The Overlooked Link Between Locks and Insurance Costs
When it comes to home insurance, most people focus on location, property value, or the level of contents cover they need. But there’s one often-overlooked factor that can significantly influence your premium — your locks. Insurance providers assess risk based on how secure your home is, and the quality of your locks plays a key role in that assessment. If your locks are outdated, easily bypassed, or not up to British Standards, your insurance provider may consider your home a higher risk. On the other hand, if your locks meet or exceed certain security standards, there’s a good chance your premiums will reflect that.
What Types of Locks Do Insurers Prefer?
Insurers in the UK tend to favour locks that comply with British Standard BS3621. These are typically five-lever mortice deadlocks, often found on wooden doors, that provide strong resistance to common break-in methods like drilling, picking, or brute force. For uPVC and composite doors, insurance providers usually expect a multi-point locking system — the kind that locks in multiple places when you lift the handle and turn the key. Euro cylinder locks, if used, should be anti-snap and meet the TS007 3-star rating or carry the Sold Secure Diamond Standard for high-security performance.
Windows, too, should have locks — especially those on the ground floor or accessible via flat roofs or drainpipes. And sheds, garages, and side gates should not be forgotten. Weak spots around the property perimeter can affect how insurers view the overall security of your home.
Why Your Current Locks Might Be Costing You More
Many homeowners aren’t even sure what type of locks they have. If you moved into your property years ago and haven’t updated the locks since, it’s worth checking. Some insurers may reduce or even refuse a claim if it’s found your locks didn’t meet the declared standard at the time of a burglary. Others might simply charge you more upfront because they’re insuring a property that’s considered easier to break into. In both cases, you could be paying the price of outdated security.
This is where calling on a qualified locksmith can make all the difference. A professional can inspect your doors, windows, and access points, identify weaknesses, and upgrade your locks to meet insurer-preferred standards — often in a single visit. They can also issue a certificate or receipt showing the locks installed, which can be helpful when discussing cover with your insurer.
Smart Locks and Modern Technology – Do They Help?
The rise in popularity of smart locks and home automation has added a new dimension to home security. Many insurers are warming to modern security systems that combine physical and digital protection. Smart locks with encrypted keypads, fingerprint access, or app-controlled entry are beginning to appear in more policies as valid security solutions. That said, not all insurers are on the same page. Some are still cautious about digital locks and prefer traditional British Standard locks — or a combination of both. If you’re interested in going smart, speak with your locksmith about options that still include a manual override and comply with BS standards.
Proving Your Security Measures Can Pay Off
Improving your locks is not just about making your home safer — it’s about being able to prove that you’ve taken steps to reduce your risk. When you apply for or renew a home insurance policy, you’ll often be asked about your home security. If you can confidently state that all external doors have BS3621 locks, your windows are lockable, and any outbuildings are properly secured, it can influence your premium — and sometimes even your excess terms.
Keep in mind that if your answers aren’t accurate and you suffer a break-in, you could risk invalidating your policy. Having an invoice or written statement from a locksmith who’s carried out the upgrades gives you that extra layer of assurance when dealing with your provider.
What Else to Combine with Lock Upgrades for Even More Value
While locks are a major factor, they’re part of a broader picture of home security. Insurers also look favourably on homes with monitored alarm systems, CCTV, and motion-detecting lights. These can all combine with secure locks to present your home as a very low-risk policy — and that can translate into real savings.
Some insurers even offer discounts if your property is part of a neighbourhood watch scheme or if you have a home security plan that includes 24/7 monitoring. But none of these extras will matter as much if your locks are weak or outdated.
A Locksmith’s Role in Lowering Your Risk
A local locksmith does more than change locks — they assess the real-world risks to your home and tailor a security setup that’s practical, insurer-approved, and cost-effective. If you’ve never had your locks professionally evaluated, or if you’ve recently moved house or had new doors fitted, now’s a great time to get an expert opinion.
You don’t need to spend a fortune. A few targeted upgrades to your most vulnerable points of entry can quickly bring your home up to scratch. And unlike DIY solutions or off-the-shelf hardware store locks, a locksmith-installed setup is done right the first time — with the right documentation to prove it.
The Smart Choice for Safety and Savings
Ultimately, better locks are one of the simplest ways to improve both your home’s security and its insurability. You may not see your premium cut in half, but over the years, the savings — combined with the reduced likelihood of a successful burglary — can be significant. And for many people, the peace of mind that comes from knowing their home is well protected is worth just as much.
Speak to a reliable locksmith, check your current locks against what your insurance provider recommends, and take steps now that could save you hassle, heartbreak, and money later down the line.
