Businesses and individuals who have relied on BT’s Redcare alarm solution will be forced to change their security and fire alarm signalling system by 1 August 2025, when the BT option will be completely withdrawn.

The BT Redcare system has often been recommended by insurers, as it runs on a standard BT analogue phone line, incorporating top-level Grade 4 British and European standards fire alarm signalling.

As around 100,000 customers are affected, addressing this quickly is a must. Installers of replacement systems are expected to be fully booked as the deadline approaches, and physical product may even become scarce.

With the BT Redcare system having also been an insurer-approved option that met the terms of many policies, Redcare users must find a like-for-like alternative to avoid invalidating their cover. Having a remote monitoring capability may be a requirement of their policy wording.

However, like-for-like options are limited, and it is important for BT Redcare customers to discuss this issue with their broker so that an insurer’s view on what is acceptable can be sought. Given its significance in terms of risk management, insurers have established specific points of contact to deal with this issue.

Insurers will probably want to see installation handled by a company regulated by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), which incorporates the National Approval Council for Security Systems (NACOSS). Otherwise, they may want a company to be regulated by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB).

A maintenance agreement for the new alarm with an accredited and suitable supplier will probably be a condition of cover, and the alarm must still be kept in full working order.

Some businesses will need to be particularly diligent about this switchover, as other systems, such as fridge temperature alarms, sprinklers, and water leak detection equipment, may also have relied on the BT Redcare system’s capabilities.

As BT itself said of Redcare, it provided “Continuous protection of your property every second of the day, 365 days a year.” Finding something to replace this may not be easy, but not doing so could mean uninsured losses if the worst occurred and no comparable system was in place at the time.

Speak to L Wood Insurance Brokers as soon as possible and before signing up for any replacement system; what you believe to be a good BT Recare alternative may not meet your insurer’s criteria.