Stay Insured with the Right House Locks

Insurance Approved Locks: The Complete UK Homeowner’s Guide

UK home insurance providers often require BS 3621 or TS007-rated locks to validate your policy. Utilising insurance-approved locks can:

• Reduce your risk profile and potentially lower premiums.
• Ensure your home meets UK home insurance lock requirements.
• Include common lock types such as 5 lever mortice, multi-point, nightlatches, and 3-star cylinders.
• Always check your policy or consult a professional locksmith if you’re unsure.

 

Insurance Approved Locks

Not all locks are equal — if yours don’t meet insurance standards, your policy could be void in the event of a break-in. Most UK insurers require BS 3621 or TS007-rated locks. Using certified locks improves home security and can even lower your premiums by reducing your risk profile.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• • What “insurance-approved locks” are and how to check if your home meets the standards.

• Common compliant options, including 5-lever mortice locks, multi-point systems, night latches, and 3-star cylinders.
• How the right locks can keep you secure, compliant, and potentially save you money.

If you’re unsure whether your locks meet insurance requirements, check your policy or speak with a professional locksmith.

What are Insurance Approved Locks?

Insurance approved locks are locks that meet recognised British or Technical Standards such as BS 3621 or TS007, which signify high resistance to tampering, drilling, and forced entry.
Insurers rely on these standards to assess your home’s security. Locks that meet them are considered insurance compliant locks, reducing burglary risk and ensuring your policy remains valid.

If your locks don’t meet your provider’s required standards, your insurer may refuse a payout after a break-in.

 

Insurance Approved Locks Quick Comparison Guide

 

 

Types of Insurance Approved Locks in the UK

There are a range of insurance approved locks, mostly they include:

• 5 lever mortice locks
• Multi-point locking system
• Nightlatches
• Cylinders
• British Standard
• TS:007

 

5 Lever Mortice Locks

Commonly used on wooden front doors, these locks must conform to BS 3621 to be accepted by insurers. They’re built into the door frame and offer strong protection against drilling and picking.

Look for the BSI Kitemark and “BS 3621” engraving.

 

Multi-Point Locking Systems

Typically found on uPVC and composite doors, these locks have three or more locking points that secure into the frame.

When paired with a TS007-rated cylinder, they meet UK home insurance lock requirements. Enhances both security and policy compliance.

 

Nightlatches

Also known as Yale locks, these are mounted on the inside of wooden doors. For insurance compliance, choose an auto-deadlocking model tested to BS 3621. Standard nightlatches alone rarely meet insurer standards unless paired with another approved lock.

 

Euro Cylinders

Euro and Oval cylinders are widely used across modern doors. To be insurance compliant, they must meet TS007 3-star or BS 3621 standards.
Look for features like anti-snap, anti-bump, and anti-drill protection.

An example of compliant high-security cylinders includes Ultion 3-star locks, which meet BS EN 1303 and TS007 standards.

 

British Standard (BS 3621)

The British Standard 3621 is the benchmark for insurance-approved locks.
Locks with this certification must resist drilling, picking, and other forced entry methods.
Look for the BSI Kitemark or “BS 3621: (year)” marking on the faceplate.

 

TS007 Star Rating

Developed by the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) and Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), TS007 rates lock security from 1 to 3 stars.

• 3-star TS007 cylinder insurance provides the highest protection.
• Resistant to snapping, bumping, drilling, and plug extraction.
  Many insurers require a 3-star TS007 lock or 1-star cylinder + 2-star handle combination.

 

Do Windows and Smart Locks Need to be Insurance Approved?

Key Operated Window Locks

Ground floor or accessible windows should have key-operated locks to comply with insurance policies.
Modern uPVC windows usually meet PAS 24 or TS007 standards, but older windows might need sash jammers or additional key locks.

 

Smart Locks

While smart locks are convenient, most are not insurance approved on their own.
They must be paired with a mechanical BS 3621 lock to maintain compliance.
Always inform your insurer before installing a smart lock to avoid invalidating your policy.

 

Benefits of Using Insurance Approved Locks

1. Enhanced Security

Locks tested to BS 3621 or TS007 provide superior resistance against burglary techniques like drilling or snapping.

 

2. Lower Insurance Premiums

Homes with insurance compliant locks are considered lower risk, which may reduce premiums.

 

3. Valid Home Insurance Claims

Evidence of approved locks and forced entry is often required to make a successful insurance claim.

 

4. Long-Term Savings

Upgrading your locks costs less than replacing stolen property or invalid insurance coverage after a burglary.

 

How to Check If Your Locks Meet Insurance Requirements

1. Look for Certification Marks – BS 3621 or TS007 logos on your lock’s faceplate.
2. Check Your Policy Documents – Confirm which lock standards your insurer requires.
3. Ask a Locksmith – A professional can assess and upgrade your locks to meet UK home insurance lock requirements.

 

 

Upgrade to Insurance Approved Locks with Keytek

Want peace of mind and full insurance compliance? Our local Keytek Locksmiths are experts in BS 3621 and TS007 3-star cylinder installations. Get professional advice, certified lock upgrades, and same-day fitting.

Call your local Keytek locksmith today to upgrade to insurance-approved locks and keep your home secure.