Upgrading your security isn’t just about peace of mind—it can also make financial sense. Many insurers reward lower risk with lower premiums, particularly when you install professionally specified intruder alarms and CCTV. As a Maidstone-based security specialist serving homes and businesses across Kent, Forrest Security designs, installs and maintains alarm and camera systems that help reduce risk and strengthen your position with insurers.
Why insurers lower premiums for better security
Insurance is priced on risk. If a property is harder to break into—or more likely to capture usable evidence—insurers expect fewer or smaller claims, and that can translate into a cheaper premium. Several UK insurers and comparison guides state that adding an alarm and improving security can reduce what you pay, though the exact impact varies by provider and policy. Always check your documents and speak to your insurer.
What insurers actually look for
While every provider is different, these factors commonly matter:
Professional installation by recognised providers. Many insurers recognise alarm systems installed and maintained by NSI-approved companies or those certificated by SSAIB (both are widely accepted third-party certification bodies in the UK). Some insurers may even require third-party certificated providers for systems used to meet insurance conditions.
Ongoing maintenance. Regular servicing and documented maintenance help ensure reliability—and satisfy policy conditions where applicable.
Monitoring level. Some policies may offer stronger terms for professionally monitored systems (as opposed to bells-only), but requirements differ—check your policy.
Evidence quality. Higher-resolution CCTV and reliable recording can support investigations and claims—insurers value credible evidence, even when a discount isn’t guaranteed. (General principle; confirm specifics with your insurer.)
How this plays out at home
Visible deterrent:
A branded bell box, working sirens and clearly placed cameras deter opportunistic intruders. That lowers risk—exactly what insurers want to see.
Faster response: Monitored alarms escalate quickly, limiting losses. Some insurers consider this positively when underwriting.
Better claims support: High-quality footage that clearly shows faces, entry points and timelines can streamline the claims process and help police. (General benefit; treatment varies by insurer.)
Why businesses can gain even more
Commercial risks (stock, equipment, data and cash handling) are higher, so insurers often scrutinise security closely. Professionally installed intruder alarms and well-designed CCTV—especially with remote monitoring—can reduce claims frequency and severity, which businesses can sometimes see reflected in premiums or terms. Third-party certification (NSI/SSAIB) is commonly expected where insurers set security conditions.
How Forrest Security helps you qualify
Forrest Security supplies and installs intruder alarms, CCTV and access control tailored to your property and insurer expectations. We’ll survey your site, design the right mix of detection and coverage, install to a professional standard, and provide ongoing maintenance so your system keeps performing—and you keep the paperwork your insurer may ask for.
Typical upgrades we deliver
Intruder alarms (bells-only or monitored), set up with appropriate detection zones and remote set/unset.
CCTV systems with the right lens, placement and recording duration for entrances, perimeters and high-value areas—configured for secure remote viewing.
Access control to manage staff and visitor entry, helping reduce tailgating and internal loss.
Getting an insurance benefit: a simple checklist
Ask your insurer first. Confirm what they recognise (e.g., NSI/SSAIB-installed and maintained systems), whether monitoring is required, and what documentation they want.
Get a professional design and install. Provide the quote/spec to your insurer before you go ahead if they want to pre-approve elements.
Keep certificates and records. Installation certificates, maintenance logs and monitoring agreements can all be useful if you’re seeking a discount or need to make a claim.
Review at renewal. Once installed, tell your insurer—any consideration of improved security usually happens at quote or renewal.
Important: Discounts are not guaranteed. Some insurers offer small reductions; others focus on underwriting acceptance or excesses rather than price cuts. The benefits still stack up when you weigh deterrence, loss prevention and smoother claims.
Ready to strengthen your security—and your insurance position?
Whether you’re securing a family home in Maidstone or a multi-site business in Kent, Forrest Security will design a system that protects what matters and supports your conversations with insurers. Book a survey and speak to our team about alarms, CCTV and maintenance that work for you.
