You may already want a security camera for the driveway, front door or garden, but the possibility of cheaper home insurance can make the purchase even more tempting.
Will security cameras lower insurance, though? In the UK, there is no simple yes-or-no rule. CCTV may help some insurers view a home as better protected, but cameras alone do not guarantee a discount, and providers assess security differently.
Rather than choosing a system based on an assumed saving, it is worth understanding what insurers actually ask about, how monitored systems differ from DIY cameras, and what to confirm before you buy.
Short Answer: Do Security Cameras Lower Home Insurance?
Yes, security cameras can help reduce home insurance premiums in some cases, but the saving depends on your insurer and the rest of your security setup.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says many insurers offer discounts for homes fitted with approved security devices, although each provider decides which measures it recognises. Security cameras may therefore work in your favour, but there is no automatic CCTV discount across the UK market.
If cheaper insurance is one reason you are considering CCTV, check with your insurer before buying. You may find that cameras affect your quote, or that the provider places more weight on approved locks, a burglar alarm or a professionally maintained security system.
Why Insurers May Value Security Cameras
Insurers price on risk. Anything that lowers the chance or cost of a claim can, in principle, work in your favour. That’s the thinking behind security camera insurance discounts: cameras may help reduce risk before, during and after a break-in.
Visible cameras can deter opportunistic burglars
A camera at the front door, driveway or side entrance tells someone approaching your home that they may be recorded. For opportunistic burglars looking for an easy target, that visible warning can be enough to make the property less appealing.
Footage can support what happened
If there is a theft, attempted break-in or damage to your property, recorded footage can help show when it happened, where someone entered, what they did and whether a vehicle was involved. That gives you a clearer record when reporting the incident or discussing a claim.
Remote alerts can help you respond sooner
Real-time app alerts can let you check suspicious activity while it is happening, rather than discovering the problem later. You might call someone at home, contact a neighbour or take another sensible step before the situation gets worse.
That is why cameras can matter to insurers: they may reduce the chance of a loss, limit the impact of an incident, or provide useful evidence afterwards.
But the insurance effect still depends on your provider, so treat any discount as a possible bonus rather than the main reason to install CCTV.
Can You Find a Typical UK Security Camera Insurance Discount Range?
Not really. There is no dependable UK-wide percentage showing how much security cameras will cut your home insurance premium. Different insurers assess home security differently, and CCTV is usually only one part of the overall risk they are pricing.
The ABI confirms that many insurers offer discounts for homes fitted with approved security devices, such as burglar alarms, smoke alarms and high-quality door and window locks. However, it does not give a standard percentage for CCTV, and the devices that qualify depend on the insurer.
There are some useful real-world examples. Historically, Zurich UK offered customers using the camera-equipped Cocoon smart home security system a 10% discount on home insurance when the policy was purchased through an approved broker. PolicyCastle went further in 2017, offering a 15% discount to homeowners using the same system. These were specific insurer partnerships rather than market-wide rates.
Actual quotes can look very different too. In one UK test, TechRadar received a Locket Insurance quote of £31.45 per month with a £3.50 monthly smart-home discount for a property fitted with a video doorbell, several security cameras and other connected devices. Because the discount covered the wider smart-home setup, it cannot be attributed to the cameras alone.
At the other end of the spectrum, Lemonade UK currently says it does not offer a discount for smart security devices, even though it recognises that cameras can help reduce theft risk.
That is why figures such as “10% off for CCTV” are better treated as examples than as a typical UK rate. Your actual premium still depends on factors such as your postcode, property type, previous claims, level of cover and wider security setup. The most useful number is the one your own insurer gives you after taking your particular security measures into account.
What Do UK Insurers Look for in a Home Security Setup?
UK insurers mainly want to know how difficult your home is to break into and whether the security measures you declare are reliable and actually used. In practice, that means they tend to ask more specific questions about locks and alarm systems than about camera features such as resolution, zoom or AI detection.
For example, LV=’s home insurance quote checklist tells customers to have details of the locks on their doors and windows, along with any alarms or security systems, ready when getting a quote. That gives a useful picture of the security information insurers are likely to care about.
Secure door and window locks
Locks are one of the first things insurers may look at because they directly affect how easily someone can get into the property. When applying for cover, you may be asked what type of lock is fitted to your front door and, in some cases, accessible windows.
The important point is to identify the lock you actually have rather than assume every UK home needs the same standard. MoneySuperMarket explains that BS3621 is commonly relevant to five-lever mortice deadlocks, while other locking systems can use different recognised standards. It also notes that the type of lock fitted can affect both your premium and whether certain theft claims are covered.
So, if your policy asks for an approved lock, check the exact requirement in the schedule rather than simply buying something labelled “high security”.
