What Types Of Locks Do I Have And What Do Insurers Ask For

What types of locks usually protect UK doors and windows—and why does it matter?

Your locks are more than metal—insurance companies litERAlly check what you’ve got when a claim rolls in. Whether you own a flat, a detached house, or a business, your policy lives or dies by the marks and grades on those locks. You can upgrade your security overnight, but policy compliance is set the day the incident happens—not after.

A single outdated lock can cost thousands in rejected claims if you find out too late.

Wooden doors: how to spot mortice deadlocks and sashlocks

Most older UK homes and many businesses use wooden doors fitted with mortice locks. These come in two main types: deadlocks and sashlocks. You see mortice deadlocks when a key moves a bolt deep inside the edge of the door—no latch, no handle. Sashlocks combine a latch (operated by a handle) and a keyhole; turn the key and you’ll lock a bolt plus the latch for extra security.

To be on the right side of your insurer, check for “5-lever” and “BS3621” engraved on the metal faceplate of each lock. If you spot these, you’re halfway to claim security. If not, some policies offer zero theft coverage.

Modern doors: euro cylinders and multi-point locking systems

UPVC, composite, and newer timber doors use euro cylinders—look for an oval-shaped barrel and a keyhole inside the handle. These are usually tied to a multi-point system: turn once, and bolts pop out at several points along the frame.

Insurers want to see “TS007 3-star” on your cylinder or “PAS24” nearby. Without these, you’re more likely to face a break-in and get hit by a payout refusal. Cheap cylinders can be snapped or drilled out in seconds; the right rating proves your home or site meets modern protections.

A fancy new door with an unmarked cylinder is a hidden risk to your claim.

How do insurers check if your locks are up to standard?

Insurance firms don’t just trust your word. Your policy lists the type and standard required for your doors: phrases like “5-lever mortice deadlock to BS3621” or “TS007 3-star euro cylinder” appear in the paperwork for a reason. Expect insurers to ask for photos showing the marks, an invoice proving when and what was fitted, or a written certificate from a professional.

No visible marks? Your claim is on shaky ground—even with an alarm and CCTV. Cross-check the codes and stars on every lock with your insurance requirements today.

What are the two lock standards every owner must know?

• BS3621: covers mortice deadlocks and sashlocks. It proves a lock has been tested for picking, drilling, and forced entry resistance. Look for a stamp or laser engraving directly on the faceplate.
• TS007 3-star: (and companion PAS24) protects euro cylinder locks and multi-point systems. This rating means your cylinder is tested for anti-snap, anti-pick, and anti-bump security.

If the lock or door is missing that specific star, code, or “Kitemark,” it fails insurer requirements—regardless of price or apparent quality.

A faint or missing BS3621 or TS007 3-star leaves you exposed in a burglary claim.

Are night latches or rim locks acceptable on their own?

Not under most insurance. Night latches and rim locks, unless Kitemarked and fitted alongside a British Standard deadlock, are seen as “convenience only” by most underwriters. DIY fixes, secondary latches, or old “Yale” rim locks don’t count for full coverage.

Insurers want evidence that a determined burglar can’t bypass your lock with a credit card or basic tools.

Why do British Standard and Kitemark locks matter for insurance?

BSI and Kitemark stamps are guarantees: these locks have passed independent strength and attack testing. Your insurer uses these marks as their minimum bar for security—think of them as a pre-vetted shortlist. The presence of these marks on every external door isn’t optional; it’s your best leverage for smooth claims and lower premiums.

Are digital or smart locks accepted for insurance purposes?

Only if they’re certified. Insurers expect to see designations like “BS EN 14846,” a BSI Kitemark, or evidence from “Sold Secure.” If your smart lock comes without these or isn’t specifically approved in writing, most policies default to non-compliance. Always check with your insurer before relying on a smart system as your primary lock.

Insurers don’t care about cool features—just proven resilience and paperwork.

What do you do if your locks are old, unbranded, or unmarked?

If a lock shows no codes, no marks, or is generic in origin, insurers will either require a full upgrade or a security survey from a certified locksmith. Sometimes, a written report and clear photos will bring a legacy lock up to code in their eyes—but expect a push towards modern, marked replacements.

Why do insurers want proof of your locks?

They want to see, not just trust. After a break-in or theft, expect requests for:

• Clear photos showing compliance marks or serial numbers
• VAT receipts or pro invoices naming the product, date, and installer
• Security certificates referencing British Standard codes

Save this documentation before you need it.

A quick smartphone snap today saves days of hassle and thousands in lost claims later.

How can homeowners and landlords upgrade locks for insurance compliance?

Replacing old or unwarranted locks with British Standard hardware closes vulnerabilities and keeps your insurance compliant.

Step-by-step: securing true British Standard compliance

• Check: every door and visible window for engravings and marks; make a list.
• Book: an MLA or NLA-accredited locksmith to inspect and replace missing ratings.
• Instal: BS3621 (for mortice) and TS007 3-star (for euro cylinders), demanding Kitemark or PAS24 as proof.
• Get: detailed documentation: VAT invoice, certificate, installation photo pack.
• Store: these files—digital copies are fine, but the originals keep headaches away.

Landlords or managers overseeing multiple properties should treat this like routine fire-safety paperwork.

What happens if you skip compliance and suffer a break-in?

You may see your claim denied, have your excess bumped, or trigger an audit of your policy. That “minor” non-compliance is enough for an insurer to walk away, even with obvious signs of forced entry.

