Do I have to purchase both Buildings & Contents from the same provider? - In simple terms no, lenders are always keen to push their own products and unless you are “tied in” as part of a cheaper mortgage deal, it would pay for you to shop around to try to obtain the most competitive quotations.  There are a large number of insurers offering Buildings & Contents Insurance and you may find that it will save you money if you place your contracts with different insurers. Some insurers are keener to write Buildings covers rather than Contents covers and Vice a versa. You may find though that it is easier to place both policies with one insurer with the benefit of easy of arrangement outweighing any monetary saving.

How Do I Get a Discount on My Buildings or Contents Insurance? – the following tips should make you aware of the factors that insurers or brokers may consider….

• The types of Burglar Alarm Available - There are many different types of burglar alarms available for domestic usage and there is no doubt that an alarm can reduce your chances of having a break-in. The two basic types of alarm; the Bells Only Alarm and the Monitored Alarm ( when triggered the alarm is heard remotely).   When a bells only alarm is triggered by one of the alarm components, an outside bell or siren is activated. This will inform the burglar that they have been detected trying to gain entry to the house and may be sufficient to make them leave empty handed.   This type of alarm is audible only and will not normally bring a response from the police (unless of course, there happens to be a police station or patrol in the vicinity.

• Sometimes, the mere fact that a property is fitted with an alarm box, acts as a visible deterrent, a lot of thieves are opportunists and will simply move on to find an easier target. This type of system relies totally on the burglar being unnerved by the sound of the device, it is impossible to rely on neighbours etc to phone the police on your behalf, we live in a society now where nigh time car alarms merely serve to interrupt sleep, most people believe that alarms in the night are false alarms.

• The best types of alarms are monitored alarms, these systems work by passing information to a monitoring centre if any of the alarm contacts are triggered. The monitoring centre will in turn notify the policy of the incident. Because of the pressure put on the police caused by false alarms, The fitting of alarms to property now is quite a complex issue and you are advised to seek professional advise from a NACOSS approved alarm supplier. The police have guidelines for new alarms to make sure that responses are confirmed.
   

• A quality alarm installation company will be able to advice you on the types of monitored alarm and the various types of signalling available to you. Remember, if you wish to receive a discount from your insurers in recognition for the installation of an alarm, they will almost certainly want it to have been fitted by an approved installer and for it to be maintained under contract.  The discounts offered by insurers for the fitting of alarms are not that large; perhaps up to 20% of the annual premium on offer, it is probably better to have an alarm fitted for peace of mind and to safe guard your valuables than to secure a discount from your insurance premium.

• Types OF Locks Fitted to your Home - It is always advisable to have good quality physical protections at your Home. This will not only help you to feel secure but will help deter thieves. Depending on where you live, you may well find that your insurers will require you to fit certain locks anyway. Insurers call this their minimum standard of security. Insurers increase the level of security required if you live in an area that presents a higher risk of burglary. Although this may vary from insurer to insurer the following is usually the minimum required. Your doors and windows should be fitted with the following locks & bolts;
  
  Doors....

• Final Exit Door - The lock should be to British Standard specification BS3621 which carries the British Standards Institution “Kite” mark. 

• Other outside doors. (Excluding metal framed patio doors) - A lock made to British Standard Specification BS3621 which carries the British Standards Institution “Kite” mark or any other lock and key operated security bolts at the top and bottom.
  Metal Framed Patio Doors - Each door must be fitted with any of the following:-

1. The manufacturers key operated deadlock
2. The manufacturers key operated security bolt
3. Any key operated security device fitted by a qualified locksmith.

• Windows - All accessible windows (that is all ground floor windows, ones above single storey extensions and walls or next to drain pipes), fanlights or other openings someone could get in through must be fitted with the following;

1. Key operated security bolts

2. Key operated window locks

3. Permanent or key operated window stops

4. adhesive on glass louver window panes to prevent glass panes being removed easily

• Additional Security that may provide a discount - There are other security measures that can be put in place that may help secure a discount from your insurers in respect of Home Insurance;

• Shutters - windows and doors that are fitted with shutters may qualify for a security discount.

• Double Glazing - A number of insurers will offer discounts if your property is fitted with double glazing.

• Security Lighting - A number of insurers will offer discounts if your property is fitted with external security lights

• Neighbourhood Watch - A number of insurers will offer discounts if you are a member of a neighborhood watch scheme. 

• Safe Installed - Safes can be purchased quite cheaply now and come in a variety of types; if you have a lot of jewellery or valuables, your insurers may insist that you have a safe installed at your home, safes come with cash ratings which give an indication as the amount of cash or valuables that can be stored. If your insurer’s insist on your having a safe installed, ask for their guidance as to a suitable model then contact a quality locksmith or safe installation company.

• Contents Insurance - You will be asked questions about the value of your Contents sum Insured, please refer to the section on Contents Insurance for Information about this section of the policy.

• Buildings Insurance - You will be asked questions about the reinstatement cost of your Buildings please refer to the section on Buildings Insurance for more information about this section of the policy.

• No Claims Bonus - A number of insurers are now prepared to offer a no claims bonus in respect of Buildings & Contents Insurance. The discounts vary from insurer to insurer.