Burglar alarms and recognised installation
If you have a burglar alarm, the insurer may want more than a simple yes or no. The type of system, who installed it and how it is maintained can all matter where the alarm forms part of the policy’s security requirements.
Admiral, for example, says insurers may ask whether an alarm is certified, installed and maintained by an organisation approved by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).
It also makes an important point for smart security users: if an alarm or surveillance system is declared and appears on your policy documents, you should keep it active or tell the insurer if you stop using it.
That does not mean every household needs professional installation. It means that if your insurer is giving you a benefit based on a particular system, you need to know exactly what qualifies.
Whether you actually use the security you declare
Having an approved alarm on the wall is not much use to an insurer if it is never switched on. Where cover relies on a security measure, the policy can include conditions about when and how it must be used.
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) gives a useful real-world example: where an insurer relies on an intruder alarm, an “alarm condition” may require the system to be fully set whenever the property is left unattended.
Where do security cameras fit in?
Security cameras can strengthen the overall setup through visible deterrence, remote monitoring and recorded evidence, but insurers generally give much less public guidance on camera specifications themselves.
For homeowners, that creates a useful distinction. Choose camera resolution, field of view, night vision, tracking and storage according to the areas you actually need to protect. For insurance, focus on whether your provider recognises CCTV, whether you need to declare the system and whether any conditions come with doing so.
Monitored vs Unmonitored Systems: Which Is More Likely to Matter?
A professionally monitored system is more likely to come with specific insurance requirements, because an alert does not stop with the homeowner — it can be passed to a keyholder, monitoring centre or, where the system qualifies, the police.
An unmonitored system still adds useful security, but the response usually depends on you or someone nearby noticing the alert.
The difference is easiest to see with burglar alarms. Aviva distinguishes between bells-only alarms, which rely on someone nearby hearing the siren, and monitored alarms connected to an external security company.
With keyholder monitoring, the company can contact you or a nominated person. Police-monitored systems can take the response further when the required conditions are met. Aviva also notes that monitored alarms usually need professional installation and must meet certain standards.
For security cameras, the distinction is similar. A standalone DIY camera that sends an alert to your phone is essentially self-monitored: you see the notification, check the footage and decide what to do. A professionally monitored security setup adds someone else to that response chain.
That extra response may matter to an insurer, particularly for a higher-risk property or a policy that specifically requires an approved alarm system. But monitoring also costs money. If a service costs £150 a year while the insurance saving is only £20, for example, the discount alone would not justify it.
Choose monitoring because the added response is useful to you, then treat any premium reduction as an extra.
How to Ask Your Insurer About a Security Camera Discount
Ask whether CCTV will actually change your quote, and what you need to do to qualify for any saving. That is more useful than simply asking whether your insurer “rewards home security”.
Start with the number that matters: “If I install security cameras, how much would my premium change?” Security can affect pricing, but the setup may need to meet the insurer’s own requirements.
If CCTV does make a difference, follow up with a few practical questions:
- Does a standalone Wi-Fi security camera qualify, or does it need to be part of an alarm or monitored system?
- Are there any requirements for installation, certification or maintenance?
- Does the system need to stay switched on whenever the property is empty?
- What happens to my cover or premium if I later remove or stop using it?
Then compare the saving with what the system actually costs. If cameras reduce your premium by £20 a year but you already want them for your driveway or front door, that is a useful bonus.
If you are adding paid monitoring purely for the insurance saving, make sure the discount is worth the extra subscription or maintenance cost.
Recommended eufy Security Cameras for Home Protection
A security camera is worth choosing for the protection it adds to your home, whether or not your insurer offers a discount. Good coverage, useful alerts and accessible footage can all make it easier to monitor vulnerable areas and understand what happened after an incident.
The three options below suit different outdoor setups, from wider driveways to cable-free positions and entrances that need permanent lighting.
eufyCam S4 – Flexible Whole-Home Outdoor Coverage
For a driveway, front garden or wider entrance where one fixed view can easily miss movement, the eufyCam S4 combines a 4K wide-angle camera with a dual-lens 2K PTZ camera.
The fixed lens keeps the wider area in view, while Bullet-to-PTZ Tracking can follow a detected person and keep a closer view centred as they move. That makes it useful when you want both context and detail rather than simply recording one static angle.
Power is flexible too. The detachable 5.5W SolarPlus 2.0 panel helps reduce routine charging where there is suitable sunlight, while the quick-swap battery makes maintenance easier. If you want a continuous timeline rather than motion-triggered clips, direct power enables 24/7 recording.
Best for: Homeowners who want flexible outdoor coverage across driveways, front gardens and entrances, with wide views, automatic tracking and a choice of solar-supported or direct power.
Key features:
- The 4K fixed view and dual 2K PTZ cameras work together, so you can keep an eye on the whole area while tracking movement more closely when needed.
