Cloud CCTV in retail

CCTV and Insurance: The Complete Guide for Retailers

Insurance premiums for retail businesses are influenced by more than just location or turnover – they’re heavily impacted by how well a store manages risk. One of the most effective ways to reduce risk, protect assets, and even potentially lower premiums is through a well-designed CCTV system.

In this guide, we’ll explore how the CCTV system in your stores can support your insurance, the specific requirements insurers look for, and why cloud-based CCTV solutions are becoming the preferred choice for retailers across the UK. From coverage and compliance to claims handling, this is everything you need to know about CCTV and insurance for the retail sector.

Why CCTV Matters for Retail Insurance

Insurance companies care about risk management. The safer your shops, the lower the risk for them. This can translate into lower premiums for you. CCTV is a key part of this.

First, CCTV acts as a deterrent. Visible cameras can stop would-be shoplifters and even prevent employee theft. Beyond that, when an incident does occur, CCTV provides undeniable evidence. This is crucial when you need to file a claim for theft, property damage, or even accidents involving customers or staff. Having clear footage makes it easier for insurers to process your claim quickly, saving both time and stress.

CCTV Requirements and Best Practices for Retailers

When it comes to satisfying insurers, it's not enough to just install cameras. Insurers look at coverage, quality, footage retention, compliance, and maintenance – so the video surveillance system and policies behind your security cameras matter. Here's what that means for your store:

 

Coverage and Placement

Cameras need to cover key areas: entrances, exits, cash registers, high-value merchandise, and storage rooms. It's also important to have clear signage to inform customers that they are being recorded. This is not only good practice but often a legal requirement under UK data protection law.

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Security CCTV camera or surveillance system in office building, Intelligent cameras can record video all day and night to keep you safe from thieves. Surveillance camera Anti-theft system concept.

Quality and Performance

Insurers prefer high-resolution CCTV cameras (HD or 4K) because poor-quality footage is often useless for claims. Security cameras should also perform well in low light and ideally include motion detection features to alert you to unusual activity.

Storage and Retention

Most insurers expect footage to be stored on collocated systems for at least 30 days, with some asking for up to 90 days, especially in high-risk locations. The storage system should be reliable and tamper-proof to satisfy insurance requirements.

SEiNG has its own UK-based cloud facility, ensuring compliance, reliability, and data sovereignty
Secure video storage in the cloud

Compliance and Privacy

CCTV systems must comply with GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the UK Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. The Code provides guidance on using cameras responsibly, ensuring surveillance is proportionate, necessary, and respectful of individuals’ privacy. It covers key aspects such as camera placement, data storage and retention, signage and transparency, and accountability for those operating the systems. Avoid placing cameras in areas where people expect privacy, such as changing rooms, and always display clear signage to make people aware they are being recorded.

Maintenance

Regular checks are essential to ensure all cameras are working correctly. Keep maintenance logs and address any issues immediately. A well-maintained system demonstrates diligence, helps ensure footage quality and availability, and can prevent disputes with insurers. Some insurers may also require systems and maintenance to meet NSI (National Security Inspectorate) standards or equivalent accreditation.

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What top UK retail insurers look for in your CCTV system

The table below summarises what some of the top UK insurers typically expect from retail CCTV systems. This makes it easier to understand how your setup can meet their requirements and potentially influence your premiums.

InsurerCCTV Requirements / Expectations for RetailersNotes
AXA- Coverage of key areas (entrances, tills, stock rooms)
- Clear footage suitable for claims
- Maintained and operational system
- Compliance with GDPR & UK privacy laws		Consult AXA or a broker for policy-specific requirements
Hiscox- Operational and maintained CCTV
- Secure storage of footage
- Footage accessible for claims
- GDPR compliance		Specialist policies for retail; ensure system meets standards to align with insurance expectations
Aviva- CCTV as part of overall security measures
- Deters theft & supports claims
- Clear signage for surveillance
- Compliance with data protection laws		CCTV may influence risk assessment and premiums
Zurich- Part of broader security strategy
- Regular maintenance & operational checks
- GDPR & UK privacy compliance		Ensure system is robust to satisfy policy conditions
Simply Business- Enhances security & supports claims
- Clear signage indicating surveillance
- Compliance with GDPR & privacy regulations		Works with multiple insurers; confirm individual policy requirements

Does it really matter what CCTV system you use?

Not all retail CCTV systems are created equal – especially when it comes to meeting the expectations of insurers. While any camera can record incidents, the effectiveness of that footage for insurance purposes depends on accessibility, reliability, and compliance. How your footage is stored makes a big difference here:

  • On-prem CCTV storage: your footage is stored on local NVRs or DVRs, with maintenance likely depending on your internal IT team
  • Cloud CCTV storage: your footage is stored in the Cloud, with automatic updates, built-in analysis features, and instant accessibility.
    • Cloud CCTV like SEiNG is also referred to as Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) as you pay for the software, upgrades, and support as a comprehensive subscription – often with a lower total cost of ownership compared to on-prem systems.
Traditional on-premise CCTV

Limitations of on-prem CCTV

Despite the rise of cloud-based solutions, most retail businesses are still relying on traditional on-premise security systems. Many don’t realise that being tied to DVRs or NVRs for CCTV recording is often the root cause of common challenges, including:

  • Difficulty accessing surveillance footage: Retrieving recordings from on-site DVRs or security cameras can be slow and cumbersome, especially when insurers need evidence quickly.
  • Limited investigative tools: Many traditional systems lack search, tagging, or analytics features, making it harder to pinpoint incidents or support investigations efficiently.
  • Vulnerable storage: Footage is often stored locally on cameras or DVRs, making it susceptible to theft, damage, or accidental loss.
  • Retention limitations: On-site storage may only hold a few days or weeks of footage, falling short of the 30–90 days typically required by insurers.
  • Manual maintenance requirements: Traditional systems often need regular manual checks and updates, and failure to maintain them can affect insurance compliance.

