Should we change the locks

Ciderarmy1987

nelsons_column wrote: »

I have and will change locks on new properties. But re this point



Voided? Why so? Is it (typically) a condition of contents insurance that you must have changed the locks when you moved into the property?

If so, then never knew that.

But there would be no sign of forced entry which could void the insurance

koneko

If the thief enters with a key the insurance will not pay out. We had a bad experience in our rental property with our agents letting themselves in with their keys without telling us. Our landlord let us change the locks and declined our offer to give him a copy of the key so now only we have keys - makes me feel a lot more secure I must say.

I would change the locks now in any property, its cheap and easy and could save you so much, just in feeling safe as much as anything.

Daisy70

nelsons_column wrote: »

I have and will change locks on new properties. But re this point



Voided? Why so? Is it (typically) a condition of contents insurance that you must have changed the locks when you moved into the property?

If so, then never knew that.

How could you prove that items had been stolen without evidence of a break in. The insurance company would want to see this. I don't think it is a condition that you change the locks, no so I am only assuming that your insurance would be invalid. It's not a fact, sorry if it sounded that way!

morleyclive

Replacing Cylinders locks is very easy, take the old out, measure and replace like for like. Mortice and Nightlatches are not so easy, unless you can replace like for like. One option for mortice locks would be to replace the levers inside, this can be done by a good locksmiths, often much cheaper than replacing the complete lock.

Mayflower10cat

Ww've always changed the locks. This was prompted by our very first purchase, when the ex-lodger of the previous owner let himself in, in the wee small hours of the morning, two days after we'd moved in....

nelsons_column

Hmm, I once had to call a locksmith out, cos my wife had freakily locked herself out on the balcony of our flat, and the keys were inside the flat.

He got into the flat within seconds. Didn't see quite what he did, but it was scarily simple.

So we have the scenario of a burglar with this knowledge doing a similar form of entry to a property. He runs off with a few valuables. No sign of forced entry there. Is my insurance policy not valid there because there is no smashed window or a door hanging off its hinges? Seems a tad ridiculous to me.

martyn05

Definitely change all the locks, that way you know that you have complete control over any keys to your property. £150 - £200 for a locksmith to do it all. You get the latest British Standard locks which more than meet requirements of insurance companies.

Ciderarmy1987

Just for reference, we changed the front and back door locks the day after we moved in, it took me around 30secs to take out the look then took them to a local shop(while my wife stayed in the house) and made sure I got the right size.
Only difficultly I had was find a store that sold locks that didnt need a key to lock/unlock from inside so ended but found one in the end.

Very easy job that cost just under £50, which isnt much for peace of mind

I_have_spoken

What have other people done?

Changed all the Euro-cylinders at once, easy to do and far cheaper to buy online than B&Q etc.

Didn't see quite what he did, but it was scarily simple

Probably a 'bump' key.

MarkBargain

Daisy70 wrote: »

How could you prove that items had been stolen without evidence of a break in.

It's a good question, but are we therefore saying that insurance doesn't pay out when theives simply pick locks or find another way in that doesn't leave a trace? That must be a large percentage of break ins, as I doubt they always smash their way in and throw stuff everywhere!

As for locks, installing Five-lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS (British Standard) 3621 can save money on house insurance so these may pay for themselves quickly.