What Your Locks Can Do to Your Home Insurance

A provider may ask you about the type of locks on your windows and doors when applying for home insurance. Insurance companies will look to see if you have locks that are approved. Your premium could be affected by your response.

Five Lever Mortice Door Lock

The most popular type of lock approved by insurance companies. It’s easy to understand the name, even though it may seem confusing. It doesn’t refer to five projections visible on the lock, but rather its internal mechanism that makes it secure. The mortice is the recess or hole cut in the frame into which the lock fits. If your deadlock is standard, it’s likely to be one of these.

Insurance providers also prefer that this lock has a British Standard Kitemark to show it conforms to BS3621 – the gold standard in security. This lock should improve your insurance quotes if you have it installed on your door. If you are unsure about the type, check with an estate agent or locksmith. For a Locksmith Cheltenham, visit besecure-locksmiths.co.uk/

Multi-Point Door Lock

Multi-point locks are usually found on sliding or uPVC doors. It is considered to be more secure than a mortice deadlock because it locks the door at several points.

If you use uPVC, you will probably be using this type of locking mechanism. Check to see if your multi-point locks have SS312 Diamond certified cylinders. This will give you a more competitive insurance quote.

Deadlatch/Night Latch Door Lock

A deadlatch may be a generally approved locking device, but it is not considered as secure as multi-point or mortice locks. Your insurer will charge you more if your door only has a latch. Installing one of these locks alongside your latch will help to maximise your home’s security and reduce your insurance costs.