You need to know what type of locks are on your doors, as this not only increases the security of your home but also aligns with home insurance requirements. This guide will help you determine which locks are relevant to your home insurance, explain what they mean for your policy, and walk you through what to look out for to comply.
Key Points
Knowing the door lock types, especially British Standard locks, can mean lower home insurance premiums and more security.
Homeowners should look for the British Standard Kitemark for BS3621 or PAS3621 compliance to ensure their locks meet insurance standards and are robust.
Upgrading to approved locks not only increases security but may also get you insurance discounts, so they’re a cost effective investment.
Don't forget to check your front door, patio doors and side doors. Internal doors are mostly not considered.
Why Your Door Lock Matters for Home Insurance
For safety and home insurance purposes, you need to know what type of door locks are on your external doors. When applying for home insurance, companies will ask what type of door locks you have. Having the right locks that meet certain standards can get you lower home insurance premiums, as these show a stronger security stance.
Insurance premiums can vary depending on the type of door locks. For example, insurers often require British Standard-compliant locks like BS3621 as they are more resistant to break-in tactics. Smart locks may offer convenience and modern features but are sometimes seen by insurers as less secure and could increase premium rates.
Knowing exactly what type of door locks are on your property is key to keeping you safe and reducing home insurance costs. Fitting the right locks increases security and aligns with your insurer’s policy terms – this will save you money in the long run.
British Standard Locks
Locks that meet the British Standard, especially those that are BS3621 or PAS3621 certified are key to fulfilling your insurance policy and increasing the security of your home. These high security locks have been designed to resist multiple break in methods, so you can feel safe and possibly get lower insurance premiums.
As part of your home security strategy, having British Standard locks fitted is often required on all ground floor doors by insurers due to their tough standards. Installing these locks can give homeowners peace of mind and potentially lower their insurance costs.
Look for the Kitemark
The Kitemark on your lock’s faceplate means it has been tested and certified to meet British Standards. This mark confirms that your lock's security features are approved.
The Kitemark means your locks meet the security requirements of home insurance providers.
BS3621 - Single Point Mortice Locks
The BS3621 standard covers mortice locks, rim cylinders and night latches. When BS3621 compliant, these locks are known for their security features, including a minimum of 5 levers, a hardened face plate resistant to drilling and at least a 20mm bolt throw. These locks are required for most insurance policies as they show high security.
Look for a BS3621-compliant lock by checking the faceplate for the Kitemark or the code BS3621. This mark means the lock has been tested against various burglary methods and meets the British Standards for quality and security.
Locks that meet these standards increase security and reassure insurers of your home’s level of protection.
PAS3621 - Multi Point Locking Systems
The PAS3621 standard is another important specification for a multipoint locking system. These are more likely to be found on uPVC doors, composite doors, and sometimes wooden doors. PAS3621 was developed to be equivalent to BS3621 and provides the same layer of security for homeowners.
The PAS3621 specification is designed to be particularly resistant to forced entry methods. These locks often have reinforced components and advanced locking mechanisms, requiring at least 3 hooks or bolts as locking points at a minimum. This makes them a preferred choice for external doors.
To ensure your door meets the PAS3621 standard, check if your multipoint locking system has at least 3 hooks or bolts or consult the manufacturer's documentation.
Most Common Types of Door Locks
Many types of door locks are used in residential properties, each with different levels of security and features. Mortice locks, cylinder locks, night latches and multi-point locking systems are common options.
The range of lock types caters to different needs, from securing external doors to adding extra security to specific entry points. Click here for a more in-depth article on door locks
Cylinder Locks
Euro cylinder locks, the most common type of door lock, are used mainly in uPVC doors and composite doors. The mechanism involves rotating the cam inside by turning the key in the external keyhole to engage or disengage the bolt. Popular euro cylinder locks can be vulnerable to an attack method called “lock snapping,” which burglars use. You may also find these on a wooden door.
To increase security, it’s recommended that Euro cylinder locks meet strict standards such as SS312 Diamond Approved or TS007 kitemark. Meeting these standards means more protection against forced entry and, therefore, better home security.
Multi Point Locking Systems
A key operated multi point locking system provides a higher level of security by locking the door to the frame at multiple points, usually top, middle and bottom. The more locking points the more secure. By turning one key this system secures the door in place. Common on uPVC and composite doors due to their robustness and extra locking points. These systems are popular with those who want multi-point locks and are available on wooden doors.
To get the most out of your multiple locking points system, you need to check if the cylinder meets high standards such as SS312 Diamond Approved or TS007 kitemark. Because of their robustness against forced entry, a high-standard cylinder combined with a multi-point locking system is popular with homeowners who want thorough protection against unauthorised access.
Mortice Lock
Usually fitted into the door, mortice locks or five lever mortice locks, are known for their durability and classic look. They are key operated and have a boxy shape. For extra security on external doors it’s recommended to go for the five lever mortice lock deadlocks. These are robust against common break in methods.
To see if you have a mortice lock, check the faceplate for levers – 5 means it’s more secure. Because they are robust and reliable these 5 lever mortices are popular with people who want to increase the security of their homes.
