It’s no secret that insurance companies are cautious; their business is to assess risk and price it accordingly. When evaluating commercial properties, insurers are ultimately following a simple equation: what are the chances of a break-in, and what will it cost if it occurs?
Over the last decade, the UK property security market has become increasingly flooded with cheaper CCTV, smart alarms, and video doorbells, and this trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. However, there is a fundamental problem with this approach to security. Yes, they can act as a deterrent, but only to a certain degree; they don’t eliminate the risk of forced entry. They record or alert once a burglar is already inside, but they won’t deter or hinder the determination or skill of professional thieves. And crucially, from an insurer’s point of view, that approach carries increased risk.
However, there are other products on the market, a solid grille or set of security bars dramatically lowers the chance of entry for even the most determined burglars, for example. Insurers understand this, and that’s why they often provide lower premiums when there is evidence of more robust physical security, such as physical barriers, bars, shutters, or grilles.
Paul Warner, founder of Safeguard and the UK’s leading security grille business since 1996, explains, “We’ve seen countless properties where cameras and alarms were fitted and triggered – yet burglars still forced entry and took valuables. Insurers know that alarms and cameras don’t stop crime, and the premiums reflect that”
The UK Call-Out Crisis And Why That Matters to Insurers
Another key reason insurers favour physical deterrence is the police response times. Across England in 2024, the average call-out time for burglaries was 9 hours and 8 minutes, according to local.gov.uk, the official database of Police crime recording. In some regions, victims have waited more than 28 hours for police to attend. That’s a pretty shocking statistic, but if you’ve been a victim of property theft in the UK, you may have had a similar experience: the crime takes place, the robbers get away, and then the Police show up far too late to do anything about it.
For insurers, the longer the delay in police callouts or the time it takes brave members of the public to raise the alarm, the bigger the burglar haul and the bigger the potential claim. A burglar who knows the police are unlikely to arrive soon can spend the additional time needed to gain access. Paul Warner has visited dozens of properties after a crime. “We turn up after the incident, and all too often the story is the same: alarms were triggered, police were called, but nothing stopped the intruder from walking out with the goods. That’s why insurers see the real value in barriers – they simply end the burglary before it can start or slow the robbers down before they get in and cause real damage.”
Burglary By Numbers
The number of burglaries reported in the UK doesn’t make for comfortable reading either. In 2024, the police recorded more than 166,000 residential burglaries in England and Wales – an average of 456 a day. Across the UK, and including commercial properties, burglary reports exceeded 222,000 incidents, according to crimerate.co.uk, an official UK source on public crime.
Meanwhile, more shockingly, only 3.5% of these burglaries resulted in a criminal charge. That means most criminals simply get away with it, for insurers, that translates into constant, repeated claims. For property owners, this means higher premiums to cover the ongoing risk.
The Aesthetic Without The Safety Trade-Off
Of course, many businesses really don’t like the thought of fixed bars or roller shutters on the outside of their premises. Fixed bars can trap staff in a fire, roller shutters can jam, and both can make a property look like a prison, not exactly what you want to encourage more customers. For shopfronts, they convey the wrong message to customers, and for homes, they detract from aesthetic appeal and even overall property value.
This is where security grilles provide an excellent balance; yet, this option is not well known to most home and business owners. The crucial difference is that, unlike fixed bars, retractable security grilles fold away when not needed. They let in light, don’t look unsightly, and are built with fire-safe, quick-release locks, so people can escape in the event of a fire or an emergency. Essentially, they offer the best of both worlds, and they’re surprisingly low-cost and very easy to fit.
As Paul Warner notes, “The old image of ugly steel bars across every window is outdated. Modern grilles look great, they keep people safe, and insurers respect them. They’re low-cost, quick to fit, and they stop burglars.”
Modern Grilles That Insurers Love (And Thieves Hate)
Retractable security grilles are now available in insurance-approved models, tested to recognised burglary resistance standards, such as LPS 1175. These certifications give insurers confidence that the grille isn’t just decorative; it has proven strength. The message is clear, and insurers take these products seriously.
Business owners who’ve had them fitted often rate them highly too, as some of the Safeguard Security customers report. Marka, a shop owner in central Birmingham, reported: “We had CCTV and alarms, but insurers kept increasing our premiums. Once we installed grilles, our renewal quote came back lower. The installation took less than a day.” And Ayesha, again a shop owner from Leicester, reported: “Our shopfront is all glass, so roller shutters would have ruined the look. Retractable grilles that disappear during the day look great, and our insurance broker confirmed they reduced our risk rating.”
From Premiums To Protection – Turning Your Insurance Discount Into Real Security
So how can you maximise both your property protection and get that insurance benefit?
- Choose certified, insurance-approved grilles – Underwriters often require documented testing (e.g., LPS 1175).
- Get written confirmation – Ask your insurer or broker to confirm the discount once grilles are installed.
- Integrate with tech – Pair grilles with alarms and CCTV for a comprehensive defence.
- Ensure fire-safe features – Insurers value compliance with life-safety regulations as much as break-in resistance.
- Use professional installers – Quick, tidy, and guaranteed fitting reduces maintenance issues down the line.
The result? Lower premiums, stronger defence, and a safer environment for staff or family. Over just a few years, the savings on insurance can offset much of the installation cost, making the grilles a great investment.
The Safeguard Security team offer free quotes and advice on insurance standards and how to lower your premiums. For more information about how to effectively protect your home or business, visit safeguardsecurity.co.uk
