Home insurance - KEY OPERATED WINDOWS

Brightoni360

Hello,
All of the Home Insurance providers I have been talking to require 'Key operated window locks'. My windows are double glazed PVC multi bolt locking, but they are not operated with a key. Just a handle is used to either open or lock. When locked there is a bolt at the top and bottom securing the windows.

I know a lot of windows are not operated by key. Is there any suggestions as to what these households do?

Also there seems to be a error with MoneySuperMarket. I select that the windows do NOT have key operated locks, get a quote, get transferred to the provider, and then get told that a key operated lock is a condition. But I stated that I didn't have a key operated lock from the start.

Is there something I am missing here, all this key operated business seems a bit funny..

huckster

It may be to do with your postcode and/or sum insured, which makes a minimum level of security be applied. You must have some pretty old double glazing as most have key operated locks. My windows have locks on the handles.

Either you have to go to the hassle of having the handles replaced with key locks or you search for an Insurers who don't require key locks. If it is the latter, then you would be best to speak to a local Insurance brokers, so they can check which Insurers can offer cover without the key locks.

Looking online, it costs about £5 per locked handle, so it may not be that expensive to replace the handles. It might be an easy DIY job. Here is a video explaining how to fit the key locking handles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60bD5-MpRQE

rs65

OP, most insurers require key operated locks on all accessible windows. Are we talking about ground floor windows here?

forgotmyname

I told esure that i only had push button locks on the windows and the paperwork came back as having window locks. I forgot to contact them when i spotted it.

Filed the paperwork away some time later and remembered why i had left it out.
I just replaced the handles. They are only about £3 each off ebay.

InsideInsurance

Brightoni360 wrote: »

I know a lot of windows are not operated by key. Is there any suggestions as to what these households do?

1) Risk it
2) Buy locks, either replacing the handles with key operated ones or getting secondary locking mechanisms
3) Find an insurer without the requirement

Most insurers dont require it, though some do on a blanket basis. More commonly an endorsement to have to have them is often driven by postcode, sum insured, prior theft claims, non-family members living together and a few other criteria.

societys_child

It's a simple DIY to fit new locking handles or add locking sash jammers.

forgotmyname

2 screws per handle and the jobs done. Takes minutes. If i checked it sooner i could have complained and told them i said no to the window locks.

But because i left it and then forgot about it i thought cheaper to change them than mess around phoning them + the admin fee.

martyn05

Replace the handles, key operated ones are only £3.80 from Toolstation. Easy to do.

smifffy1989

I changed mine to chrome handles they look much better and cost about £4 a handle.