You may find these on timber doors and they ideally should be rated as BS3621.
Nightlatches
Nightlatches are a popular type of lock typically used on residential front doors. They provide a convenient and effective means of securing your home. They are often used in combination with other locking mechanisms, such as mortice deadbolts, to enhance security.
A night latch automatically engages the latch when it is closed. It can be opened from the outside with a key, and from the inside with a lever. Standard nightlatches are suitable for low to medium security needs.
British Standard night latches are a robust and secure option for homeowners looking to enhance the security of their front doors. These locks are designed to meet the stringent requirements of the BS3621 standard, ensuring they provide a high level of resistance against common burglary techniques, such as drilling and picking. They also include an internal locking handle that can be used to secure the door from the inside, adding an extra layer of protection.
While nightlatches offer convenience, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of securing an external door. It is advisable to use them in conjunction with other high-security locks, such as a 5-lever BS3621 mortice deadlock to ensure comprehensive protection.
Identify Lock Types
It’s important to know the types of locks in your home to maintain security and comply with insurance requirements. A visual inspection can reveal the key features of your locks and identify what type and level of security they provide.
Now you can decide if you need to upgrade or replace your locks.
Visual Inspection Tips
When doing a visual inspection, look for the lock type. A 5 lever mortice deadlock, known for its security and meeting BS3621 standards, can be identified by the five levers in the locking mechanism—a sign of extra security.
Manufacturer Labels and Markings
Labels and markings from the manufacturer can be helpful in identifying the type of door lock you have and if it meets the security standards. A BS kitemark means the lock meets British Standards.
Cylinder locks are tested to the TS007 standard, which grades them on their ability to resist forced entry – important when retrofitting locks – and are awarded 0, 1 or 3 Stars. A 1-star cylinder can be used with a 2-star handle to achieve the overall desired level of security.
Reassurance about lock security can come from independent certifications like Sold Secure Diamond Standard (SS312), developed by the Master Locksmiths Association, and the Secure By Design (SBD), developed by the Police. These certifications backs up what the manufacturer says about their product being resistant to drilling, picking and snapping.
Consult a Professional Locksmith
If you’re not sure about the security of your door locks contact a professional locksmith. They have the expertise to identify different lock types by looking at the design and internal mechanism of the lock. To get reliable advice seek a professional locksmith.
Home Security with Approved Locks
Home security and meeting insurance requirements is key. This can be achieved by using approved locks. A 5 lever mortice deadlock that meets the BS3621 British Standard will increase security and meet insurance requirements. Secure doors will also reduce the risk of break ins which can lead to lower home insurance premiums.
Getting professional advice will help you choose the most secure locks within your budget. Regular checks will allow you to spot any wear and tear early and fix it before it’s too late and keep your home secure with a 5 lever mortice or similar approved lock system.
Key Operated Security Bolts
To increase security on external doors like French and double doors, key operated security bolts are often fitted. These bolts can be operated from the inside with a rack bolt key and are hidden in the door frame to keep the appearance of the door and add extra security.
Smart Locks and Electronic Systems
Smart locks are a modern solution to home security, keyless entry, and remote access through smartphones and integrated systems. These locks increase user convenience by allowing homeowners to control their locks from anywhere and add an extra layer of flexibility to their home security.
But be aware that insurers see smart locks as a higher risk than traditional locks which can result to higher insurance costs. Homeowners may find that although smart locks have advanced features and convenience they may not necessarily mean lower insurance premiums.
Cost of Upgrading Locks
Upgrading your locks will have immediate costs and potential long term savings in the form of lower home insurance premiums. The cost of a new lock typically starts from £75 and can go up to £130 or more including parts and labour.
Having approved locks on your property will reduce home insurance costs by making your home less of a risk. This strategic upgrade not only increases residential security but also meets insurer requirements, so it’s a worthwhile investment for your home.
Budgeting for Lock Upgrades
When budgeting for lock upgrades, consider not just the cost of the new locks but also the cost of installation. This reduction will help offset some of the initial costs over time. Allocate part of your budget for these upgrades so you’re prepared to manage both the upfront and ongoing costs of securing your home.
Houses with high security, insurer approved locks are eligible for discounts on insurance. Savings will vary depending on the type of lock installed and the insurer’s terms. Upgrading to these secure locking mechanisms will not only increase safety but may also mean lower costs through lower insurance premiums.
Conclusion
Knowing what type of locks are installed in your home is important not only for security reasons but also for home insurance purposes. Locks that meet British Standards, especially those that meet BS3621, are safer and are required by insurance providers. You can check if your locks meet these standards by visual inspection for the markings or consulting professional locksmiths—this will comply with insurers' requirements and secure your home.
Installing approved high quality locks will give you cheaper home insurance because it reduces the risk for the insurers. Maintenance like lubricating moving parts and regular checks will ensure the longevity and reliability of your locking mechanisms over time. By doing so property owners not only secure their homes but may also get discounts on insuring their homes.
Published: 16th August, 2024 | Updated: 16th August, 2024