Burglar & Intruder Alarm Installation — Free Local Quotes

In 2026 a professionally installed bells-only alarm typically costs £500–£800, a professionally monitored system £750–£1,300 plus around £15–£40 a month for Alarm Receiving Centre monitoring, and a smart alarm with integrated CCTV £1,200–£2,500+. Commercial systems start around £1,500 and often exceed £5,000 for larger Grade 3 sites. Prices include supply, fitting, sensors, the control panel, commissioning and certification by an NSI or SSAIB-approved installer. See our burglar alarm cost guide for a full breakdown.

A bells-only alarm sounds a siren and flashes a strobe to deter the intruder and alert anyone nearby — it relies on a neighbour or passer-by hearing it and acting. A professionally monitored alarm additionally signals an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) that watches the system 24/7 and escalates to your keyholders or, on a confirmed activation with a police URN, to the police. Monitored systems cost more and carry a monthly fee, but are the only type that can request police response.

Only professionally monitored, confirmed alarms can. Police response requires the system to be connected to an ARC, the activation to be "confirmed" (two sensors triggered or video/audio verification), and a Unique Reference Number (URN) to have been issued by the local force under the NPCC security systems policy — with the system installed by an NSI/SSAIB-certified company. Even then it is never guaranteed, and response can be withdrawn after repeated false alarms. Bells-only and DIY self-monitored alarms get no police response.

Generally no. DIY kits such as Ring Alarm, SimpliSafe and Yale Sync are self-monitored — they alert your phone rather than an Alarm Receiving Centre — so they cannot be issued a police URN and do not get police response. They are also not installed to BS EN 50131 by a certified engineer, so they may not satisfy an insurer who specifies a professionally installed, accredited alarm. They're convenient and inexpensive for a simple phone notification, but for insurer compliance or police response you need a professional NSI/SSAIB install.

BS EN 50131 is the European standard for intruder and hold-up alarm systems. It defines how systems are designed, graded and installed. UK insurers and police forces recognise it as the benchmark for a properly installed alarm — a system fitted to BS EN 50131 by an NSI or SSAIB-approved company is what allows a URN to be issued for police response and what most insurers expect. It's the reason we only match installers certified by a UKAS-accredited body.

NSI (National Security Inspectorate) and SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) are the two UKAS-accredited certification bodies that independently audit and approve UK alarm installers. Both confirm that a company installs and maintains systems to BS EN 50131. For most homeowners they are equivalent marks of quality — what matters is that your installer holds current approval from one of them, which is required for a police URN and expected by most insurers. Every installer we match is approved by one or both.

Most UK homes need a Grade 2 system, which assumes an intruder with basic knowledge and tools. Higher-value homes, certain postcodes, or homes containing valuables such as jewellery, watches or art may need Grade 3, and most commercial premises are specified to Grade 3. Grade 1 is rarely specified for occupied homes and Grade 4 is for specialist high-security sites. Always confirm the required grade with your insurer in writing before you buy, then have your installer certify to that exact grade.

It can. Many insurers offer a discount for a professionally installed alarm fitted to BS EN 50131 by an NSI or SSAIB company, and where your policy requires an alarm, having a compliant, maintained system keeps your cover valid. The size of any discount varies by insurer, postcode and policy, so we don't promise a specific saving — always confirm the effect and any alarm requirements with your own insurer. Keep your annual service certificate as proof the system was maintained.

Both can be installed to BS EN 50131. Wireless systems are quicker to fit, cause minimal disruption (no chasing cables into walls) and suit most existing homes — modern wireless sensors are reliable with long battery life. Wired systems can suit larger properties, new builds or commercial sites where cabling is straightforward and you want no batteries to maintain. Your NSI/SSAIB installer will recommend the right approach for your property during the survey.

A typical wireless home alarm takes a few hours to a single day, depending on the number of sensors and whether CCTV is included. Wired systems and larger or commercial installs can take one to two days. From your first enquiry through survey to install is usually one to two weeks. After fitting, the installer commissions the system, demonstrates the controls, and provides your certification and (for monitored systems) sets up the ARC connection and URN application.

At least once a year by an accredited installer for most systems — and monitored systems with a police URN generally require regular servicing as a condition of keeping the URN and your insurance valid. A service checks sensors, batteries, the control panel, the siren and (on monitored systems) the ARC signalling path. Keep the service certificate, as it proves the alarm was maintained if you ever need to make a claim. Annual servicing typically costs around £70–£120 for a home system.

Yes. Shops, offices, warehouses and other commercial premises are usually specified to Grade 3, often with professional ARC monitoring, video-verified CCTV, access control and a maintenance contract — and insurers or landlords frequently require an NSI or SSAIB-certified system as a condition of cover or the lease. When you fill in the form, tell us it's a business and we'll match you with installers who specialise in commercial intruder alarms and Grade 3 systems.