Cover for the trade where failure means a burglary

UK Alarm & Security Installers

When an alarm fails, the loss is a break-in — and that claim lands on you. Six questions to find insurers whose wordings actually respond.

Answer the questions below; each option points toward the providers whose cover fits that answer. Your closest matches are the providers your answers point to most often.

Question 1: What systems do you install?

Intruder alarms
Points to: Simply Business (+1), Tradesman Saver (+1), AXA (+1)
Fire alarms — Rates harder — declare it explicitly
Points to: Markel Direct (+2), AXA (+1)
Both, plus access control
Points to: Markel Direct (+2), AXA (+1)

Question 2: Domestic or commercial?

Mostly domestic
Points to: Tradesman Saver (+2), Simply Business (+1)
Mostly commercial
Points to: Markel Direct (+2), AXA (+1)
Mixed
Points to: Simply Business (+1), Markel Direct (+1), AXA (+1)

Question 3: Do you design or specify systems, not just fit them?

Yes — Professional indemnity becomes core — a failed spec is your claim
Points to: Markel Direct (+3), AXA (+1)
No — supply-and-fit only
Points to: Tradesman Saver (+1), Simply Business (+1)

Question 4: Are you NSI or SSAIB accredited (or working toward it)?

Yes
Points to: Markel Direct (+1), AXA (+1)
No
Points to: Tradesman Saver (+1), Simply Business (+1)

Question 5: Tools and stock in the van overnight?

Yes, regularly — Check forced-entry and overnight conditions match how you work
Points to: Simply Business (+1), Tradesman Saver (+1), Rhino Trade Insurance (+1)
No — unloaded nightly
Points to: no specific provider (neutral answer)

Question 6: What matters most?

Lowest price
Points to: Tradesman Saver (+2), Simply Business (+2)
Failed-system (PI) wording
Points to: Markel Direct (+3), AXA (+2)
Big-brand backing
Points to: AXA (+2)
Comparing the market
Points to: Simply Business (+3)

Providers in this tool

Simply Business

From £5.64/month with ~660 alarm installers covered and multi-insurer comparison — a strong price benchmark.

https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/business-insurance/alarm-installers-insurance/

AXA

From £76/year with a 10% online discount — and wording that explicitly contemplates a failed system leading to a break-in.

https://www.axa.co.uk/business-insurance/security-company-alarm-installation-insurance/

Markel Direct

The purpose-built installer product from £10/month: PI for failed-solution claims, contract works, hired-in plant and a legal helpline.

https://www.markeluk.com/business-insurance/security-alarm-cctv-installer-insurance

Tradesman Saver

Cheapest verified entry (from £54–£59/year) with £10m employers’ liability as standard — an electrician-family specialist.

https://www.tradesmansaver.co.uk/

Rhino Trade Insurance

Fast online trade cover at £1m–£5m liability levels with a UK-based service team.

https://www.rhinotradeinsurance.com/

This tool gives a guide match based on typical product features, not financial advice. Cover details, prices and review scores change — always read the policy wording and compare at least two quotes before buying. Information last checked June 2026.