Do you know your five-lever mortice from your multi-point locking system?
When applying for home insurance, you will often be asked what type of locks you have fitted on your outside doors and windows. It’s important to ensure that your home has the correct locks fitted, or you may end up paying a higher premium for your insurance.
So, what are the insurance requirements for door locks? And what types of door locks are likely be approved by insurance providers? We’ve outlined some tips below to help save you money on home insurance and keep your house secure.
Lock requirements for home insurance
There are three main door lock types that most insurance providers approve of.
1. The five lever mortice deadlock
Despite what the name might suggest, the five-lever mortice deadlock is a common door lock type that you’ve probably seen before. If you’re wondering whether your current door lock is this type, you can check for a mortice (a type of hole) cut into the door or wall for the lock to be fitted into. The difference between a deadlock and a mortice lock is that mortice locks are embedded into the wall itself and can only be opened with a key. A deadlock is just a key hole and bolt. The more levers a mortice deadlock has, the more secure it is – which is why the five-lever mortice deadlock is one of the best lock types for insurance purposes.
Top tip: Five lever mortice deadlocks are easily available to buy, but make sure you pick up one conforming to BS3621. This is essentially the same lock, but it conforms to current approved British standards. Some insurers will insist that you have a five-lever mortice deadlock BS3621 fitted to all outside windows and doors as part of their home insurance policy conditions.
2. Key operated multi-point locking system
Offering an even higher level of security than the five-lever mortice deadlock is the key operated multi-point locking system, as it bolts the door into the frame and locks at multiple points at the turn of a key, providing a high level of security. They are typically found on uPVC doors, so if you have one, it’s likely that you already have a key operated multi-point locking system in place. These locks usually have three locking points, which means they all lock simultaneously when you turn the key.
Top tip: For main doors, the SS312 Diamond approved cylinders are most likely to fit the requirements of your home insurance, so make sure you look out for this type.
3. Night latches
When it comes to types of locks for insurance, most providers would prefer night latches to be used in conjunction with one of the other door lock types as an additional security measure. These types of locks are mounted onto the front door, rather than morticed into the wall, so as a result they are far less secure than the five lever mortice deadlock or multi-point locking system.
Top tip: A highly rated lock to keep your home secure would be an auto dead locking night latch that is approved to British Standards 3621. This night latch automatically deadlocks the door when it is closed.
While these three door lock types are most likely to be approved by insurance providers, you could also consider implementing additional home security measures:
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Cylinder locks – cylinder locks are easy to use and uPVC friendly but check with your home insurance provider whether they are acceptable for your policy. These types of locks are vulnerable to a lock snapping, which may affect your cover
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Sliding patio doors – sliding patio doors may be referred to specifically in your policy, as the lock requirements will be slightly different to that of a standard door. This is because they can be lifted off their runners, so an anti-lift device may be required
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Key-operated security bolts– key-operated security bolts are usually used on external doors, such as French or double doors. Your policy may specify that key-operated security bolts should be fitted to the top and bottom of the door
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Shackle padlocks – shackle padlocks can be used for locking shutters, gates and barriers
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