Confused about window locks

crayola

Hi everybody

I want to get contents insurance in my new home but am unsure if all the windows have the correct standard of lock installed. Can anyone advise? We have Victorian sash windows, all with locks, but some are different from others and I don't know which, if any, will be adequate.

In some windows in addition to the twisty 'screw' lock in the centre we just have a hole with a stick coming out that prevents the window from being opened more than an couple of inches. In others, there is a sort of barrel-shaped screw that serves the same purpose. In others it is just the screw in the middle as the 'stick' bit is missing.

Can anyone help? Also, do all insurers want roughly the same type of locks?

Meadows

Have a chat to an insurance company, they list a type on the insurance which did not seem to match my doors and when I explained what we had they called them Multi-point locks and although this was not listed it was a correct type of lock for the insurance

crayola

Thank you - I had seen that on the documentation too. I'm not sure I know what multi-point locks are, but does it just mean a door that has one lock plus one or more of those twisty locks at the top and/or bottom? We have that already so I'm hoping so!

Meadows

crayola wrote: »

Thank you - I had seen that on the documentation too. I'm not sure I know what multi-point locks are, but does it just mean a door that has one lock plus one or more of those twisty locks at the top and/or bottom? We have that already so I'm hoping so!

Multi point locks on double glazed doors - where a set of metal catches drop into slots when the door is locked. If you look at the door and frame when opened you will see several metal hooks or catches that fit into slots on the frame.
Usually there is just the main lock (some have two) and the catches, similar thing on windows plus you have some sort of lock on the window catch.

DCFC79

Meadows wrote: »

Multi point locks on double glazed doors - where a set of metal catches drop into slots when the door is locked. If you look at the door and frame when opened you will see several metal hooks or catches that fit into slots on the frame.
Usually there is just the main lock (some have two) and the catches, similar thing on windows plus you have some sort of lock on the window catch.

if you do have a look as to whether your door has these bits that lock into place make sure they all move so move the handle up and down with the door open to see if they move,

*Scarlett

Hi

Many insurers ask about the type of locks and may issue a discount for approved locks - possibly £1 or2!

If you don't live in a high risk postcode area and they are not requesting mandatory minimum lock / security, just say that you don't have the locks.

This avoids being tied to any endorsement regarding this - see this thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2843134

Insurers normally want key operated locks on windows for any security discount but I would get a few quotes online stating no security on windows. If you are in a low risk area it will make little diffference to the price. If however you are in a higher risk area it could make a difference as some insurers will only quote with minimum security.

Hope this helps.