Alyssa Lane
When it comes to home insurance, door locks are an important consideration. While specific requirements may vary across insurance providers, ensuring that your doors have secure locks can impact your insurance costs and coverage. Most insurance providers approve of certain types of locks, such as the five-lever mortice lock, which offers a high standard of security. By installing recommended locks, you may be able to reduce your insurance premiums and increase your home's security. On the other hand, having inadequate locks or leaving your doors unlocked may result in your insurance claim being rejected in the event of a burglary. Therefore, it is essential to review your insurance policy's specific requirements and consult with your insurance provider to ensure your locks comply with their standards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Locks required by home insurance companies | Yes |
| Types of locks required | 5-lever mortice deadlocks, BS3621 locks, multi-point locks |
| Locks that may increase insurance costs | Smart locks, electronic locks |
| Locks that may decrease insurance costs | 5-lever mortice deadlocks, BS3621 locks, multi-point locks |
| Other factors influencing insurance costs | Location, history of break-ins, value of property |
| Payout requirements | Signs of forced entry, no unlocked doors or windows |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Locks required by insurance providers
Locks are required by insurance providers to ensure the security of your home. The type of lock you have can impact the likelihood of a burglary and, therefore, the amount you pay for insurance.
Most insurance providers require you to have specific approved locks for safety reasons. The locks that are approved by insurance providers differ among providers. However, the British Standard BS3621 lock is commonly approved by many insurance providers. This lock meets strict standards set out by the British Standards Institute and is tested against break-in methods like lockpicking and drilling. The BS3621 lock should have a Kitemark on the lock's faceplate and a serial number that starts with BS3621.
The 5-lever mortice deadlock (BS3621) is also commonly approved by insurance providers. This lock is installed within the mortice (door cavity) and contains five levers that move the deadlock when the key is turned. The more levers a mortice lock has, the more secure it is, as lock pickers need more points of contact to unlock it. The 5-lever mortice lock is usually built into the door itself, with the strike plate sitting in the door frame. When the key is turned, the bolt moves across and locks the door.
Multi-point locking systems are also considered secure by insurance providers. These locks have a minimum of three locking points that lock simultaneously when the key is turned. They are commonly found on uPVC and composite doors.
Some insurance providers may also approve smart locks, which can be operated remotely using a smartphone app or fob. However, as smart locks can be hacked, they are usually considered a higher insurance risk than standard door locks.
It is important to check the requirements of your specific home insurance policy and consult with your insurance provider to ensure that you have the appropriate locks installed.
Homeowners Insurance: Foundation Shifting Covered?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
British Standard locks
Home insurance providers require you to have specific approved locks for safety reasons. British Standard locks are tested against burglary techniques such as drilling and lock-picking and offer one of the highest standards of security.
If you don't have British Standard locks, you may have to pay a higher premium. Some providers may even refuse to cover you. To find out if your locks conform to BS 3621, check the faceplate of the lock, which is viewable when you open the door. There should be a British Standard Kitemark, and a standard number engraved on the lock plate.
The most common type of door lock is the key-operated multi-point locking system, which bolts the door into the frame and locks at multiple points at the turn of a key. This type of door lock offers a high level of security. A five-lever mortice lock is regarded as having a good standard of security, especially when the lock conforms to the correct British Standard (usually BS 3621). A mortice lock requires a key to open and lock it.
If you have sliding patio doors, you may need to install an anti-lift patio lock for increased security to stop the door from being lifted off its rails.
Escrow: What's Home Insurance Got to Do With It?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Multi-point locking systems
It is important to note that smart locks, which can be opened with a code or smartphone, are viewed as a risk by some home insurance companies due to the possibility of hacking. Therefore, it is recommended to consult your home insurance provider before installing such locks.
By installing a multi-point locking system that meets the recommended standards, you can not only improve the security of your home but also potentially benefit from lower insurance costs and a wider choice of home insurance providers.
The Farmers Insurance Signal App: Understanding Reset Scenarios
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Smart locks
However, smart locks are often more expensive than traditional locks and are dependent on your home's electricity and internet. If the internet or power goes out, some devices won't work. Additionally, smart locks can be hacked, which means that some home insurance companies view them as a risk. As a result, smart locks alone are generally not considered enough of an increase in security to warrant savings on insurance.
While smart locks may not lead to insurance discounts, there are other smart devices that can. Many safety features, like smoke alarms, fire deterrent suppression systems, and security cameras, can qualify for discounts, especially when paired with smart technology features like real-time monitoring. If you're considering a smart lock, it's important to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any discounts for smart home devices or security systems.
In terms of security, most burglars don't enter your home through the front door. They typically look for unlocked doors or windows that they can force open. Smart locks offer convenience but not more security, as they don't offer a substantial increase in security compared to traditional locks. Therefore, they won't make a meaningful impact on your homeowners insurance policy.
To summarise, while smart locks provide convenience and flexibility, they may not be necessary for your home insurance policy and could be viewed as a risk due to the possibility of hacking. It's recommended to consult with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements and any potential discounts for smart home devices or security systems.
Home Insurance: Lost Jewelry Covered?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Discounts for approved locks
When applying for home insurance, the provider will ask about the types of locks installed in your home. While smart locks and other smart home devices are seen as a convenience, they are not enough to warrant savings on their own. However, smart locks used alongside a mortice deadlock will not affect your home insurance.
Some insurance providers may require specific approved locks for safety reasons, such as British Standard locks, which are tested against burglary techniques like drilling and lockpicking. These locks offer one of the highest standards of security, and not having them may result in a higher premium or refusal of coverage.
To identify if your locks conform to BS 3621, check the faceplate of the lock when the door is open. You should see a British Standard Kitemark and a standard number engraved on the lock plate.
- Five-lever mortice lock: This type of lock is considered highly secure and is often preferred by insurance providers. It requires a key to open and lock and is typically installed within the mortice (door cavity). The more levers a lock has, the more secure it is against burglars as lock pickers need more points of contact to unlock it.
- Multi-point locking system: This system has a minimum of three locking points that engage simultaneously when the key is turned. It is commonly found on uPVC and composite doors and may feature SS312 Diamond-approved cylinders.
- Night latch: This lock is mounted on the surface of the door instead of being morticed into the edge. It automatically secures the door when closed and can be opened from the inside by turning the latch. From the outside, a key is required. Night latches are often used in conjunction with a five-lever mortice lock for added security.
- Anti-lift patio lock: If you have sliding patio doors, installing an anti-lift patio lock can provide increased security by preventing the door from being lifted off its rails.
- Door bolts: Door bolts are sliding bolts that provide additional security by locking the door at the top or bottom.
Home Insurance: Does It Cover Browntail Moth Spraying?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, insurance providers require you to have specific approved locks for safety reasons.
The most common type of door lock is the key-operated multi-point locking system. Five-lever mortice locks are also considered to be secure and are preferred by most insurance companies.
Yes, the more secure your property is, the lower your premiums are likely to be.
The more levers a mortice lock has, the more secure it is, as lock pickers need more points of contact to unlock it.
You should check your home insurance policy for the minimum security requirements. If you're still unsure, it's best to contact your insurance provider for advice.
