Is contents insurance valid - front door issue

Victorwelldue

I've recently discovered the front door to my flat (within a tenement) is actually just an interior door, i.e not a door designed to be a secure entrance door so would likely be quite easy to break into. I'll be looking to get this addressed but before I go wading through the small print of my policy, from an insurance point of view would I be covered in the event my property was broken into?

Smithcom

Victorwelldue said:

I've recently discovered the front door to my flat (within a tenement) is actually just an interior door, i.e not a door designed to be a secure entrance door so would likely be quite easy to break into. I'll be looking to get this addressed but before I go wading through the small print of my policy, from an insurance point of view would I be covered in the event my property was broken into?

You will need to check:

1.   Statement of Fact / Proposal Form with regards to declarations made to the insurer
2.   Any minimum security condition that lurks within the policy/schedule

Hope you get it sorted

SC

DullGreyGuy

Victorwelldue said:

I've recently discovered the front door to my flat (within a tenement) is actually just an interior door, i.e not a door designed to be a secure entrance door so would likely be quite easy to break into. I'll be looking to get this addressed but before I go wading through the small print of my policy, from an insurance point of view would I be covered in the event my property was broken into?

Its unlikely to trigger any security condition as its just something too basic... insurers ask if your windows have key operated locks or not, they dont think to ask if the windows actually have glass in them or not.

Their only chance of avoiding a claim is likely to fall under a more nebulous clause like the general one of "protect your property from damage or loss" but on the basis that same policy goes on to say if you trip whilst trying to carry 8 open tins of paint they will pay to replace the carpet, sofa and coffee table that got covered when one inevitably fell. 

With the quality of most cylinders in multipoint locking systems that would be much quicker and quieter way in than breaking down a door. Neighbour's lock broke, took a few seconds to take the handle off, snap the cylinder and then activate the mechanism. Thankfully wasnt much longer to put a new high security cylinder in for them

user1977

Only if the insurer had asked a question about the construction of the door, and you had given a wrong answer. But I can't remember ever having such a question. Some entrance doors are more secure than others - other than questions about locks, the insurers generally take on the risk that yours might not be one of the better ones.