FBD 50e off car insurance if you use a dashcam

Eggs For Dinner wrote: »

How is it an 'excuse', if you accept a reduced premium in turn for agreeing to keep an operational and maintained alarm?

Just because an alarm system is maintained once a year, doesn't mean it won't fail in between those maintenance windows.

But most importantly, in the real world, I see most people don't fully use their alarm. Non of the people I know use it when home during the day. Most only use it when out and some at night, but not all even then.

Now you might argue that it is their own fault for not "operating" it properly. But that is human nature, we all do silly things.

You save so little by adding an alarm system to your insurance, it really isn't worth it. Just shop around, you'll save money.

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

They usually ask if you have your alarm under a maintenance contract, so if you answer No, you get a lesser discount but you don't need to have a maintenance contract.

You still risk not paying out because you simply forget to turn it on. Best not to include any alarm at all.

BTW Just looking on FBD the options are:
- No alarm
- Standard Alarm
- Alarm Connected to Call Center

Reading theirs T&C's document it says:

In addition any alarms must be properly maintained and used correctly if we have allowed a discount on your premium for them or they are a condition of cover.

So it seems even the "Standard Alarm" options most be maintained and used.

123.ie has this to say:

https://www.123.ie/customer-care/before-you-insure/how-can-i-reduce-my-premium/will-an-alarm-system-reduce-annual-premium

You can get a discount for having an approved intruder alarm system installed in your home.

In order to be approved a burglar alarm must be installed by a company that is compliant with all regulations under both the Private Securities Agency and current European standards. The alarm itself must also comply with the current European standard.

Alarms which have not been installed by a regulated company are excluded.

If you notify us that you have an alarm, an alarm clause will automatically be put on your policy.

These include conditions that must be met at all times otherwise you may not be fully covered. You will need to check the endorsements section of your insurance schedule to see if an alarm clause has been applied.

How many people out their have old alarm systems, that might have been installed prior to the current PSA + European standards and don't get it regularly maintained by a PSA registered person and add it to their policy not realising it means they won't be fully covered!

Final point, the cost of yearly maintenance in most cases will be much higher then the reduction gives you. So it just doesn't make sense.