The British Standard Kite Mark This video shows how the British Standard Institute rigorously test doors and locks to ensure that they conform to the correct standards. Along with the British Standard kite mark, a lock that conforms to the required British Standards will display the numbers of the standards it has passed. The numbers above are the most common, domestic locks will usually show BS3621. To check if your locks are British Standard, look out for the British Standard Kite Mark, along with the British Standard number such as BS3621. We've included photos of three common domestic locks (Eurocylinders, Mortise Locks and Night Latches) to help you identify which locks you have and where the kite mark can be found. If you live in an older property, your locks may be British Standard but the kite mark might not be visible at first glance. Some locks will require removal from the door to check if they are British Standard. It's best to leave removal of a lock to a locksmith as you could risk damaging your door or locks.
Eurocylinder With British Standard Kite Mark If you have a euro cylinder fitted to a uPVC or composite door you would usually find the kite mark on the front of the cylinder near the key hole of the lock (as pictured above). British Standard Mortise Lock Mortise Lock With British Standard Kite Mark Doors fitted with Mortise locks will usually have the kite mark displayed on the faceplate of the lock found on the edge of your door (as pictured above). British Standard Night Latch Night Latch With British Standard Kite Mark If you have a night latch installed, look for the British Standard kite mark on the plate where the bolt comes out of the lock (as pictured above). When searching for a home insurance policy it's tempting to go to a comparison website and choose the cheapest available policy, but doing so may put you in danger of filing an invalid claim in the event of a burglary. When you're getting a new quote for home insurance look out for a question regarding your exterior door locks and their safety standard, the question may be worded in several different ways and will vary from one insurer to another.
An example of this question could be "Are your locks of British 'safety-standard', do you have a five-lever mortice lock conforming to BS3621 installed, or a cylinder rim deadlock?". Often, homeowners will be unaware what locks they have installed and may just tick the box and claim that they are British Standard when they're not. Some insurance companies will insist on these requirements to give you cover, while others may offer a discount for the increased security. If your property is burgled and your insurer believes that the locks installed weren't up to standards set out in the policy, it could invalidate your claim and stop you from getting a payout for the damage caused and the items you've lost. , some insurance providers will give the customer a discount on their home insurance premiums if they have British Standard locks installed. Other insurers will insist that you have a five-lever mortice lock conforming to BS3621 on all exit doors along with key-operated locks on the ground floor and accessible windows to qualify for cover.
warns that insurance providers may insist that you have a five-lever lock conforming to BS3621, British standards, on all exit doors and key-operated locks on all ground floors. Ben Wilson at Go Compare has said : The insurance provider, Aviva, outline what they believe to be approved door and window locks in their Approved Locks Insurance Guide. Their home insurance policy requires that the locks meet the correct standards that they deem to be 'approved locks' or your insurance claim may be invalid. This includes having an approved British Standard BS3621 lock on external doors. If they don't meet these standards they need to have key operated security devices fitted to the top and bottom in addition to existing locks. Do not choose a home insurance provider just because they are the cheapest without reading the policy. It's clear from the above that all insurance policies differ slightly so it's important that you read your home insurance policy carefully to see what standards your locks need to meet.
Some insurance providers may not require the British Standard at all. If you're unsure whether your locks are British Standard, you can use the images above to help you find the BS Kite Mark, if you can't see the kite mark on your locks do not tell your insurance provider that they are British Standard, doing this may invalidate any claim. For peace of mind, you could ask your insurance provider to send you some lock diagrams so you can identify your locks more easily. Our professional and experienced locksmiths are able to identify British Standard locks and replace your locks if you wish. If you would like to upgrade your locks to meet the British Standard for improved security or you're unsure if your locks are already British Standard, call us on 0800 0612 677 and talk to one of our team. We have a nationwide network of locksmiths available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We don't charge a call out fee and our work comes with a 90 day workmanship guarantee.There are many standards for windows and doors, covering material and performance requirements.
If the standard you require is not listed below then you may find more at the BSI Shop. If there is a particular standard or specification for which you require a testing service not listed here, please complete a general enquiry form as we may be able to help.When you apply for cover, insurers need to know what locks you have on any outside doors or patio doors. In some cases, if you don’t have the right locks, you may struggle to get cover at a reasonable price. So it's always a good idea to compare quotes from a number of insurance providers to find a good deal. You might even get a discount off the normal premium if your property has a higher degree of security. , you’ll be asked what kind of locks you have on all of your outside doors. This helps insurance companies assess your property’s security level. It can be difficult to determine which type of lock you have at home, but it's important to get it right - or you could be at risk of invalidating your home insurance policy.
You'll have to select one of four main options. If you don't have one of these, choose “other lock type” – and consider getting your security upgraded. This is the standard deadlock, which offers moderate protection to the main doors in your home. It's lockable from either side and is sometimes used with a nightlatch for added security. Look out for the British Standard kitemark to see if your mortice deadlock conforms to BS 3621. It's deadbolt locked and unlocked by key from either side, and is recommended by insurance companies - so you might even get a discount on your premium. A multi-point locking system bolts the door into the frame and locks at multiple points at the turn of a key, giving a high level of security. It's common in modern houses as you'll usually find this type of lock on UPVC and composite doors. If you have a rim automatic deadlatch, it will be mounted on the inside of the door. he cylinder inside the lock is linked to the keyhole on the outside of the door, allowing homeowners to lock their doors more securely from the inside.