Insurance Approved Locks

mattsidnell

I have just received my renewal notice from my insurance company and it states that I must have 5 lever British standard locks fitted. Does anyone know what this means and how much I can expect to pay?

vax2002

Fitted by who ?
Beware Insurance is the oldest scam in the world

ooukdanoo

i found a site the other week for pretty much the same sort of thing.... I'd give you the link but as a new user i'm not allowed! locksfordoosandwindows i think.... hope that helps.

kingstreet

vax2002 wrote: »

Fitted by who ?
Beware Insurance is the oldest scam in the world

Why's that?

For years I've known insurers insist on 5 lever mortice locks or equivalent on final exit doors and key-operated locks on downstairs windows.

Is there some scam involved, as I thought it was standard in high(ish) crime areas?

I'd advise the OP to get alternative quotes making clear he doesn't have such security to see what the difference might be and whether it would be worth the security improvements the current insurer is demanding.

ooukdanoo

Don't think it's a scam. Some insurance companies bury this information deep within the small print and you only find out about about it when they refuse to pay out for burglary due to your locks not being suitable! At least they've mentioned it!

Dangermac

vax2002 wrote: »

Fitted by who ?
Beware Insurance is the oldest scam in the world

It is not uncommon for insureers to require a 5 lever mortice deadlock which comply with BS3621. Depends on the insurer / location of house / value of contents.

Could you elaborate on your scam comment? I dont understand. Suspect that you dont either.

DM

olly300

vax2002 wrote: »

Fitted by who ?
Beware Insurance is the oldest scam in the world

All the contents insurance policies I've looked at in the last 5 years require this. They do not state who the lock has to be fitted by and all of them have put this in their large print.

Some of them also insist on key operated window locks on all windows even if you are in a third floor flat and there are no drain pipes near windows for someone to go up or down.

Others also insist at night all unoccupied rooms must have their windows closed and locked. Again this is in their large print.

tco03

A friend of mine, a locksmith told me that i needed BS kitemarked locks on all upvc style doors. (euro cylinders)
external levered locks need to be 5 lever BS rated.
Nightlatch has to be one that can be deadlocked so when crook breaks window to open it from inside it wont work.

Its expensive but worth investing in when you think all your possessions are in the house.

martyn05

Yes you do need a 5 lever mortice that meets BS3621:2007. For UPVC doors they want a lock that complies with EN1303:2005.

kingstreet

I'd add a point about some of the later posts. The security requirements can be mandatory in some areas and by some insurers. It is not a condition in every case everywhere in the UK.

Antispam

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