Many home insurance providers expect you to provide a minimum level of security for your home, and what they require changes depending on where you live.
Don’t risk invalidating a home insurance claim!
If the types of locks you have on your windows and doors don’t meet the standard your home cover policy requires you to have or they are poorly maintained, even worse still not even used then you risk your insurer rejecting any claims made.
The higher your security the lower your premiums will be!
High quality locks and security systems such as burglar alarms will offer lower premiums than for those that don’t.
Which locks are available?
When you apply for your home insurance you may be asked what types of locks you have on any external doors or patio windows such as sliding doors or french windows.
Here are the main types of locks available.
Five-lever mortice deadlock
A mortice deadlock is one that requires a pocket, known as the mortice to be cut into the door into which the lock will be fitted. This is the most secure type of lock in general use as it has at least five locking levers.
Your insurer may insist that your five lever lock conforms to the correct British Standard BS3621 and be fitted to all exit doors on the ground floor.
Multi-point locking system.
These are the next best type of locks to five lever systems. They have a minimum of three locking points and are common on most Upvc doors and windows.
If the multi-point is used on the main entrance, then for insurance purposes you will need a lock cylinder with at least five pins.
Automatic deadlocking nightlatch/deadlatch.
The nightlatch or deadlatch as it is also called contains a springbolt which can be locked or deadlocked by a key or other method.
Rather than being morticed into the door a nighlatch is mounted onto the door.
These are commonly fitted to many front doors but don’t offer a particularly high level of protection if they’re the only lock fitted to a door.
These are less secure than mortice locks but can be used as an additional security measure. The most secure type of nigh latches are double locking which have a keyhole on the handle inside the door so the latch can be deadlocked from inside.
To ensure a high level of security on your property look for a night latch that conforms to British Standards.
Key operated window locks.
Ideally you should have key operated window locks on all ground floor windows. These are either on the handle that closes the window or fitted to the top or bottom of a window.
French windows.
Always ensure that french windows are fitted not only with key operated locks but also key operated mortice rack bolts at the top and bottom of both doors.
Remember that all locks must be in use if you want your claim to be successful.