Home Insurance and Locks: What Your Policy Really Requires

Your insurance policy includes lock requirements. You probably haven’t read them. This could prove expensive when you need to make a claim.

Understanding what your insurer expects—and ensuring you comply—is practical security that protects both your property and your coverage.

Why Insurers Care About Your Locks

Insurance is a contract based on risk. Your premium reflects the likelihood and potential cost of claims. Locks directly affect burglary risk.

Insurers require minimum security standards because:

• Better locks reduce break-in probability
• Properties with poor security have higher claim rates
• Lock requirements are reasonable and achievable
• They provide a clear compliance standard

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When you accept a policy with lock requirements, you’re making a commitment. The insurer is agreeing to cover you based on that commitment being kept.

Common Lock Requirements Explained

BS3621 for Mortice Locks

What it is: British Standard 3621 specifies performance requirements for mortice deadlocks and sashlocks.

Requirements include:

• Minimum 1,000 differs (key variations)
• Bolt throw of at least 14mm
• Resistance to attack for defined duration
• Anti-drill and anti-pick features
• Five-lever mechanism (five-lever mortice)

Where required: External wooden doors, typically front and back.

How to identify: Look for the BS3621 kitemark stamped on the lock faceplate.

TS007 for Euro Cylinders

What it is: The test standard for enhanced security door cylinders, particularly relevant for uPVC and composite doors.

Star ratings:

Where required: External uPVC and composite doors.

How to identify: Cylinders should display TS007 certification. Check with your locksmith or manufacturer if uncertain. See our high-security cylinders guide for detailed specifications.

Other Standards You May Encounter

• SS312 Diamond: Sold Secure Diamond—indicates highest third-party tested resistance
• Secured by Design: Police initiative for security products
• PAS 24: Whole-door standard covering door, frame, and hardware together

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Claim Consequences

Insurers may:

1. Reject the claim entirely for material breach of policy terms
2. Reduce the payout to reflect your contribution to the loss
3. Void the policy if non-compliance was deliberate concealment
4. Apply higher excess where policy allows

How Insurers Check

After a break-in, loss adjusters may:

• Photograph damaged locks
• Identify lock type and manufacturer
• Determine if they met required standards
• Assess whether upgraded locks would have prevented entry

Finding Your Policy Requirements

Where to Look

1. Policy schedule: Summary of key terms and your specific cover
2. Policy wording: Detailed terms and conditions (often 30+ pages)
3. Security requirements section: Often under “General conditions” or “Property security”
4. Call your insurer: If documentation is unclear, ask specifically

Questions to Ask

• What lock standards are required on each external door?
• Are there window security requirements?
• Do garage or outbuilding doors have separate requirements?
• How do I prove compliance if I need to claim?

Checking Your Locks

External Doors (Wooden)

Look at the mortice lock faceplate (visible on the edge of the door when open):

• Is BS3621 visible?
• Is there a British Standards kitemark?
• Is it a 5-lever lock?

If you can’t find markings, the lock may be non-compliant or too old to meet current standards.

External Doors (uPVC/Composite)

The cylinder is the replaceable part you insert your key into:

• Is it a standard or anti-snap cylinder?
• Can you find TS007 marking or certification?
• Is it installed correctly (minimal protrusion)?

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If you bought your home more than 10 years ago and haven’t upgraded locks, there’s a good chance they don’t meet current requirements.

Windows

Some policies require:

• Lockable windows on ground floor
• Key-operated window locks
• Locks on all accessible windows (including first floor if roof access exists)

Many older windows have only basic catches, not locks.

Bringing Locks Into Compliance

Cost Considerations

Compare this to:

• Average burglary loss: £3,000+
• Policy excess if claim is reduced: Could be hundreds or thousands
• Complete claim rejection: The entire loss falls on you

Prioritisation

1. Front door: Most policies specify this explicitly
2. Back door: Often a higher-risk entry point
3. Other external doors: Side doors, garage access doors
4. Windows: Ground floor minimum, all accessible if required

Beyond Minimum Compliance

Meeting policy requirements is the baseline. Better security involves:

• Anti-snap cylinders even if not specifically required
• Security lighting reducing approach risk
• Alarm systems (may reduce premiums)
• Regular security assessments

Some insurers offer discounts for exceeding minimum requirements. Ask about:

• Alarm system discounts
• Secured by Design property discounts
• Membership of neighbourhood watch

For complete guidance on securing your main entrance, see our front door security guide.

Special Situations

Rented Properties

Tenants: Landlord responsible for lock condition, but you may be liable for contents insurance compliance. Verify locks meet your contents policy requirements.

Landlords: Building insurance has its own requirements. Meeting minimum standards protects your investment and insurability.

New Builds

Modern homes often have compliant locks when built—but verify rather than assume. Builder specifications don’t always align with insurance requirements.

Listed Buildings

Historic properties may have restrictions on lock modifications. Discuss with your insurer if original features conflict with security requirements.

Take Action

Your insurance policy protects your financial recovery after a loss—but only if you’ve held up your end of the agreement.

1. Read your policy security requirements section
2. Check each external door against the specified standards
3. Verify window requirements if applicable
4. Upgrade non-compliant locks before an incident forces the issue
5. Document your compliance for future reference

The cost of upgrading is modest. The cost of having a claim reduced or rejected is substantial.