Who are Redcare?
Redcare are the security division of telecoms firm, BT. Redcare provide intruder and fire alarm systems to both businesses and homes across the UK. Redcare links a professionally installed alarm system on your premises to an alarm receiving centre. The result is continuous protection of your property, all year round.
Many insurers and insurance brokers recommend BT Redcare to their clients as BT Redcare signalling solutions comply with British and European Standards for fire alarm signalling up to grade 4, which is the highest level of protection.
However, Redcare have announced they will be closing in the middle of next year, which has come to the surprise of many clients, who will now have to look out for a new solution.
Referred to as the Coca Cola or Pepsi of security alarm providers, and the self-professed “largest supplier of fire and security alarm signalling systems in the UK”; Redcare systems will be difficult to replace as there is not a lot of competition out there.
A spokesperson for BT, in a Redcare statement, said: “As part of our strategy to simplify our business portfolio and focus on delivering core products and services for our customers, we have decided to close our Redcare business in 2025. We have made the decision to cease all new Redcare orders with immediate effect. BT Redcare support will be in place until all services have been moved to an alternative supplier or business closure on 1st August, 2025.”
They have reassured businesses and customers that Redcare’s remote connections will still be intact and will not be affected in the short term.
What the Redcare closure means for sports and social clubs
At Club Insure, we are recommending clubs review their security systems in advance of August 2025, and act swiftly to prevent any cover issues. Not having an effective, active alarm system in place may affect the validity of your insurance cover.
We would also expect clubs to receive an influx of calls from a wide range of alarm maintenance companies, alarm suppliers and other companies who may see an unexpected business opportunity.
Redcare are recommended by many insurance brokers because of their high performance and their reputation with insurers. It is critical when considering a new security provider, that the technology performs at the DP level required by your policy details. Contact your Club Insure representative to ask what suitable replacements are available, and that your insurer will accept.
How to choose a new security alarm system for my club?
When choosing a suitable alternative it is imperative that these factors are considered:
The alarm is installed by a company regulated by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) which incorporates the National Approval Council for Security Systems (NACOSS) or a company regulated by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB).
And, the alarm is to be maintained in full working order under an annual maintenance contract with an appropriate alarm maintenance company or installer regulated by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) which incorporates the National Approval Council for Security Systems (NACOSS) or a company regulated by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB). Insurers may require evidence of the maintenance agreement in the event of a claim.
Are there any other considerations?
In addition to the Redcare closure, BT is also in the process of rolling out a switch off of the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), due to completed by the end of December 2025.
If an alarm system (intruder or fire) uses the above networks as one ‘path’ of a dual path system they will lose this function and the system reverts to a single path system when the switch off is completed. If your insurance conditions rely on a ‘dual path’ system, this could leave you in breach of your policy.
As with the rest of this insight, if you need further advice on your alarm system and if you may need an upgrade, talk to your usual point of contact.
What are my next steps?
It is likely that closer to the switch off dates, there will be a rush for changes and upgrades to be made. This could mean long lead times for fitters and equipment. We would suggest that any businesses requiring upgrades do so as soon as possible, so as not to leave yourself open to vulnerabilities.
Please consider your options well in advance of the August 1st closure date. For help choosing a new security system, contact Club Insure.
