Wired alarms
Pros: Reliable and robust, they need less maintenance than a wireless service.
Cons: Need to be fitted professionally because the wires have to be hidden, increasing labour costs. They run on electronic sensors connected to a control panel.
Price: From around £400 upwards, plus installation and monthly monitoring fee.
Wireless alarms
Pros: Uses battery-powered sensors that communicate with a control panel via radio signals. Quick to install by someone with reasonable DIY skills.
Cons: The sensor batteries will need replacing.
Price: £170 - £200
Bells-only alarms
Pros: Makes a loud noise, which may scare off an intruder or alert someone nearby. Good for those with friendly neighbours or an active Neighbourhood Watch.
Cons: Won’t automatically alert you or the police.
Price: £100 - £200
Auto-dialler alarms
Pros: Automatically dial your number or a nominated friend when the alarm goes off. Speech diallers connect to your phoneline, GSM diallers use mobile networks. Can come with an alarm or be bought as an add-on for an existing alarm.
Cons: Needs a phoneline or strong mobile phone signal.
Price: From £60 (auto dialler only) - £200 (alarm and auto dialler).
Automatic Security Dialler ASD02, £61.45, responseelectronics.com, 0345 257 1000
Monitored alarms
Pros: When the alarm is triggered, a receiving centre is alerted. They will then contact the police or your designated keyholders.
Cons: There’s an annual or monthly fee. Police will stop responding after too many false alarms.
Price: From £20 a month.
Smart alarms
Pros: Smart home security systems will call you or a family member on a smart phone if your alarm is triggered. Try Cocoon, a multi-room smart home security system that can be set up in minutes and uses unique Subsound® technology which senses unusual activity in your home and alerts you instantly.
Cons: You will need a smartphone.
Price: Cocoon is £159, from https://cocoon.life, with no monthly fee.
Saga Home Insurance provides cover that goes beyond what you might expect. For more information and to get a quote click here.