BT’s Redcare alarm system withdrawal: What it could mean for your Media, Entertainment and Events clients

On August 1, 2025, BT will officially withdraw its Redcare alarm signalling service – a decision that is set to impact over 100,000 businesses and private customers.

Many media, entertainment and event businesses will have alarms to protect their expensive and specialist production and recording equipment. This could therefore be a critical issue for your clients that must be addressed if they are to maintain insurance compliance and ensure their business operations remain protected.

To assist you in helping your clients, we explain everything you need to know about the BT Redcare alarm withdrawal and what it might mean for businesses below.

What is Happening?

BT’s announcement in February that they plan to cease the Redcare service was a surprise, as it has long been a trusted solution for alarm signalling, offering reliable communication between alarm systems and monitoring centres.

With the shutdown now scheduled for next year, businesses that use Redcare must take steps to replace their alarm system with an alternative solution that meets both their operational and insurance requirements.

If you are an insurance broker with clients that currently use the BT Redcare system, you may soon start fielding enquiries about the service withdrawal and what businesses should do next – so it will pay to get ahead of the curve and be proactive with your response.

Why Is This Important?

For many of your clients, particularly those whose insurance policies include conditions related to intruder and fire alarms, the withdrawal of Redcare could have serious implications.

Most insurance policies require that the alarm system is not only maintained in full working order, but also that any changes to the system are communicated to and approved by your insurer.

If your clients alarm signalling is no longer compliant due to the withdrawal of Redcare, they could face the risk of invalidating their insurance policy. This could then lead to rejected claims in the event of a theft, fire, or other incidents – an outcome that could be devastating for their business.

 

What Brokers Should Do Next

We have provided some quick tips and information below that you can share with your clients and help them work through the process of reviewing their security systems and choosing a compliant replacement alarm if needed.

Review Your Client’s Current Alarm System

You should help your clients to determine if their security or fire alarms currently use the Redcare service. If so, this system will need to be replaced with an alternative that meets the necessary standards.

Consult With the Alarm Installer

Either you or your client should contact their intruder and fire alarm installers to discuss the best alternative to Redcare. It’s crucial that the replacement system is installed by a company regulated by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB). These organisations ensure that the installation meets the required standards, which is important for maintaining your clients’ insurance coverage.

Choose a Compliant Replacement

Your clients should look for dual-path alarm transmission systems, such as the CSL Dualcom Gradeshift Pro DP3, that are certified to BSEN50136-1:2012 standards. These systems are accepted by major insurers as like-for-like replacements for Redcare, ensuring the alarm system continues to meet your policy’s requirements.

Act Sooner Rather Than Later

As the deadline approaches, the demand for replacement services will increase, which could lead to installation delays and product shortages. It’s advisable for you and your client to begin this process immediately to avoid any last-minute issues that could leave their business vulnerable.

Update the Insurance Provider

Once the new system is in place, you can inform the insurance company that your client remains compliant and have a new alarm system that meets the policy requirements.

Why You and Your Clients Need to Act

Failing to replace a Redcare system before the August 2025 deadline could result in serious consequences for your client’s business.

Without a compliant alarm system, any claims they make after a theft, fire, or other incidents may be rejected by your insurer due to non-compliance with policy conditions.

Given that many alarm conditions are underwritten as a “Condition Precedent to Liability,” the insurer could deny a claim even if the breach of the condition did not contribute to the loss.

The withdrawal of BT’s Redcare service is a significant event that requires prompt attention from any business that relies on this technology. By taking action now, you can make sure that your clients’ alarm systems remain compliant, their insurance coverage stays intact, and their business continues to be protected against potential risks.

For more information on how we can help you help your clients, get in touch with the team today.