What does monitored mean?
When your alarm is triggered, a signal is sent via a secure digital communicator to an NSI-approved Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). Trained operators verify the alert — typically by calling your home and checking CCTV if fitted — and then despatch police, a keyholder or a guard response within minutes.
The case for monitored alarms
- Police response — Under the Metropolitan Police Alarm Policy, police will only respond to an alarm activated through an NSI/SSAIB-approved ARC. Unmonitored alarms do not qualify.
- 24/7 protection — Response happens whether you are asleep, on holiday or your phone is out of battery.
- Insurance benefit — Many insurers require monitoring as a condition of cover on high-value or commercial properties. Others offer lower premiums.
- Confirmation before police despatch — Modern ARCs use two-trigger confirmation (e.g. PIR + door contact in sequence) to minimise false activations and protect your police-response count.
The case against monitored alarms
- Monthly cost — Professional monitoring typically costs £15–£35 per month on a 12-month contract.
- Police response is not guaranteed — Even with an approved ARC, police response depends on resource availability and the level of confirmation provided.
- Self-monitoring may be sufficient — For lower-risk properties, smart alarm apps that push notifications and video clips directly to your phone provide a practical alternative.
Who should get a monitored alarm?
Monitored alarms are strongly recommended for: commercial premises, properties left unoccupied for extended periods, high-value homes, buy-to-let properties and any property where insurance policy conditions specify monitoring. For a primary residence that is rarely unoccupied, a self-monitoring smart alarm is often sufficient.
How much does monitoring cost?
Sure Alarms offers monitoring from £18/month on an annual contract, including dual-path digital signalling (broadband + 4G backup), 24/7 ARC response and full police-response eligibility. See our cost guide for a full breakdown.
Discuss Monitoring with Our Engineers
We will assess your property and recommend the right level of monitoring — or explain why self-monitoring may be sufficient for you.