There are many reasons to enhance the protection of your property. For some it’s the extra peace of mind it brings. For those with high value property or goods that could be a particular target for burglars it might be a necessity, such as installing a safe as part of their insurance agreement. A high-quality security system offers peace of mind and a visible deterrent, but one of the most frequently asked questions among homeowners and property investors is: do security cameras lower insurance?
Well it can, but not always automatically. Insurance providers often look favourably on robust home security setups, and while installing security cameras may not guarantee lower insurance premiums, it can strengthen your application, reduce your risk profile, and open the door to discounts in some cases.
Here’s what that means in practice.
How insurers view security systems
Insurance providers assess the level of risk a property presents when calculating premiums. The higher the risk of theft, damage, or break-ins, the higher your insurance costs. Your location has a big impact, but so does the presence of certain security features such as a multi-point deadlock on your front and back door. Security upgrades such as burglar alarms and security cameras can reduce your home insurance premiums, but it depends on your insurer
So, do security cameras reduce home insurance?
Security cameras can help reduce home insurance premiums. While it’s not guaranteed, insurers often reward proactive homeowners who invest in crime prevention. Here's why security cameras might help with insurance costs:
Deterrence of crime - Insurers recognise that visible security cameras reduce the likelihood of burglary or vandalism. This potential reduction of risk could incline an insurer to offer a lower premium.
Evidence for claims - If something does go wrong, security camera footage can support your claim and speed up processing. This makes your home a lower administrative risk.
Added layer of protection - Combined with the right locks, lighting, and alarms, security cameras demonstrate a layered security approach that insurers prefer. If you have all your basics in place, the addition of cameras shows an enhanced and proactive approach to your security.
Always inform your insurer about installed security systems and other smart security devices. Some may require details on the make/model or whether it's professionally installed and/or monitored.
Can security cameras reduce car insurance too?
This is a tricky one. If your vehicle is parked on your property, especially if it’s high value, having security cameras can be a significant visual deterrent against theft or vandalism.
While dash cams are more commonly associated with car insurance savings, external security cameras might be considered by insurers when:
Cars are parked on driveways with camera coverage - A car on a driveway is probably safer than parked on the road, but it’s still visible and at more risk than one parked in a secure garage. However, if the car is directly monitored by a security camera then there is a much stronger deterrent against theft.
The footage supports claim investigations - High quality footage can help identify thieves, and provides direct evidence of what happened. This can speed up investigations and claims. Insurers are likely to look favourably on this.
So, while there isn’t widespread discounting for security cameras alone, it could reduce premiums or protect no-claims bonuses by helping prove fault in disputes.
Things to keep in mind
While a strong security system can help reduce home and car insurance costs, this isn’t always guaranteed. Factors that influence potential discounts include:
- Your insurance provider and policy type
The crime rate in your area
The quality and visibility of your security system
Whether you’ve integrated your security cameras with other smart security features
This article offers general information and should not be considered legal or insurance advice. Always consult your insurer before installing any system for the purpose of securing a premium reduction.
So, do security cameras reduce home insurance? Quite possibly, and this is more likely when paired with high-quality cameras like those offered by Arlo.