- Radar and PIR detection help the camera pick up relevant movement, while warning lights and a 105dB siren add an active deterrent if someone enters a protected area.
- Local recording starts with 32GB built-in eMMC and can be expanded with a microSD card up to 256GB, giving you useful storage without relying entirely on cloud recording.
- Colour night vision and four LED spotlights help retain more useful detail around entrances and driveways after dark.
- Its IP65 rating makes it suitable for exposed outdoor positions where the camera needs to cope with typical UK rain and changing weather.
SoloCam S340 – Flexible Solar-Powered Monitoring
If running a power cable to a garden gate, garage wall or side passage would be awkward, the SoloCam S340 is designed around easier placement.
Its 3K wide-angle and 2K telephoto cameras let you see the overall area and closer detail at the same time, while 355° horizontal pan and 70° tilt help cover movement coming from different directions.
The removable 2.2W solar panel helps keep the rechargeable battery topped up when enough sunlight is available, so it suits locations where frequent manual charging would be inconvenient.
Best for: Homeowners who want straightforward, cable-free monitoring around gardens, gates, driveways or side passages without installing permanent mains power.
Key features:
- Its dual-camera view and 8× hybrid zoom make it easier to keep the wider scene visible while checking a person, vehicle or parcel in more detail.
- The pan-and-tilt design is useful in spaces where people may approach from several directions, rather than forcing one fixed camera angle to cover everything.
- An adjustable 2.2W solar panel reduces the need to take the camera down regularly for charging, which is useful for higher or less accessible mounting points.
- 8GB built-in eMMC keeps event recordings local without requiring a monthly storage plan for basic use.
- Local AI human and vehicle detection helps focus notifications on activity that is more likely to matter around the home, while HomeBase S380 can add further storage and enhanced recognition features.
- Colour night vision with a built-in spotlight gives you a clearer look at activity after dark instead of relying only on black-and-white infrared footage.
Floodlight Camera E340 – Always-On Monitoring with Security Lighting
For a dark driveway, garage entrance or side access point, the Floodlight Camera E340 combines continuous monitoring with strong outdoor lighting.
Its 3K wide-angle camera covers the larger scene, while the 2K telephoto camera gives you a closer look when needed. The camera can pan through 360° horizontally and automatically track detected movement, making it practical where people or vehicles may move across a wider entrance rather than stay in one fixed zone.
Because it is hardwired to AC power, the E340 is also suited to locations where you want 24/7 recording instead of event clips alone. Two adjustable floodlight panels provide up to 2,000 lumens, so the same installation can illuminate the area as well as record it.
Best for: Homeowners who want permanent, always-powered monitoring with strong lighting around garages, driveways and frequently used entrances.
Key features:
- The 3K wide-angle and 2K telephoto cameras let you see the overall entrance and closer detail from one unit; when AI Tracking or Dual Views is active, maximum video resolution is 2K.
- 360° pan coverage and AI tracking help keep a moving person or vehicle in view instead of relying on a single fixed angle.
- The 2,000-lumen dimmable floodlights can illuminate a dark approach when movement is detected, adding both visibility and a more obvious security presence.
- 24/7 recording makes it a stronger fit for entrances where you want to review a complete timeline rather than only motion-triggered events.
- Local storage supports a microSD card up to 128GB, or you can connect HomeBase S380 when you need more capacity.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6, IP65 weather protection and two-way audio cover practical everyday needs for a permanently installed outdoor camera.
Conclusion
So, will security cameras lower insurance in the UK? They may help with some insurers, but CCTV alone does not guarantee a cheaper premium. The better approach is to choose cameras for the protection they provide—visible deterrence, remote monitoring and useful footage—then ask your insurer whether CCTV affects your quote.
Approved locks or qualifying alarm systems may have a clearer impact on pricing. Either way, a well-planned camera setup can still strengthen everyday home security even if your premium stays the same.
FAQs
Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?
Neither is universally better. Wired cameras suit permanent positions where you want dependable power and continuous recording, while battery- or solar-powered wire-free cameras are easier to place around gardens, gates or other spots where cabling is awkward. For insurance, choose the setup that gives reliable coverage rather than assuming one connection type earns a better discount.
Does CCTV increase house value?
Not automatically. CCTV can make a home feel more secure and may appeal to buyers who value an existing security setup, but there is no standard UK amount you can add to a property’s valuation simply because cameras are installed. Treat CCTV primarily as a practical security upgrade rather than a guaranteed investment return.
Do burglars avoid houses with alarms?
Yes, visible alarms can deter some burglars, but they do not make a home burglary-proof. Police.uk recommends accredited alarm systems and notes the deterrent value of visible alarm boxes and signage. Visible security cameras, secure doors and windows, and good lighting can add further layers of protection. The most sensible approach is to make the property harder to approach and enter unnoticed rather than rely on one alarm or camera to prevent every break-in.
