How do window locks affect house insurance?

Jerry_Mander

When applying for home insurance and they ask have your windows got locks, if they do but you don't lock them will this affect any future claims?

I ask because my parents' house has window locks but it's impossible, because they're old and contrary, to get them to always lock the handles of the windows when they go out.

I'm about to renew their home insurance but am very wary of how to answer the "Do your windows have key-operated locks on them" question so as not to prejudice any future claims.

So should I answer yes because they do have locks or no because even though they do have locks they're not always locked when they should be?


Actually, also same question for smoke alarms. If they have them but not checked and maintained, should we say yes we have them or no?

Faith177

Jerry_Mander wrote: »

When applying for home insurance and they ask have your windows got locks, if they do but you don't lock them will this affect any future claims?

I ask because my parents' house has window locks but it's impossible, because they're old and contrary, to get them to always lock the handles of the windows when they go out.

I'm about to renew their home insurance but am very wary of how to answer the "Do your windows have key-operated locks on them" question so as not to prejudice any future claims.

So should I answer yes because they do have locks or no because even though they do have locks they're not always locked when they should be?


Actually, also same question for smoke alarms. If they have them but not checked and maintained, should we say yes we have them or no?

I would say no to both tbh if their there but not used it's the same as not having them.


One of the insurers I worked for if they said yes to window locks the wording stated they must always be in operation when the building was left or no theft claim would be paid if that was the method of entry

Silvertabby

Our car insurance asks if our car is garaged overnight. It usually is - but only about 90% of the time. We answered that it wasn't, on the basis that if it is stolen it is more likely to be taken from the driveway rather than a locked garage.

Similarly, we answered 'no' to the house alarm question on our home insurance. We do have a system, but only the doors are alarmed, as the internal sensors have been disabled due to having an agile cat.

Unless the window locks are operative - and used - I would say 'no' to be on the safe side.

As for your smoke alarms not being checked...... well, words just fail me.

Rodders53

Try a comparison site for quotes with and without to see the premium difference (if any). I tend to say NO to locks on doors and windows, even when they are approved locks. No to alarms, too, even if I have one. If the premium is OK then that means I don't have to use them, but can if I want. Also means if I forget I'll not be in trouble should something happen.

Discounts for some things may not be worth the premium savings. One insurer told me it would be 10% off for locks and alarm. About £30 per annum saving in my case - but alarm servicing would be at least £60.

Some Insurers will demand certain locks etc.,. or not quote for the risk (do check the "assumptions" before filling in). Similarly in higher risk postcodes certain standards for locks may be demanded by all insurers.

Smoke alarms could save their lives... Fix that one for them asap!

Jerry_Mander

Rodders53 wrote: »

Try a comparison site for quotes with and without to see the premium difference (if any).

Yeah, it's not the premium difference that I am concerned about it's what the insurer will do to wriggle out of paying up if I say they haven't got locks when they actually have.

Same with fire alarms, they have them but I'm too far away to check on them regularly so can't say they are always effective even if installed.

lisyloo

If you can’t be 100% sure they are always in use then it’s better to forgo the discount.
If insurers give a discount then they expect it to be in place.

If you say your car/bike is in the garage then it must be and they won’t pay if it isn’t.
This can be highly inconvenient so don’t do it unless you have to.

agrinnall

Rodders53 wrote: »

I tend to say NO to locks on doors and windows, even when they are approved locks.

Are you sure about that? I'd be surprised if any insurer would cover you if you tell them your external doors have no locks.

garth549

I've always wondered about the question regarding window locks... On all UPVC windows I've ever had the windows are always locked when they're closed via the handle, but they also have a lock/key to prevent them from being unlocked (on the inside only). So a 'lock' on a UPVC window doesn't add any additional security surely?

societys_child

a 'lock' on a UPVC window doesn't add any additional security surely?

Insurance companies think it does, provided it's locked and the key removed.

System

lisyloo wrote: »

If you say your car/bike is in the garage then it must be and they won’t pay if it isn’t.
This can be highly inconvenient so don’t do it unless you have to.

Inconvenient not to be able to go away or stay at relatives, or have a late night out, parking your car somewhere else?

Rodders53

agrinnall wrote: »

Are you sure about that? I'd be surprised if any insurer would cover you if you tell them your external doors have no locks.

Selective snipping to look clever? :mad: you removed my caveat
even when they are approved locks:eek: