Home Insurance and Security UK Guide¶

How security measures affect your home insurance premiums, coverage, and claims.

How Security Features Reduce Premiums¶

UK insurers base premiums largely on risk. A survey by Confused.com found that homes with no alarm pay 23 % more on average. Fitting a Grade 2 alarm (Yale Sync, £149.99) typically saves 10 - 15 %. Five-lever mortice locks (BS 3621) on all external doors - ERA Fortress from £35 - can yield an additional 5 %. Window locks on ground floors add another 5 %. Combined, a well-secured home can save up to 20 % on buildings and contents cover. Major insurers including Aviva, Direct Line, LV=, and Churchill apply these discounts.

Policy Conditions and Exclusions¶

Most policies have a 'failure to maintain security' clause - if you leave a door unlocked and are burgled, your claim is void. Contents cover typically caps single-item valuables at £1,500 - £2,000 unless listed separately. Some policies require window locks on every accessible window. The Home Office recommends keeping receipts of security purchases as evidence. If you install smart cameras (Arlo, Ring) or a video doorbell, your insurer may reduce the contents premium further. After a burglary, most policies require you to upgrade security immediately as a condition of continued cover.

Specifications and Comparison¶

Security Feature	Average Discount	Typical Cost
Grade 2 alarm	10 - 15 %	£150 - £300
5-lever mortice locks	5 %	£35 - £90 per door
Window locks (all ground)	5 %	£10 - £25 each
Smart camera/doorbell	2 - 5 %	£90 - £250

FAQ¶

Does having no alarm really increase premiums?: Yes - Confused.com data shows an average 23 % increase without an alarm.
Can my claim be rejected for poor security?: Yes - if you left a door unlocked, insurers invoke the 'failure to maintain security' clause.
Do smart cameras reduce insurance costs?: Some insurers offer 2 - 5 % discounts for video doorbells and smart cameras. For more information see our Home Security Audit Checklist UK.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources¶

For further information consult authority guidelines at the UK Government Building Regulations.