Door Locks Question

dazjw

Hi,

I am trying to work out, for home insurance, which locks I have on my doors. On the front door from the inside you have to twist a knob to lock/unlock the door. The knob can be twisted round once or twice - I presume extra bolts go into/come out of the frame of the door depending on how many time it is twisted. From the outside it is the same kind of thing but done with a key.

On the patio doors it is locked from the outside and in using a key but you have to push the door handle up before it will lock.

Does anyone have any idea of what kind of locks these are?

Many thanks,

D

*Scarlett

Hi

There are descriptions of various locks on Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_lever_lock

However unless you are 100% sure that you have the exact locks required by the insurance company, just say that you don't have them.

Unless you live in a high risk postcode area, or you have had a recent theft claim, or you need a high level of contents or valuables cover, it will make little difference to your price with most companies.

Some companies will require minimum security - approved locks in the above circumstances.

If you say you have the locks on your property to get the security "discount" you will be tied to an endorsement that may exclude claims for theft or attempted theft if they have not been used or are not the approved locks.

The discount is usually only a few pounds anyway.

Try getting a few quotes with and without the approved locks and you'll be able to see the difference.

Also beware if you put the contents level over a certain amount or specify a lot of valuables, the endorsement may be applied automatically, even if you have said you don't have the locks.

Hope this helps.

mattymoo

The patio door is almost certainly a multipoint locking system. Nearly all insurers will accept these within their security condition. The front door will not meet a security condition because it is not controlled by a key from the inside. The device you describe is often called a thumb turn and they are usually fitted to emergency exits. Because a key is not needed from the inside, a thief can gain access via say a broken window and then egress through the door with a much larger haul than if they had to go out via the window again. No insurer will knowingly accept this situation. It is quite a simple job for a locksmith to replace the barrel mechanism. At present you have a lock barrel with thumb turn. You need a double lock barrel that has a key either end. They come in different profile shapes, Euro, oval etc but do not cost a great deal. See here - http://www.directlocks.co.uk/euro-cylinders-euro-double-cylinders-c-126_160_212.html?osCsid=49d662a9035d4ae888ab468b1b70b07b

dazjw

Hi,

Many thanks for the prompt replies. I just have a couple more questions:
I have had a quote from Endsleigh and in the policy document it states the following:

Your Statement of Insurance will show whether these apply to You

For theft or attempted theft losses from the Home, You must comply with the following, for cover under Sections 2-4 to apply:

1. Whenever the Home is left unattended, the following security devices are fitted and put into operation:-

the main entrance is fitted with:-
(i) a mortice deadlock with a minimum of five levers, approved to British Standard BS3621 or
(ii) a multi point locking system with a minimum of 3 bolts
(b) other external doors excluding sliding patio doors are fitted with a mortice deadlock
(c) sliding doors are fitted with any key operated patio door lock fitted internally and mounted:
(i) at both the top and bottom of the sliding section(s) or
(ii) on the centre rail(s)
(d) all opening windows and skylights on the ground floor (and/or basement) and those which are opening and accessible on other floors are fitted with

key operated security devices

2. Whenever the Home is left unattended, all keys are removed from the locks and not left in view.
3. When Your household has retired for the night all external doors and windows shall be secured as above, other than windows in occupied bedrooms which
may be left open for ventilation. Keys should be left in locks when the household has retired for the night in the interests of safety.
4. The Home should be protected by an alarm system in full working order, installed by a professional contractor, and carrying a current annual maintenance

contract. Whenever the Home is left unattended or when Your household has retired for the night, this alarm system must be fully operative.

How would I know if this applies to me?

Also, with the front door are you saying that I can't get insured because of that lock? I only get the option to put in Mortice deadlock with min 5 levers or multi point lock system with min 3 bolts (this is with Endsleigh again).

Sorry for the lenghty reply and thanks for the help again.

D

mattymoo

It should say in the quote schedule whether or not the security condition is applicable. It is a rubbish security condition anyway because most sliding patio doors are now secured with a multipoint locking system but that wording does not appear to allow for that.

*Scarlett

Check any endorsements on the schedule. If you have stated that you don't have approved locks / alarm it should not appear.

If this is the policy that you want, can you ring them to go through the quote with you to clarify? You might be able to secure an extra discount for taking the policy out with them straightaway if it suits your needs.

But make sure you're not being tied to security requirements that you don't have.

dazjw

Many thanks for all the advice. I ended up phoning them and the basically said to choose the non specific locks options. It barely made any difference to the price.

Thanks,

D