Alyssa Lane
Verisure is a global company that offers security solutions for commercial and domestic properties, including smart alarms and CCTV cameras. While Verisure claims to provide reliable security services, there have been concerns raised by retailers and insurance experts about alleged pressure selling, system failures, misleading information, and insurance risks associated with their products. Verisure's alarm systems do not comply with British Standards and are not SSAIB/NSI certified, which may affect their customers' insurance policies. The absence of SSAIB/NSI certification and compliance with British Standards could lead to issues with insurance compliance and police response.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurance compliance | Verisure alarm systems do not include SSAIB/NSI certification and so may not comply with insurance policy stipulations. Insurance companies increasingly require SSAIB/NSI certification. |
| Insurance risks | Retailers and insurance experts have expressed concerns about alleged pressure selling, system failures, misleading information, and insurance risks related to Verisure. |
| Police response | Verisure alarm systems use "Type B" Police Response. They do not provide URN numbers and therefore cannot provide a "Type A" Police response. |
| Cost | The cost of Verisure's alarm system is £50 a month. |
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What You'll Learn
Verisure alarms are not SSAIB/NSI certified
Verisure alarm systems do not include SSAIB/NSI certification and so may not comply with insurance policy stipulations. SSAIB stands for 'Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board', and the NSI stands for 'National Security Inspectorate'. Both bodies are nationally recognised and accredited by UKAS.
The SSAIB is a key certification body in the private security industry, providing accreditation to companies that install and maintain security products, such as alarm systems and management systems. Companies can gain approval from the NSI in a similar way. Both bodies have strict certification processes, involving inspections and ongoing checks, to ensure security providers are able to provide high standards.
Insurance companies increasingly require alarm systems that include SSAIB/NSI certification. This is because having a certified alarm system demonstrates compliance and competence, and insurance companies want to know that your system has been installed to British Standards and by an NSI/SSAIB-registered installer.
Verisure's alarm systems do not comply with BS 8243 and are therefore not SSAIB/NSI certified. This is because they do not include x2 maintenance checks a year, based on BS 9263 maintenance servicing standards, and how they are powered (they can easily be unplugged). Verisure alarm systems also do not provide URN numbers, which are required for 'Type A' Police response. This means that Verisure cannot provide Type A Police response with their alarm systems.
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Verisure alarms do not comply with BS 8243
BS 8243:2021 is a British Standard that provides recommendations for the design, installation, and configuration of intruder and hold-up alarm systems. The standard focuses on confirmed alarm conditions, aiming to minimise false alarms and ensure that real threats are prioritised. It offers enhanced security, industry compliance, and expert guidance for creating robust and reliable alarm systems.
Verisure alarm systems do not comply with BS 8243 and are not SSAIB/NSI certified. This non-compliance could impact insurance policies that require SSAIB/NSI accreditation. Verisure's alarm panels are simply plugged in and can be easily unplugged, which is one reason they do not meet the British Standards. Additionally, Verisure monitored alarms do not include the required two maintenance checks per year based on BS 9263 maintenance servicing standards.
The confusion regarding Verisure's alarm systems arises because their Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) is SSAIB certified. However, insurance companies typically require that the alarm system itself is installed according to British Standards and by an NSI/SSAIB-registered installer, not that the ARC is NSI registered. Verisure alarm systems are not installed to British Standards, and their lack of SSAIB/NSI certification may invalidate certain insurance policies.
Furthermore, Verisure alarm systems do not provide Police URN (Unique Reference Number) registration, which is necessary for a 'Type A' Police response. Instead, Verisure uses a Type B Police Response, where their Alarm Receiving Centre can call 999 to report a burglary and request a police response. This Type B response is different from the faster and more reliable Type A response, which includes URN registration, officially registering the property with the police.
The non-compliance with BS 8243 and the absence of SSAIB/NSI certification mean that Verisure alarm systems may not meet the requirements of insurance policies that stipulate accredited alarm systems. Homeowners considering Verisure alarm systems should carefully review their insurance policy requirements to ensure continued compliance with their insurance stipulations.
