What Insurers Want to See in Your Business Security System

When you’re running a business, insurance isn’t optional. It’s the safety net that protects you against the unexpected — from fire and theft, to accidents and liability. But here’s the catch: your insurance cover (and your premiums) depend heavily on how secure your premises is.

At Rossells Security Solutions, we’ve spent over 90 years helping businesses across Leicester and the East Midlands safeguard their operations. And time and again, we see the same pattern: business owners only discover their insurance requirements after a break-in or after an insurer rejects a claim. By then, it’s too late.

This article is designed to save you from that costly mistake. We’ll explain what insurers want to see in a business security system, how requirements differ depending on your industry and risk profile, and how Rossells can help you meet (and exceed) those standards.

Why Insurers Care About Security

Insurers are in the business of risk. The higher your risk of theft, damage, or fraud, the higher your premium — or in some cases, the more exclusions your policy will have.

Security systems reduce that risk. A well-designed, properly maintained system tells your insurer:

• You take protection seriously.

• You’ve reduced the likelihood of a claim.

• If an incident does happen, there will be evidence (CCTV, access logs, alarm signals).

Put simply: better security = lower risk = better insurance outcomes.

The Core Elements Insurers Look For

While every insurer is different, most will expect your business security system to cover these key areas:

1. Intruder Alarms That Meet British Standards

• Insurers typically expect an alarm system that complies with BS EN 50131.

• Higher-risk businesses (jewellers, warehouses, retail with high-value stock) may need a monitored alarm system with police response.

• Bells-only systems are rarely acceptable for commercial insurance unless risk is very low.

👉 At Rossells, we install and maintain SSAIB-accredited monitored alarms, ensuring full compliance with insurer requirements.

2. CCTV Systems That Provide Evidence

• Insurers want CCTV that produces clear, evidential-quality footage — not grainy images from 10 years ago.

• Cameras should cover entrances, exits, and sensitive areas like stockrooms or tills.

• Systems should have recording backups, ideally 30 days or more.

👉 Our HD and IP CCTV systems are designed not just for deterrence, but to meet evidential standards police and insurers accept.

3. Access Control for Accountability

• Insurers like to see controlled and logged access to sensitive areas.

• This means knowing who entered where and when.

• Master key systems are better than loose keys, but electronic fob or biometric access control is best practice.

👉 Rossells designs access control systems that integrate with alarms and CCTV, giving insurers a complete audit trail.

4. Physical Security: Locks, Doors, and Perimeter

• Insurers usually specify that locks must meet BS3621 or BS8621 standards.

• Weak entry points (flimsy doors, old shutters, insecure windows) are red flags.

• Perimeter measures like security lighting or barriers can also influence premiums.

👉 Our commercial locksmith team supplies and fits locks and master key systems that meet insurer standards.

5. Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring

• It’s not enough to install a system and forget about it. Insurers expect regular servicing and testing.

• A system that hasn’t been maintained is as bad as no system at all — and can invalidate claims.

👉 Rossells offers maintenance contracts, ensuring your system stays compliant and functional 24/7.

Industry-Specific Security Expectations

Different industries carry different risks — and insurers tailor requirements accordingly.

🛍 Retail

• CCTV covering tills and customer areas.

• Monitored alarms with police response.

• Secure stockrooms with restricted access.

🏭 Warehouses & Manufacturing

• Perimeter protection (fencing, gates, motion sensors).

• Access control for staff entry points.

• Integrated fire & security alarms.

🏢 Offices

• Access logs for GDPR compliance.

• CCTV in shared areas (with signage).

• Alarm systems linked to keyholders.

💎 High-Value Goods (jewellers, electronics, pharmaceuticals)

• Dual-path monitored alarms with confirmed police response.

• High-security safes.

• Redundant CCTV storage and panic alarms.

👉 Rossells has experience across all these sectors, meaning we understand not just general security, but industry-specific compliance.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Insurance Problems

Through decades of work with local businesses, we see these pitfalls again and again:

1. Not declaring security systems to insurers.If you have them, declare them — it often lowers your premium.

2. Relying on bells-only alarms.Insurers rarely consider these adequate.

3. Using DIY or non-accredited installers.If your system isn’t SSAIB or NSI accredited, insurers may not accept it.

4. Not maintaining the system.A failed alarm test can void a claim.

5. Ignoring access control.If staff can wander anywhere, insurers see that as unnecessary risk.

   
   

How Security Impacts Your Premiums

• Businesses with monitored alarms often see premiums reduced by 10–20%.

• Upgraded locks and access control can move you into a lower-risk insurance category.

• Integrated systems (alarms + CCTV + access control) provide layered defence insurers reward.

👉 It’s not just about avoiding claims. It’s about paying less, every year, for the lifetime of your policy.

Rossells’ Role in Insurance Compliance

We don’t just install alarms and walk away. We work with insurers and underwriters across Leicester and beyond to make sure your system:

• Meets all British Standards.

• Is installed by SSAIB-accredited engineers.

• Comes with full documentation and maintenance schedules.

We also provide system takeover services — upgrading older systems so they meet current insurance requirements without a full rip-out.

A Checklist for Businesses

Here’s what to ask yourself before renewing your business insurance:

• ✅ Do I have a monitored alarm system that meets BS EN 50131?

• ✅ Is my CCTV up to evidential standards?

• ✅ Are my locks British Standard certified?

• ✅ Do I have electronic access control for sensitive areas?

• ✅ Is my system regularly maintained and accredited?

If you can’t answer “yes” to all of these, your insurer may be charging you more than necessary — or worse, you may not be fully covered.

Final Word

Insurance protects your business. But only if you protect yourself first.

At Rossells Security Solutions, we’ve been helping Leicester businesses align their security with insurer expectations for decades. From monitored alarms to CCTV, access control, and locksmith services, we’ll make sure your system not only keeps you safe, but keeps you compliant.

📞 Call us today on 0116 262 8899🌐 Visit us at rossells.co.uk📍 Book a free site survey and find out how much your business could save.