BT has announced that it will close its Redcare alarm signalling service by 1st August 2025.
If your organisation relies on BT Redcare for its alarm systems, this change could have important implications for your insurance. In this article, we’ll explain what BT Redcare is, why it matters and what steps you need to take to ensure your security and insurance coverage remain intact.
What is BT Redcare?
BT Redcare is a trusted alarm signalling service that operates over standard analogue BT phone lines. It’s designed to alert property owners, alarm receiving centres, or the emergency services when an alarm is triggered. This service is widely used to monitor intruder alarms, fire safety and other systems, such as temperature monitoring in fridges or water leak detection.
For years, BT Redcare has been a go-to solution for organisations needing reliable remote monitoring. Its compliance with British and European Standards for fire and security systems has made it a top choice for insurers.
Why is the Redcare closure important?
Many Commercial Property Insurance policies require the installation of an approved alarm system as part of the coverage conditions. BT Redcare, as a leading provider in the UK, was often recommended by insurers. With its upcoming closure, businesses must find an alternative to avoid the risk of invalidating their insurance.
What does this mean for you?
If you currently use BT Redcare, you’ll need to find an alternative supplier before 1st August 2025, or your current contract with BT expires. It’s important to act sooner rather than later, as other alarm service providers may become overwhelmed by demand closer to the deadline. In addition, you’ll need to ensure that any replacement system meets the same or higher standards as BT Redcare, to meet the conditions of your insurance policy.
To make this transition as smooth as possible, here are the key steps you should take:
1. Act early: There’s a possibility that suppliers may face hardware shortages or service backlogs due to high demand as the Redcare closure date approaches. Start researching your options now.
2. Speak to your alarm maintenance company: They can help you find a replacement system that matches (or exceeds) the performance of BT Redcare.
3. Check your insurance policy conditions: Ensure that the new system complies with the terms of your cover. You may need to confirm the system’s installation and maintenance are up to the standards required by regulatory bodies like the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB).
4. Consider all systems: While intruder alarms are the most obvious concern, you should also review other systems like fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or temperature alarms that rely on remote signalling. All these systems may be affected by the Redcare closure.
Got questions?
If you’re unsure of the requirements of your insurance policy, contact your insurer or broker for more information. If you are a Chris Knott Insurance client, call us on 0800 917 2274 and we’d be happy to help.
