When buying new locks or using a locksmith to install your new locks it is essential that you look out for two very important terms. These terms are ‘Insurance Approved’ and ‘Insurance Rated’.
However, it is important to note that these terms are often used as a marketing tool for businesses that sell security products. Regardless of what the locks or locksmith might tell you, it is your home insurance policy that will clearly explain the locks you need to ensure that your locks are insurance approved.
The best way you can check that your locksmith is installing insurance approved locks is to see if they are BS3621 British Standard Kitemark. This is a well know brand of locks that professional locksmiths will use. This is also a recognised brand by insurance companies. Most home insurance companies will recognise BS3621 British Standard Kitemark as a reliable standard of security.
However, as we have already touched on – not all home insurance policies are the same. Every insurance company and their home insurance policies will differ in their approach. Home insurance policies will also vary by crime statistics for the geographical area that you live in.
More often than not, your home insurance policy will request that you have BS3621 British Standard Kitemark. However, and for whatever reason, there may be specific requirements in your home insurance policy that vary from the expected. In some cases this may be that be due to the fact that you live in such a low crime area, that BS3621 British Standard Kitemark are demanded by the insurers.
If your home insurance policy demands that you have BS3621 British Standard Kitemark locks on all external doors and you are not currently meeting those demands then you need to contact a locksmith immediately, someone that can install an insurance approved lock on your behalf.
Our top tip for house security and home insurance, as professional locksmiths ; always check your insurance policy!