BT Redcare is closing down: here's what you need to know

If you're a home or small business owner, there's a strong possibility you'll have an alarm system as part of your premises' security measures. One of the biggest providers of equipment to monitor alarm systems for over 30 years is BT Redcare, and they've recently annoucned that they'll be closing down operations as of 1st August 2025, potentially affecting up to 120,000 customers across the UK. If you're among this number, you'll have been informed of this by post and email. Read on to find how out this might affect you, and what to do if so. 

 What does this mean for you? 

An appropriate alarm system is likely to be a crucial stipulation of your insurance policy, which it's why it's imperative not just to have your BT Redcare unit replaced but to do so with a like-for-like model to ensure you remain protected. 

What else is occurring? 

In addition to the closure of BT Redcare, BT as a national provider of our communication networks, are moving away from the current Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to a fibre optic network as part of the “BT all IP by 2025” initiative. In effect, the PSTN network is currently being phased out as analogue phone lines are replaced with digital. Alarm monitoring services that previously utilised these analogue phone lines will need to switch to a digital Internet Protocol (IP) network or mobile phone option.

To make sure you're replacing your alarm system with a like-for-like model that will satisfy your insurer, you'll need to pay attention to its grade level. This essentially denotes the level of sophistication of the monitoring unit, and therefore its suitability for properties of varying degrees of risk. DP4 monitoring for example, would be required for a property at very high risk of theft, which might be higher or lower depending on factors like the value of its contents and its location. For further details on alarm grading systems, speak to your alarm provider.

We strongly recommend that you replace your alarm system well ahead of the August 2025 deadline, as there's likely to be a surge in demand for replacements in the weeks and months preceding, which will likely lead to unwanted delays!

If you have any questions about the implications for your insurance policy and would like some help in selecting your replacement alarm system, don't hesitate to get in touch with your usual SW advisor.