Home insurance costs 'could be cut with enhanced security'

Householders looking to reduce their home insurance costs may want to consider having some security features added to their property, as an expert has claimed that this could bring about a reduction in premium expenses.

Graeme Trudgill, technical services manager at the British Insurance Brokers' Association, stated that features such as locks and certain alarms could see householders achieve a home insurance discount.

He urged householders to get advice from their cover provider first, however, as they may otherwise choose security measures which are not approved by insurance firms.

"The key thing is to get your broker to tell you which systems you get the discount for - which are approved by which insurance company. Because they're not all approved by any means," Mr Trudgill stated.

In addition, he claimed that property owners living in places like central London may be required by some home insurance providers to meet certain stringent levels of security anyway.

Householders should also ensure that any measures they have fitted to increase security are implemented by professionals rather than as a form of DIY.

"It needs to be installed and maintained, normally, by a qualified alarm fitter approved by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board," he suggested.

Meanwhile, figures from the National Security Inspectorate show that 20 per cent of burglaries are committed without the need for force, because homeowners have left windows and doors open.

Despite this, Home Office statistics highlight that the number of break-ins has dropped by 20 per cent in the last year alone.

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