How Cloud CCTV Supports Insurance Claims

Cloud CCTV addresses the specific requirements that insurers expect from retail systems, making claims faster, easier, and more reliable:

  • Quick and easy access to footage: Footage is stored off-site and can be accessed anywhere, from any device. This satisfies insurers’ need for timely evidence, whether a customer trips over a display or an expensive item is stolen.
  • Tamper-proof and secure storage: Cloud systems encrypt and back up your CCTV footage, ensuring that evidence cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with. This meets insurer expectations for reliable, trustworthy recordings and gives assurance of cybersecurity.
  • AI-backed search and filtering: Advanced AI features allow retailers to quickly locate relevant footage without hours of manual review, helping investigations run efficiently and reducing delays in claims.
  • Sufficient retention periods: Most cloud solutions offer scalable storage, allowing footage to be retained for 30–90 days (or longer if required), aligning with insurers’ retention requirements.
  • High-quality, actionable footage: Modern cloud CCTV provides HD or 4K video, ensuring clarity at key points such as tills, entrances, and stock areas.
  • Compliance with regulations: Cloud providers often include built-in tools and features to support GDPR and UK privacy law compliance, reducing the risk of legal issues that could affect insurance claims.
  • Built-in investigation tools: Cloud platforms often include case management features, letting users assign footage to cases, tag key events, and track investigations from start to finish—adding structure and accountability that insurers value.
  • Reduced risk of technical issues: VSaaS systems update automatically, ensuring they’re always up to date with the latest security.
  • Scalable, multi-site management: Have one central CCTV system for all your stores that enables you to add or remove cameras with ease.

Meeting these requirements helps insurers trust your  footage, speeding up claims, reducing disputes, and in some cases, even lowering premiums. For UK retailers, this can translate into both financial and operational advantages, turning security investment directly into business value.

Remote Access

Choosing the Right CCTV System for Your Retail Business

Selecting the right CCTV system is more than picking cameras off a shelf. Consider:

  • How many cameras do you need to cover all critical areas?
  • Should your system integrate with your POS system for theft prevention?
  • What's the ongoing cost of cloud subscriptions versus on-premise hardware?
  • Do you need AI features, such as motion detection, alerts, or heatmaps?
  • Does your insurer have specific recommendations or requirements?

A system that ticks all these boxes not only protects your store but also ensures you're fully covered in the eyes of your insurer.

Protecting retailers and lowering insurance costs

A properly installed and maintained system not only helps deter theft and monitor day-to-day operations but also plays a key role in satisfying insurance requirements and supporting claims when incidents occur.

Cloud CCTV takes this a step further, offering reliable storage, remote access, and tamper-proof footage that insurers trust. By adopting a system that meets both security and compliance standards, retail businesses can protect their assets, reduce potential losses, and even benefit from lower insurance premiums.

 

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. We are not insurers, and you should consult your own legal or insurance advisors to ensure compliance with UK laws and your policy requirements.

CCTV and Insurance FAQ for Retailers

Most do, especially in high-risk areas. Continuous coverage demonstrates that your business is taking security seriously.

The CCTV Code of Practice, officially called the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, is guidance from the UK government on how to use CCTV responsibly. It works alongside GDPR and the Data Protection Act to make sure cameras are used legally and fairly. The Code covers things like:

  • Where cameras should be placed
  • Making sure surveillance is necessary and proportionate
  • How long footage can be kept and how it should be stored securely
  • Clear signage so people know they are being recorded
  • Who is responsible for managing the system

Following the Code helps organisations respect people’s privacy, stay on the right side of the law, and build trust with staff and visitors.

Insurers typically require 30–90 days of retention. High-value areas may need longer.

Yes. Cloud storage provides secure, tamper-proof footage across your stores, reducing risk. Some insurers recognise this with potential discounts.

Yes, UK law and GDPR require clear notification that recording is taking place.

Yes, but it must comply with data protection laws. Handle footage responsibly to avoid legal issues.

Cloud CCTV mitigates this risk because recordings are stored securely off-site, maintaining compliance and ensuring evidence is always available.

Key features to look for in a Cloud CCTV system for retail stores:

  • Remote Access: Ensure the system allows viewing and managing footage from anywhere.

  • AI Analytics: Look for features like people counting, motion detection, and facial recognition to enhance security and operational insights.

  • Scalability: Choose a system that can grow with your business, accommodating additional cameras and locations as needed.

  • Secure Storage: Opt for solutions that offer encrypted cloud storage to protect your footage from theft or damage.

  • Compliance with UK data protection: favour UK storage for GDPR compliance.

Systems to consider:

SEiNG: A fully managed VSaaS with GDPR compliant UK-based cloud storage and proactive system health monitoring. The platform's flexibility in integrating with existing hardware and its scalable nature make it suitable for retail stores of various sizes. Additionally, the AI-powered analytics can provide valuable insights into customer behaviour and operational efficiency. Watch 5-minute video demo.

Eagle Eye Networks: flexible cloud CCTV for retail, supporting existing IP and analogue cameras. It provides AI analytics like motion detection and people counting, secure encrypted storage, remote access, and easy scalability for growing stores.

Verkada: a plug-and-play cloud CCTV system with AI-driven analytics, remote access, and scalable deployment. Note that it uses a proprietary system and has faced controversy over vendor lock-in and a data breach.

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