solutions you have in place.
What Do Insurers Want To See?
While we can’t guarantee that your premiums will get lower, most insurance companies will lower the price if you can demonstrate a few things. Remember that policies will vary, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal. A few things they will want to see include:
Secured Windows + Doors: All of the windows and doors in your home need to be able to lock, securely. If you have faulty locks or windows without sufficient locking systems, your premiums may be higher or worse, your Insurance invalid, as you aren’t able to secure the property.
Safes: We know that not every homeowner wants to invest in a safe, but having one can be a real bonus. Keeping valuables in a safe can earn you a discount with some insurance companies, as they can rarely be broken into and will keep your most valuable items safe. They also protect against damage from flood or fire, making it a double benefit.
Security Systems: Cameras never lie, and CCTV cameras are the best crime detector there are! They are also a powerful deterrent, which means that your home is much more secure if you have a security system that includes a CCTV camera and burglar alarm.
Fire Alarms: Although a fire alarm might not be a burglar, it’s another effective way of showing your home insurance provider that you have ultimate protection in place. After all, an alarm is likely to save the day in the event of a fire!
Remember, not all insurance companies are created equal, and some will not lower your premiums even if you have the most advanced security system on the market. So it’s worth shopping around to find the right deal for you. Meanwhile, why not have a free security review done on your property, so that you can be confident you have every angle covered? To book yours, just get in touch with the team today.