Reduce the cost of Home Insurance
1 - Home Security
Install a burglar alarm which may reduce the cost of your home insurance
Most insurers will provide a discount to reduce the cost of your home and contents insurance if you have a burglar alarm fitted and maintained by an installer approved by the National Approval Council for Security Systems (NACOSS).
Fit window locks which may reduce the cost of your contents insurance
Window locks obviously make it more difficult for criminals to break into your home which is why most of our insurers will allow at least a 5% discount off your contents insurance.
Door Security
Most burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves. In two out of ten burglaries they don't even have to use force, they get in through an open door or window. If your front or back doors are not secure, neither is your home.
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Door viewers
Door viewers help you to identify callers without opening the door fully, and make forced entry even more difficult. -
Door chains
Remember to use the door chains at night and every time that you open the door. -
Glass
Glass panels on or around the door are especially vulnerable so replace them with laminated glass. -
Letterbox cage
Never hang a spare key in the letterbox - all thieves check for this.
Consider fitting a letterbox cage that prevents thieves from putting their hands in and trying the locks from the inside. -
Mortice deadlock
Fit a five lever mortice deadlock kitemarked to at least BS3621. You will find the kitemark and other details on the metal plate in the edge of the door. -
Automatic deadlock
An automatic deadlock locks the door when the door is closed, but when locked with the key, cannot be opened again without using the key, either from outside or inside the home. -
Door hinges and hinge bolts
Check that door hinges are sturdy and secured with long, strong screws. For added security fit hinge bolts. These help to reinforce the hinge side of the door against the use of force.
Neighbourhood Watch
If you live in a neighbourhood watch area you may get a discount - make sure you specify this when obtaining quotations for contents insurance cover. More information about how to contact your local Neighbourhood Watch.
Are you at home during the day? - If your home is occupied during the day there's a lot less chance of being burgled so ask if your insurer gives a discount for this.
2 - Joint Purchase of Buildings and Contents Insurance
If you purchase buildings and contents insurance cover together you may benefit from a discount, ask us for more details.
Get a cheap contents and home insurance quote now.
3 - No Claims Discount will help reduce the cost of Home Insurance
As with car insurance the less you claim on your home insurance, buildings insurance and/or contents insurance policy the more you could save. Be sure to keep accurate records of any insurance claims you have made so that your No Claims Discount can be calculated accurately.
4 - Buy Home Insurance Cover on-line
As the overheads are lower most home insurance companies allow a discount or reduce administration charges if you purchase your home insurance cover online.
Get a competitive home insurance quote on-line now.
5 - Increase your Voluntary Excess
A voluntary excess is the sum you agree to pay towards the cost of any home insurance claim. Increasing the excess you are prepared to pay will often reduce your home insurance premium.
And most importantly!
6 - DO NOT reduce your Buildings and/or Contents Cover (Sums Insured)
You should always ensure that you have sufficient buildings insurance and/or contents insurance in place. How do you know what it sufficient? Well, we hope it never happens but just spend a few minutes imagining that your home was completely destroyed by fire or some sort of natural disaster. What would it cost to rebuild your home and replace all of its contents? Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions about home insurance for more information.