UK households who have a doorbell can escape £375 charge

Households who agree to install DIY bell-only home alarms can slash home insurance policies and quotes, Crime Rate has found.

Home insurance costs are going through the roof, but there are ways to reduce the amount you'll be asked to pay, according to experts. Households who agree to install DIY bell-only home alarms can slash home insurance policies and quotes, Crime Rate has found.

Money rights expert Martyn James says: “Premiums have been rocketing and it’s important to have cover in place in case the worst happens, but with a few simple tricks you can lower the cost while still keeping your property and belongings protected.”

The average home insurance quote rose by almost 28 per cent in the year to the end of July. Combined buildings-and-contents premiums paid by customers have climbed to on average £375 a year, and buildings-only cover to £298 while contents-only cover has stayed at £132, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reports.

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"Many homeowners make the mistake of insuring their property for its market value, rather than the rebuild cost, and end up paying over the odds for their premium,” says Anna McEntee, insurance expert at Compare the Market.

“If you get a combined buildings- and-contents policy, the insurer might give you a discount,” says McEntee. Ways to slash your bill include joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, according to personal finance experts and consumer champions.

“This is because you’re taking active steps to reduce the likelihood of needing to make an insurance claim,” says McEntee. Garin Cole, home product manager at Aviva, says: “If your home is at risk, ask your insurer if they are part of the Flood Re scheme, which was set up to help homeowners in high-risk areas to access flood insurance.”

Other ways can include boosting home security and pay up front, rather than Direct Debit monthly instalments. McEntee advised: “If you have approved security and safety systems in place, your insurance provider might consider lowering your premium.”

“IF you’re willing to raise the amount that you contribute towards a claim, the excess, you’ll usually pay a lower premium,” said McEntee. He went on: “You’re likely to be able to carry over the discount if you switch to another insurance provider, so make sure to include this when looking for a quote.”

He said: “This can protect you from price hikes for the duration of your policy.”