Experts have claimed that by having the wrong lock on your front door, not only are you putting yourself, your family and your possessions at risk, you also could quickly invalidate your home insurance.
Your front door is your first line of defence against burglars, and so having the right type of lock is imperative to avoid having a break in.
Door lock experts at Toolstation have collaborated with Duncan Sutcliffe, director of Sutcliffe & Co, to advise homeowners of the different types of locks available, and how to make sense of the small print when it comes to home insurance.
READ MORE: Met Eireann's good news for all but two areas this weekend before grim change next week
Duncan says reading your insurance policy paperwork thoroughly is incredibly important to begin: “Although it’s not much fun, it’s so important that you read the small print in your insurance policy document, especially if you live in a high-risk area or have a lot of valuables.
“I have seen cases where there’s been a break-in and the insurance company has refused to pay out because the front door lock was not deemed adequate. They’re within their rights to do this.”
What sort of lock do I need?
He said most home insurance providers have the following requirements: “Generally, the front door or main exit door will be required to have a BS3621 mortice deadlock with five or more levers.”
What is BS3621?
BS3621 is a lock standard that means locks have been tested against common burglary techniques like drilling and picking.
BS3621 locks have five key features:
- At least 5 levers or pin tumblers
- The lock is covered by a hardened metal plate to protect it from drilling
- The bolt protrudes at least 20mm from the faceplate when locked
- The key can only be removed when the bolt is fully activated
- The screws that fix the lock to the door are not accessible when the door is shut
How can I check my lock?
You can check whether your lock is fitted to BS3621 British Standard by looking for the BSI kitemark on the faceplate of the lock. This is the part that sits in the door frame when the door is shut.
As well as the British Standard Kitemark, you should find the standard number engraved on the lock. For example, BS3621:2007.
What else?
Duncan says it’s not just front door locks that are important: “Don’t forget the windows and other doors too. Accessible windows should have key-operated window locks, and patios are usually required to have a three-bolt multipoint locking system or key-operated bolts at the top and bottom.”
If you are worried your lock isn’t British Standard approved, the experts at Toolstation suggest seeking advice: “It’s worth seeing a locksmith or visiting your local hardware shop with photos of all the locks on your doors. Toolstation also has a door lock buying guide with advice on finding the best lock depending on the level of security needed, your door material, and your budget.”
If you do have the wrong kind of door lDock, Duncan says not to worry: “Thankfully, new door locks can be relatively cheap. Five lever mortice deadlocks start from around €15. Plus, you’ll find you can install some kinds of lock yourself.”
READ NEXT:
- Budget 2023 tax calculator: Find out exactly what tax and USC updates mean for you
Irish student living out of car because she can't get accommodation for college
Met Eireann's good news for all but two areas this weekend before grim change next week
Popular CBD brand recalled from Irish stores like Holland and Barrett after high levels of THC found
Crowds dance on roof and DJ plays in garden as gardai called to Project-X style party
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
