Window locks do insurance companies demand these are locked when you are out?

Rotor

Because we have 54 window locks and also children in the house. It's easy to scan for an open window but checking all locks are engaged is just unrealistic.
If I just put that we don't have window locks will that prevent them invalidating any claim?

Thanks

Quentin

Unless it is a condition of the policy, window locks or no window locks usually make no difference.

If you do dummy quotes with and without window locks you can see what difference (if any) ticking to say you have them makes to the premium.

Rotor

If I recall on my last policy it didn't state explicitly they had to be used but is it implied? I'd assume if you claim a bs 5 lever deadlock on the front door (and indeed have one) but only used a latch they might refuse your claim

Quentin

It's really what the policy or endorsements say rather than imply that counts,

rs65

The question is usually about ground floor or accessible windows. Are there 54 of them?

HHarry

As others have said it will depend on the insurer. I have previously been insured with esure for many years, but last year they changed the door / window requirements to ones we didn't meet. So we changed to Axa.

Interestingly we were broken into last month. I admitted that all the windows were shut, but not locked, and was told it wouldn't affect the claim.

*Scarlett

HHarry. Your claim might be ok but be prepared for next year - you will almost certainly have to upgrade security for approved door and window locks.

HHarry

Scarlett,

Thanks for the heads up. I've actually just had the renewal through and can see no requirements to upgrade security. With respect to the OP's original question though, we have window locks so there is nothing we can upgrade there, it was just to point out that the use of such locks isn't always mandatory.

Interestingly, despite a £9k payout, the premium has only risen by £70.

Rotor

rs65 wrote: »

The question is usually about ground floor or accessible windows. Are there 54 of them?

No , 24 of them are upstairs 30 on the ground floor.
But the kids are always opening and shutting them either to let the cat in or throw water at their sister or a 101 other reasons, and even if I did want to lock them the keys will all have disappeared to open another window or throw at sister/cat/play head or tails with or poke something out of somewhere!

Bugbear of mine , window locks. Or is it the kids? Will have to think about that one:)

katejo

My insurer requires accessible windows to be locked (except bedroom windows when i am asleep) and doesn't cover for theft unless force has been used to enter.
I had an attempted burglary at the beginning of this year. Fortunately the window was locked securely so the only damage was a distorted frame and partially broken double glazing. The burglar didn't get in so I didn't lose anything.

katejo

Quentin wrote: »

Unless it is a condition of the policy, window locks or no window locks usually make no difference.

If you do dummy quotes with and without window locks you can see what difference (if any) ticking to say you have them makes to the premium.

My policy specifies window locks and five point door locks as a requirement. I thought that they all did now.