Is my home insurance void if my locks are faulty?
What are insurance requirements for locks? By not securing all access points around the house, you could void your insurance policy. You would also be putting yourself and your family in danger.
The insurance company may not settle your claim. This would happen if someone breaks into your home and damages or steals things. Insurance companies say: if your locks are not working, you have not secured your property.
When a door lock is faulty it can mean that the door may not open, close or lock . This is often a result of age, and general wear and tear but can also be due to vandalism or an attempted break in.
As well as being inconvenient, a faulty lock can pose a serious security threat. Two in three burglars will enter through a door. So, even if you feel the rest of your house is secure, fix your faulty lock now.
Are you concerned you may have a faulty door lock? Here are some questions we are often asked about dealing with a broken lock. They cover making sure you meet your insurance requirements.
What are my insurance company’s requirements?
Each company has its own standards. They will have different requirements for each policy. If your locks don’t meet your insurance company’s standards they won’t cover the worst happening.
Most building and contents insurance policies have a stipulation. It says your home must be secure and your locks must meet British Standard 3621:2004. You can spot the standard by looking for the British Standard Kitemark on the lock. In some case this will not obvious and you will need the help of an experienced Doncaster locksmith.
Read your insurance policy and terms. They will tell you your insurer’s exact lock requirements. Or, call and ask them.
What is a British Standard 3621:2004 lock?
A British Standard 3621:2004 lock requires that a door is secure from both sides. Once you lock the door, you need a key to open it from both the outside and inside of the property.
A BS 3621 lock will be in the form of a mortise deadlock, or a night latch type lock with a deadlocking rim. Mortise locks need a key to activate the deadlock. So, a burglar can’t smash a window and reach inside to unlock the door. Also, if a burglar enters through a window, the bar stops them from making a quick exit or stealing large items. They can’t open the door from the inside without a key.
One very strange anomaly to all this is the locks fitted to uPVC and composite doors. The standard required by insurance companies is very poor. My advice would be to check you have three star rated anti snap locks fitted. I’m sure this will change in the future for these . For some strange reason they just ask for a key operated multipoint lock and people mix this up with a five lever lock.
Are lock standards for commercial premises different?
Business insurers also have least requirements for commercial locks and building security. The requirements differ based on the building type. They also differ based on whether the public uses the building. Read your policy documents and terms . Make sure you meet your insurer’s least requirements. If not, they may not have to settle any claims.