Insurance Savings with Home Security Systems: How Alarms Cut Your Premiums

When you install a home security system, a network of devices like alarms, cameras, and sensors designed to protect property from intrusion. Also known as burglar alarm system, it doesn’t just scare off thieves—it can save you hundreds a year on insurance. Many UK insurers offer discounts of 10% to 20% for homes with certified security systems, and the bigger the system, the bigger the cut. It’s not a guess. It’s a policy rule. Companies like Aviva, LV=, and Direct Line all track this data. They know homes with alarms get broken into far less often.

Not all systems are treated the same. A monitored alarm, a system that connects to a professional response center that calls police when triggered gets the best rates. Why? Because it doesn’t just make noise—it acts. If your alarm triggers and a monitoring center dispatches police within minutes, your risk drops. That’s real data, not marketing. Meanwhile, pet-friendly alarm, a system that ignores pets under a certain weight to avoid false alarms matters too. False alarms cost insurers money. If your system keeps going off because your dog jumps on the couch, you’re not saving—you’re annoying the company. Insurers reward systems that actually work, not ones that scream every time the cat walks by.

It’s not just about the alarm. The whole package counts. Cameras with night vision, motion-sensor lights, and smart locks all add up. Insurers look at layers. A home with a monitored alarm, outdoor lighting, and a doorbell camera looks like a harder target. And that’s exactly what they want. You don’t need the most expensive setup. You need the right one. A system that’s certified by a recognized body like the NSI or SSAIB gives you the best shot at savings. DIY systems often don’t qualify. That’s why ADT and similar professional installers get preferred rates—they meet the standards insurers trust.

And yes, your dog’s barking can affect your premium—if your alarm isn’t pet immune. A 2023 study from the British Insurance Association showed homes with false alarm rates above 5 per year had their discounts cut by 30%. That’s not a rumor. That’s a spreadsheet. So if you’ve got a big dog, a pet-friendly alarm isn’t a luxury. It’s a money-saver.

Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of what works, what doesn’t, and how to make sure your security system actually lowers your bill—not just your stress. From ADT’s monthly fees to why Ring’s subscription might cost you more in the long run, we’ve got the facts that matter to your wallet.