Summary
- Monitored alarms cost $30–70 or £20–50 monthly after installation.
- Guarding runs $25–45/hr (US) or £16–30/hr (UK).
- Verify SIA licences and NSI/SSAIB approval or US state licensing.
- Negotiate contract length, auto-renewal and equipment ownership.
- Check your insurance policy's required alarm and lock standards.
Quick answer
A monitored alarm costs $30–70 per month in the US and £20–50 in the UK after installation. Manned guarding costs $25–45 per hour or £16–30 per hour, with higher rates for nights, weekends and licensed door supervision.
Typical 2026 prices
| Service | US | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm installation, home | $400–1,500 | £350–1,200 |
| Alarm monitoring, monthly | $30–70 | £20–50 |
| CCTV, 4 cameras installed | $1,200–3,500 | £900–2,800 |
| CCTV maintenance, annual | $200–600 | £150–500 |
| Access control per door | $900–2,500 | £700–2,000 |
| Manned guarding, per hour | $25–45 | £16–30 |
| Door supervision, per hour | $30–55 | £18–35 |
| Mobile patrol visit | $25–60 | £15–45 |
| Key holding and response, monthly | $40–120 | £30–90 |
Licensing and accreditation
UK: individual guards, door supervisors and key holders must hold an SIA licence — check the number on the public register. For alarms and monitoring, look for NSI or SSAIB approval, which police response usually requires.
US: requirements are state-based. Guards and security firms are typically licensed at state level, and alarm monitoring centres should carry UL certification. Verify the company licence, not just an individual's.
Always confirm public liability insurance and the amount of cover.
Choosing the right level
Contract terms to check
Getting comparable quotes
Give each company the same brief: property size, entry points, hours to be covered, what you are protecting and any insurance requirements. Insurance policies often specify alarm grades or lock standards — check your policy before ordering, because the wrong grade can invalidate a claim.
Summary
Budget £20–50 or $30–70 monthly for monitored alarms and £16–30 or $25–45 hourly for guarding. Verify SIA licences and NSI/SSAIB approval in the UK, state licensing in the US, and read the contract length, renewal and equipment ownership clauses before signing.