It is becoming increasingly more common for people to call out us locksmiths because their insurance company has told them that they need to have their locks upgraded before they can take out a policy. Insurers set a minimum security requirement for locks so that they can be sure that you have taken necessary steps to ensure the security of your home or business. This is why our team at Delta Forge Locksmiths have put together this guide explaining what insurance grade locks actually are.
Door Locks
To find out if your door lock meets insurers minimum standard then you first need to check for the BS3621 kite mark. If you have a wooden door you will find this either on the front barrel or the face plate of the lock, this will depend on whether you have a rim dead lock or deadlock. If you find that your locks don’t meet minimum standard, then it is advised that you call out a local locksmith to come and upgrade them as soon as possible.
If you have uPVC doors, then chances are your lock is covered by your insurers minimum standard. However, it is worth noting that although these locks are good enough to satisfy insurers there is a significant security flaw in some of these locks. A new method of gaining entry used by burglars has lead to discovering a significant vulnerability in some of these locks. It called lock snapping and it is incredibly quick and easy for a potential burglar to do and they can gain entry to your home within a couple of minutes.
Fortunately, you can have your locks upgraded to snap safe locks that have been specifically designed to combat lock snapping. So, if you don’t already have anti-snap locks on your uPVC doors then you should call out your local locksmith who will be able to supply and fit one for you, doing this will give you that extra piece of mind that you property is as secure as it can be.
Window Locks
If when you are in your property you don’t require a key or special tool to open your window then your window locks certainly need upgrading. This is not only to stop burglars from getting in but to also stop them from having a quick and easy escape when they need to get out other than their initial point of entry, for example a broken window. This is a fairly simple job however, if you don’t feel you are up to the challenge then call out a local locksmith who will supply and fit your new handles and locks.
Insurers are so strict with their lock requirements for two reasons, firstly to make sure your property is well protected against potential burglars, but also to ensure that if the worst happens and a burglar gets in your property it’s not easy for the burglar to get out and escape with your belongings.
If you need help improving your security measures, or need your locks upgrading to meet insures minimum requirements then contact Delta Forge Locksmiths today – 07949 633 676
For more information, check out our blog! It’s full of useful information and answering some of your most burning questions – like Can a uPVC door lock be repaired? And Do I Need A Locksmith To Change My Locks?
