Reduce insurance premiums with improved security systems

Reduce insurance premiums with improved security systems

We all have to watch the pennies these days, and it can be tough to make sure we have the money to pay the bills. There’s lots of ways to make savings on a household budget; even if it’s a small reduction, it soon adds up.

January is a time for tightening the purse strings after the Christmas period, but one thing we need to have in place is good quality house insurance. Our policies protect us in case of damage to the home or the theft or damage to the contents.

Premiums vary depending on where you live but can sometimes be high. However, whatever your postcode, there are ways to bring down your monthly or annual premiums, usually with improved security measures.

Often, the measures you take will pay for themselves in no time in the reduced cost of the policy, as well as the extra peace of mind.

How to Save Money

First, check the details of your current cover. It may give an indication of where savings can be made. Normally, you’ll see an opportunity via the installation of specific domestic security upgrades. If not, give the provider a ring and ask which items help with reducing the cost.

Every provider is different, but they will usually mention smoke alarms, a security system in the form of a burglar alarm, and perhaps a CCTV system. You can also look into upgrading your door and window locks, since insurers like them to be the highest specification available.

Smoke Alarms fitted in Surrey

Having a smoke alarm installed will certainly help to decrease your insurance costs.

There are two main types available:

  • Standalone alarms will sound in the home if smoke is detected
  • A system linked to an external call centre will alert the fire services automatically

You can buy smoke alarms from shops in every town, but we don’t recommend a DIY install since they are often badly placed, too close to the kitchen or bathroom, or in places where they won’t be heard. After a professional install, remember to check the alarm works on a regular basis. We recommend you replace the batteries on an annual basis and never remove the batteries without immediately replacing them with fresh ones.

Security Devices – Protect your home or office

Being a victim of crime in the home is distressing. The combination of the thought of a stranger entering the property, plus the loss of items of monetary or sentimental value, can have a long-lasting effect on the whole family.

A home intruder alarm can help. Some models have a bell that sounds if there is an intrusion, some have sensors on doors and windows at entry points, and in certain rooms. Some are silent, but alert the police through a remote monitoring system.

Systems can be battery or mains powered, wired or wireless. There’s a move towards wireless systems as the technology advances and the need for wiring decreases. If you have an old alarm, think about upgrading it to a modern wireless one with pet-friendly sensors.

CCTV Installations in Surrey

A CCTV system is an excellent deterrent. Angel Security can provide a single camera or a number of cameras, so you can monitor one area (such as the front of the house) or show what is happening in a number of rooms or garden zones.

The recorded footage can be saved in a number of ways: onto a DVD, directly to a computer, or straight to a memory card. They all provide easy retrieval, should you need to report an incident to the police.

Wireless designs are becoming very popular as it makes them easy to install around the home, but wired systems are still widely available and just as effective. One advantage of wired Ethernet is that additional power leads are often not needed.

Talk to a professional

To reduce your insurance premiums, talk to a security company who can bring your home in line with your insurance provider’s ideal spec. Angel Security has been assisting both domestic and commercial customers for 23 years. We’re happy to help you find out more.