Another BS 3621 door lock query

lytton

Well gosh this is frustrating.I'll keep it brief. Our home is a new-build, around 1 year old now. Home insurance renewal is up. The front door has a mortis lock which also operates two smaller hook-shape bolts (one at the top of the frame and one at the bottom). It has the kitemark but it is the 'heart' symbol accompanied by one 'star' only and is not embellished with any specific text, which means I can't see 'BS3621' actually written anywhere. The only other text is 'Yale', but still no other specifics as to the model or standards. More specifically the inside of the door is thumbturn operated, with the key only being used from the outside. I assume this is for fire safety or similar, however can a lock conform to BS3621 with a thumbturn or will it only meet some other, lesser standard? Should I consider this a 5-lever mortis lock only when arranging home insurance, rather than one that meets a specific standard?

Thanks.

PPPro

lytton wrote: »

Well gosh this is frustrating.I'll keep it brief. Our home is a new-build, around 1 year old now. Home insurance renewal is up. The front door has a mortis lock which also operates two smaller hook-shape bolts (one at the top of the frame and one at the bottom). It has the kitemark but it is the 'heart' symbol accompanied by one 'star' only and is not embellished with any specific text, which means I can't see 'BS3621' actually written anywhere. The only other text is 'Yale', but still no other specifics as to the model or standards. More specifically the inside of the door is thumbturn operated, with the key only being used from the outside. I assume this is for fire safety or similar, however can a lock conform to BS3621 with a thumbturn or will it only meet some other, lesser standard? Should I consider this a 5-lever mortis lock only when arranging home insurance, rather than one that meets a specific standard?

Thanks.

My advice is not to declare anything unless you know it to be true.

So if you are not 100% certain that this lock conforms to BS3621, then don't declare it does.
You ask if you should consider this to be a 5 lever mortice lock. Are you 100% it is a 5 lever mortice lock? (e.g. 3 lever locks are also commonly available)

Fwiw, I would suggest that if you don't know the current lock conforms to BS3621, get it replaced with one that you know does.

It'll cost a few quid, but you'll possibly save that in insurance costs, if not this year, but over the years to come. It'll also give you a wider choice of insurers to choose from ... and of course will provide you peace of mind knowing you have security from a lock that does conform to BS3621.

Jlo31

I think you are describing a multi point lock system typically on composite or upvc doors which is secured with a cylinder.

Normally policy wording asks for a 5 lever mortice lock (on a more traditional front wooden door) or that the door is fitted with a multi point locking system which you have.

The one star on the cylinder means its up to a certain standard but not offer cylinder snapping protection unless you have a 2 star handle or a cylinder guard. You can upgrade to a 3 star cylinder which also offers snap protection in its own right. Just Google 3 star ts0007 for more info on this if your interested.


Cheers

James

Carrot007

PPPro wrote: »

My advice is not to declare anything unless you know it to be true.

So if you are not 100% certain that this lock conforms to BS3621, then don't declare it does.

And my broker's advice was to.


A. Don't declare it even if you have it as it could be used against you if it was found to not be in operation at the time. (Guess that more apply's to alarms but it holds for locks)


B. Go for a decent insurer, known to actually not be !!!!!! about paying out. These are not the cheapest but certainly not expensive if you know the one's to look for. (A compaarison site is not your friend here). I also state since I got insurance though whoeever he recomended it has gone down every year and was cheaper than I found on comparison sites for my old place myself.

lytton

Cheers for the feedback guys. I mulled it over a bit but can’t suss the exact specification, at least that the money supermarket questions were posing, so I simply selected ‘other’ lock type. I picked esure in the end and the lock type doesn’t even show on their questions page so I think I should be covered. Ta again.

thrifty_pete

Once you think you've found the best offer, read the actualy policy. It will go into much more detail than the questions on a comparison site.