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Verisure alarms do not include police URNs
Verisure's ARC is SSAIB certified and monitored, but their alarm systems are not SSAIB/NSI certified. Insurance companies often require alarm systems with SSAIB/NSI certification, and some policies may stipulate the need for an accredited alarm system. Without this certification, Verisure alarms may not comply with insurance policy requirements, potentially invalidating insurance policies.
Verisure alarms have also been criticised for system failures, with some alleging that the company refused to call the police during incidents due to issues with camera visuals and audio. There have been concerns about pressure selling and misleading information, with some users feeling they were misled about the product's effectiveness for insurance purposes.
It is important to note that Verisure alarms may not meet specific guidelines, such as the EN50131 guidelines, which can affect their validity regarding home insurance. Before installing a Verisure alarm system, it is advisable to consult with insurance providers to understand their specific requirements and ensure compliance with necessary standards.
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Verisure alarms may not comply with insurance policies
Verisure is a global company that offers security solutions for commercial and domestic properties, including smart alarms and CCTV cameras. However, there are concerns about whether Verisure alarms comply with insurance policies.
Verisure's alarm systems do not comply with BS 8243 and are not SSAIB/NSI certified. Insurance companies typically require alarm systems to be installed to British Standards and by an NSI/SSAIB-registered installer. Verisure alarm systems are not NSI-compliant due to various reasons, including how they are powered (they can be easily unplugged) and the lack of maintenance checks included.
Verisure's alarm systems also do not include SSAIB/NSI certification, which is increasingly required by insurance companies. If an insurance policy stipulates an SSAIB or NSI-accredited alarm system, a Verisure alarm will invalidate the policy.
Additionally, Verisure cannot provide URN numbers with their systems, which are required for 'Type A' Police response. Only SSAIB or NSI-accredited alarm companies can sell systems that include URNs. Verisure uses Type B Police Response, where their Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) can call 999 and report a burglary, but this provides a slower and less reliable response compared to Type A.
There have also been concerns raised by retailers and insurance experts about alleged pressure selling, system failures, misleading information, and insurance risks related to Verisure. In one incident, Verisure refused to call the police when a panic alarm was activated due to an issue with camera visuals and audio.
While Verisure's ARC is SSAIB-certified for receiving alarm signals and adhering to strict technical standards, this does not ensure compliance with insurance policies, which typically require installer certification and adherence to British Standards.
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Verisure alarms have been criticised for system failures
In one instance, a customer reported that their Verisure alarm failed to detect a burglar and switched off the alarm while a male in a balaclava entered their home. The customer's home camera captured the incident, highlighting a significant failure by Verisure. Another customer, Lakshman Thirunavukkarsu, experienced a break-in during which the alarm system failed to sound, resulting in losses that could have been prevented if the alarm had functioned properly.
Verisure has also been criticised for its high-pressure sales tactics, undisclosed fees, and uncooperative customer support. Customers have faced lengthy and frustrating cancellation processes, with continuous charges even after termination requests. The company's response to negative reviews has been questioned, with customers feeling dissatisfied by the repetitive nature of their replies.
The company's alarm systems do not comply with BS 8243 and are not SSAIB/NSI certified. Insurance companies often require alarm systems with this certification, and without it, customers may find their insurance policies invalidated. Verisure's alarm systems also do not include URN numbers, which are necessary for 'Type A' Police response. As a result, Verisure cannot provide the same level of police response as SSAIB or NSI-accredited companies.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Verisure alarms are not NSI-compliant and do not include SSAIB/NSI certification. Insurance companies increasingly require alarm systems that include SSAIB/NSI certification, so installing a Verisure alarm may invalidate your insurance policy.
The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) is a UKAS-accredited certification body for security systems and services, fire detection, management and monitoring systems in the UK. NSI is another such body.
Type A Police Response includes a URN (Unique Reference Number) which officially registers the property with the police and provides a faster and more reliable response. Verisure alarm systems use Type B Police Response, which means that if their Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) verifies a burglary, they can call 999 and ask for a response.
