It’s an honest question. Modern doorbells have cameras, our phones get notifications about almost anything, and burglary rates have actually fallen in much of the UK over the last decade. So do you genuinely need a dedicated alarm system, or is it overkill?
Here’s our honest answer, written by people who’d genuinely rather you didn’t buy an alarm if you don’t need one.
When an alarm is genuinely worth it
An alarm system is most valuable when one or more of these apply:
- Your insurer requires one. Particularly common for high-value homes, certain postcodes, or properties with previous claims. Many insurers offer 5–15% premium discounts for a certified alarm.
- You’re in an area with active burglary patterns. Most local police forces publish crime maps, have a look at yours.
- You travel a lot or leave the property empty. Holiday homes, second properties or families who’re away frequently genuinely benefit.
- You have valuables that aren’t easily replaced. Not just cash and jewellery, sentimental items, tools, business stock.
- You want the visible deterrent. A clearly-visible external siren cuts the chance of being targeted in the first place.
When you probably don’t need one
We’ll be honest: not everyone needs an alarm. You probably don’t need one if:
- You live in a small flat with controlled-access entry
- You’re rarely away from home
- Your insurance doesn’t require one and you don’t have unusual valuables
- You already have well-maintained doors and windows that are genuinely hard to defeat
In some cases, an external camera or a smart doorbell is a better starting point than a full alarm.
What insurers actually care about
Insurance policy wording varies. Some don’t mention alarms at all. Others require:
- A “Grade 2” certified system, meaning EN 50131-1 Grade 2 (Ajax meets this)
- Professional installation by an SSAIB or NSI-approved company
- Annual maintenance
- Connection to an Alarm Receiving Centre (less common today)
Before you buy anything, check your policy. A 60-second phone call to your insurer can save you fitting the wrong type of system.
Do alarms actually deter burglars?
Yes, the evidence is consistent across multiple studies. The single biggest deterrent is a visible external siren on the front of the property. Burglars generally target unoccupied homes and want to spend as little time as possible inside. A clearly-marked alarm system tells them this isn’t the easy job they were looking for.
The alarm doesn’t have to be sophisticated for the deterrent effect. It just has to be visibly there.
The bottom line
If you have a family home, valuables you’d miss, and you ever leave the house empty, a professionally-installed wireless alarm is one of the highest-value security upgrades you can make. The deterrent alone is usually worth the cost. Add the peace-of-mind when you’re away, and the potential insurance discount, and it pays for itself faster than people expect.
If you’re still not sure, ask for a free survey. We’ll walk through your property honestly, including telling you if we think you don’t need one.