CoverMapWhat UK home security systems cost in 2026
Costs vary widely depending on whether you want a basic bells-only deterrent or a fully monitored smart system. Based on current UK installer quote data:
| System type | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Bells-only alarm (no monitoring) | £125 – £300 |
| Silent alarm system | £200 – £300 |
| Wireless alarm system | £200 – £600 |
| Wired alarm system | £400 – £800 |
| Smart security alarm system | £190 – £400 |
Professional installation labour typically runs £150–£200 per day, excluding equipment. Installers in London and the South East tend to charge 20–30% more than those in Northern regions.
Monthly monitoring costs
| Monitoring level | Typical monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Bells-only, no monitoring | £0 |
| App self-monitoring | Under £5 |
| Professional monitoring (ARC) | £15 – £25 |
| Police response add-on | +£8 – £15 |
| Full monitored package | £35 – £55 |
ADT Home Security — professionally monitored alarm systems with 24/7 UK monitoring.
Does a home alarm lower your home insurance?
Not automatically. UK insurers set their own rules, and many will only apply a discount if the system was installed and is maintained by an installer certified by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB). If you tell your insurer you have an alarm, you're also expected to actually use and maintain it — failing to do so can put a future claim at risk. We cover this in more detail in our insurance discount guide.
Other Home Security & Services
This page focuses on burglar alarms broadly. CoverMap also covers these specific home security and services topics, including personal alarms for older relatives and new boiler costs:
A closer look at alarm types and monitoring costs.
Pendant, fall and GPS alarms for older relatives: costs and VAT relief.
How automatic fall detection works, what it misses and what it costs.
Safe-zone trackers for people with dementia: costs and consent.
Device and installation costs by lock type.
Wired vs wireless system costs by camera count.
Monthly cover tiers and whether it's worth it.
2026 boiler prices by type, grants and the gas boiler rules.
Costs by pest type, from wasps to bed bugs.
Installation costs and payback periods by system size.
UK house removal costs by property size.
Alarm System Guides
How the main UK providers compare on price, monitoring and contract terms.
Every cost involved — install, equipment, monitoring and maintenance.
Which type suits renters, homeowners and larger households.
What actually qualifies for a premium reduction — and what doesn't.
What to check and change on the security front when you move in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a monitored alarm worth the monthly cost?
It depends on how quickly you need a response. Self-monitoring apps are effectively free but rely on you (or a neighbour) reacting to an alert. A monitored ARC connection with police response adds £23–£40/month on top of a self-monitored system but means a professional monitoring centre verifies and escalates alerts even if you're unreachable.
Do I need a certified installer?
You don't legally need one, but most insurers that offer alarm-related discounts require NSI or SSAIB certification, and DIY-installed systems are far less likely to qualify.
How long does installation take?
Most residential installations are completed in around a day, though larger properties or wired systems can take longer.