"When it comes to insurance, having a house alarm can help reduce the cost of your premiums – just make sure you provide your insurer with accurate information. The alarm is unlikely to reduce your insurance premium if it’s not professionally installed and monitored"
- Greg Wilson - Quotezone
As peak burglary season begins, homeowners in the UK are being urged to improve their security measures. Reports show a home is broken into every 173 seconds, which adds up to 498 burglaries daily in the year ending June 2024.
Experts from Quotezone highlight that having a house alarm can help reduce insurance premiums, but it’s crucial to give insurers accurate information.
The summer months are a particularly high-risk period for burglaries. Opportunists often target empty homes while residents are on holiday, and open windows or doors left for ventilation make properties easier to access.
In 2024, police forces in England and Wales recorded 238,893 burglary reports, equating to roughly four burglaries for every 1,000 people.
To reduce the risk of break-ins, homeowners are advised to:
Lock windows and doors, preferably with multi-point locking systems
Install motion-activated lighting around entrances, driveways, and paths
Keep valuables out of sight and away from windows
Avoid posting holiday photos on social media until after returning
Secure sheds and outbuildings with padlocks
Consider installing a reliable alarm system
How to improve home security
Use multi-point locking doors: These doors add an extra layer of protection by making it harder to pick locks and ensuring doors stay firmly secured. Many modern UPVC doors feature this system. BSI-approved doors may also help lower insurance costs.
Reduce opportunities for intruders: Keep valuables like laptops, car keys, bicycles, and garden tools out of sight, especially away from windows. Leaving items visible can make your home a target and might invalidate your insurance. Avoid posting about holidays on social media to prevent alerting criminals to an empty home.
Invest in a reliable alarm system: Alarms can deter intruders and alert others in case of a break-in. Homes with alarm systems often qualify for insurance discounts, but be sure to update your policy accurately. Insurers may require details on whether the alarm is monitored. Providing incorrect information could void coverage or affect claims.
Install motion-activated lighting: These lights highlight potential intruders and can startle burglars. Position them around entrances, driveways and side paths to increase visibility and security.
Keep windows and doors locked: Secure all entry points to deter opportunists. Padlocks on sheds and outbuildings also discourage access to valuables. These simple steps can significantly reduce break-in risks.
Stay alert: Most burglaries occur during the day, so watch for suspicious activity and report it. Some thieves mark properties with chalk to identify targets. Asking unexpected visitors for ID is reasonable and can deter impostors. Joining a local neighbourhood watch can also increase protection and possibly reduce insurance costs.
“Summer is known to be the peak time for burglaries, as many people head off on holiday and windows are left open for ventilation, which provides the perfect opportunity for intruders," explained Greg Wilson, CEO and home insurance expert at Quotezone. “Staying alert and ensuring that all windows, doors, and any outbuildings are securely locked can help deter burglars and prevent theft. Installing motion sensor lights can also act as a deterrent, and making sure all gardening equipment is tidied away is key, as the majority of thieves use items on the premises to help them break in.
“When it comes to insurance, having a house alarm can help reduce the cost of your premiums – just make sure you provide your insurer with accurate information. The alarm is unlikely to reduce your insurance premium if it’s not professionally installed and monitored."
He added, “It’s also important to remember that crime rates can impact your insurance premiums for both home and car insurance. Those living in areas with higher crime rates may pay more, so it’s a factor worth researching when considering where to live."
“It’s also worth checking what garden equipment and furniture are covered under your home and contents insurance, as not every policy includes items like barbecues, outdoor sofas and firepits as standard.”
