What Does My Home Insurance Actually Require for Locks?
Most people don't know what locks their policy actually specifies. Here's how to find out, what the common requirements are, and what happens if you don't meet them.
Your home insurance policy contains specific lock conditions that most people have never read. Most only find out what those conditions are after a burglary — when they're making a claim, the document is suddenly relevant, and the answer isn't always what they hoped.
Here's how to find out what your policy actually requires, before it matters.
Straight answer
- The requirements are in your policy schedule, under 'security conditions'
- Common requirement for timber external doors: BS 3621 five-lever mortice deadlock
- Common requirement for uPVC/composite doors: approved anti-snap euro cylinder
- If you don't meet the requirements, a claim related to that door can be rejected
- See what different lock standards actually mean
Where to look
Open your policy schedule — the main document, not the summary or the certificate. Look for a section headed "security conditions", "security requirements", "warranties", or similar. It'll usually be a few bullet points.
Common wording:
- "All external timber doors must be fitted with a five-lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS 3621."
- "All external doors with a euro-profile cylinder must be fitted with an anti-snap cylinder."
- "Ground-floor accessible windows must be fitted with key-operated window locks."
Some policies add: "These conditions are warranties and must be complied with." That's the important phrase — a warranty condition failure gives the insurer grounds to reject a claim even if the condition wasn't directly related to the loss.
If you can't find a physical policy document, log in to your insurer's portal and download the full policy wording — not the summary sheet. The summary rarely includes the security conditions in full.
The most common requirements
Timber external doors: Most standard policies require a BS 3621 approved five-lever mortice deadlock. Basic five-lever locks without the BS kitemark are better than three-lever but may not meet the specification. The lock itself should have a BS kitemark stamped on it.
uPVC and composite doors: These use a multipoint locking mechanism with a euro-profile cylinder. Policies increasingly require an anti-snap cylinder for these doors. Standard euro cylinders can be snapped in 20 seconds with basic tools — anti-snap cylinders break at a safe point before the locking cam is exposed.
Windows: Ground-floor and other accessible windows often require key-operated window locks. Louvre windows are a separate concern — many policies won't cover a property with accessible louvre windows without specific additional locks.
French doors and patio doors: Often require hinge bolts in addition to the standard multi-point locks.
What to do if you don't meet the requirements
- Call your insurer — they will confirm the requirements and in some cases will give a short grace period to become compliant. Declaring non-compliance is far better than discovering it after a claim.
- Fit the specified locks — a locksmith can usually confirm what standard your current locks meet and what needs changing.
- Keep documentation — a receipt showing the lock type and installation date is useful evidence if you ever need it.
The cost of getting it wrong
The cost of a claim rejection after a break-in is typically the full value of everything stolen, plus the cost of any repairs, plus the stress of the whole situation. The cost of fitting a BS 3621 lock is £160–£350. These are not comparable numbers.
What to do now
- Find your policy schedule (paper or digital)
- Locate the security conditions
- Check your front door, back door, and any accessible windows against those conditions
- If you're unsure whether your current locks meet the standard: photograph the lock faceplate and the key, then call 020 3780 8827 — John can usually tell from a photo what you've got
Getting this wrong is an avoidable problem. It's also one of the more boring preventable problems, which is probably why so many people skip it.
Sign-off
If you're in Barnet or North London and want someone to look at your doors and tell you what standard they're at, call 020 3780 8827. No obligation, no charge for the advice on site before a price is agreed.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find out what locks my insurer requires?
Your policy schedule — the document that lists the specific terms and conditions of your policy. Look for a section on 'security', 'locks', or 'security conditions'. It'll specify lock types, often by standard (BS 3621, for example) or by type (5-lever mortice, approved cylinder).
Does every insurer require the same locks?
No. Requirements vary significantly by insurer and often by property type, area, and policy level. The only way to know what your policy requires is to read it. Generic answers about 'most insurers' are a starting point, not a substitute.
Will my claim be rejected if I don't have the right locks?
Possibly. If the policy conditions state a lock requirement and the claim relates to forced entry through an inadequately secured door, the insurer may reject or reduce the claim. This is most likely if the entry point was the one that didn't meet the standard.
I've had the same locks for 10 years — are they still compliant?
The physical lock may still be compliant if it meets the standard it was certified to. Standards don't expire, though insurers can update their requirements between policy renewals. Check the current policy, not what you remember from 10 years ago.
Can I fit the locks myself and still be covered?
If you fit them correctly and they meet the specified standard, yes. The insurer cares about the lock standard, not who fitted it. That said, a badly fitted BS 3621 lock that can be pushed open is a problem regardless of who installed it.
Locked out? Need a locksmith now?
Call now and speak to John directly — no call centre, no script. You'll know the price before he's on his way.