Insurance only pays for what you can prove—especially when things go wrong.

Which symbols, marks, and paperwork are worth checking today?

Here’s a table to clarify which compliance marks to look for and what action to take if they’re missing:

Lock Location/Type	Compliance Mark	Upgrade Needed If Missing
Door edge (wooden)	BS3621 (engraved)	Yes—fit BS3621 deadlock
Euro cylinder	TS007 3-star/PAS24	Yes—upgrade cylinder/mechanism
Night latch/rim	BSI Kitemark	Add a BS3621 deadlock
Smart/digital lock	Cert. logo/Kitemark	Confirm approval with insurer
Window (accessible)	Keyed handle	Add or repair key handle
Documentation	VAT receipt/cert.	Request written proof

If you can tick off every location, you’re already ahead.

What are the security and claim advantages of approved locks?

Locks marked with these standards suffer fewer break-ins and—crucially—make claims easier to process (Metropolitan Police 2024). In many cases, you’ll also see lower premiums or a faster renewal. Insurers want to reward those who prove their investment in security.

Getting paid shouldn’t be harder than a forced entry—your paperwork deserves the same vigilance as your locks.

When should you call in a locksmith?

• If you can’t find or verify a mark, number, or rating on any lock
• If policy wording confuses you, or you’ve inherited a property with old fixtures
• When you want a compliance report for a rental, mortgage, or insurance switch
• After any major door, window, or lock upgrade

An accredited professional offers both expert installation and the precise documentation underwriters now expect.

Is DIY lock fitting acceptable for insurance?

For low-value domestic sites, you sometimes can fit a British Standard lock yourself. But for multi-point or smart locks, or any commercial/residential high-risk setting, only professional installation (with paperwork) secures claims. Always check exactly what your provider requires—don’t assume.

What silent pitfalls do owners, buyers, and landlords face?

Lost paperwork, faded engravings, and inherited non-compliant locks from previous owners are all common. Changing tenants or after a round of “quick fixes,” many landlords learn too late that a claimed upgrade was unmarked and excluded from coverage.

Even the strictest policy protects nothing if you can’t prove what you installed.

Why notify your insurer whenever you change or upgrade locks?

It keeps your policy details correct, puts audit trails in place for future renewal or sale, and sometimes unlocks a premium reduction. Sending a single photo and invoice may save thousands later.

Kitemark and insurance: what does it prove?

The Kitemark is an independent symbol of testing and reliability—when an insurer sees a lock or cylinder with this mark, it takes much less work to verify your compliance. Other standards exist, but this is the UK’s gold stamp.

Can modern smart locks unlock insurance benefits?

Yes, but only if your lock features a visible, insurer-accepted standard and you’ve obtained advance written acceptance. Otherwise, any payout could be delayed or denied.

In security, state of the art is nothing if you can’t show paperwork.

Landlords, agents, and managers—is lock compliance negotiable?

Not a chance. Property insurers, rental underwriters, and mortgage lenders expect every external exit and accessible window to meet compliance. Delays or missing certificates lead to refused claims and—occasionally—issues with housing authorities.

Will any locksmith provide full paperwork and certificates?

Professional, accredited locksmiths always provide installation details, models, British Standard codes, and dates—keep these with your insurance documents and take clear digital backups.

What if your paperwork is missing or lost?

Order a security survey: certified locksmiths inspect, document, and reissue reports or citations. If you have dated photos or receipts of the original instal, claim these as supporting evidence.

Are British Standard window locks mandatory—or just good practice?

Insurers increasingly request key-operated handles or full British Standard markings on windows—especially ground-level and accessible ones. Standard policy language now expects at least key locks at vulnerable points.

Are all euro cylinders secure enough by default?

No. Only those with “TS007 3-star” or “PAS24” markings resist bumping and break-in techniques. Unmarked or old cylinders are often the direct cause of rejected insurance claims after forced entry.

How to secure an insurance discount after a lock upgrade?

Forward the new invoice and a clear smartphone photo to your insurer—and ask for a review. Many offer instant discounts or lower excesses for visible, marked upgrades.

Can you get insured if your locks don’t meet the minimum?

Some insurers offer policies with caveats: higher costs, reduced theft cover, or more paperwork. But the fastest route to smooth, trouble-free claims is to upgrade, document, and notify before a renewal.

Why does documented proof matter more than assurances in claims?

Every payout rests on what you can prove—serials, engravings, invoices, and technician certificates—not on your intent to meet standards. Insurers want a digital trail at claim time, not a promise.

How can you quickly audit your property’s locks for insurance and security?

• Photograph the faceplate of every visible lock or cylinder, making sure to capture any engravings
• Check new doors for PAS24 or TS007 3-star symbols
• Verify every ground-floor and accessible window has a working, key-operated lock
• Gather digital and paper invoices or professional certificates and save backup copies

A five-minute check today spares you weeks of back-and-forth after any loss.

What happens if your insurer rejects your claim after a break-in due to non-compliant locks?

It means shouldering the repair, legal costs, and future policy headaches—all on your own. Post-incident upgrades do nothing for yesterday’s void claim: what matters is compliance at the point of loss.

Protect your future—choose Prime Alert – The London Locksmiths today

Upgrade your security now with British Standard locks from Prime Alert – The London Locksmiths. Our certified experts deliver fitting, the right paperwork, and the peace of mind that your policy and property are both truly secure. Don’t trust luck—trust proof, and lock in compliance before you ever need to make that call.

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