In times of robbery and break-ins Owl Locksmiths & Security can re-secure your property, we can also assist and advise when it comes to your insurance company. As most of us know, in these hard times insurance companies can be stressful and difficult to deal with. Owl Locksmiths & Security are by no means lawyers, but with many years experience we offer FREE security advice for you to try and secure a positive outcome, helping you secure a fairer, successful claim and payout.
Prior to any incident at your home, Owl Locksmiths & Security can:
- Check your physical security corresponds to that of your insurance policies,
- Give free advice on home security and incident prevention at any time.
Should we find any shortfall in your security we can carry out upgrades and alterations to bring your security up to YOUR insurance company requirements.
In the event of an incident, Owl Locksmiths & Security can:
- Change the locks and/or supply new keys as per your requirements
- Secure your home temporarily if out of hours or parts are not readily available
- Order replacement parts and fit them as soon as they arrive
- Arrange for a replacement door or unit to be fitted
- Arrange for our glazier, door and window fitter or Carpenter to repair or replace the door frame, door, broken window, or door glass
The aim of Owl Locksmiths & Security is for you, the client to always feel safe and protected in your home. Whether you have been a victim of crime or not.
General …. Insurance Requirements
Generally within the insurance industry they all have a minimum security requirement for domestic properties. The requirements for industrial and retail properties are normally individual and based on the individual building and business in question.
For a domestic dwelling with wooden doors they require a 5 lever mortice lock to (current) British Standards fitted approximately 3 feet from the ground. There should also be a Nightlatch ideally to British Standards fitted at shoulder height. In instances where this is not possible then most insurance companies will request the security is up graded by other means to meet an equivilant level.
In Upvc doors there should be a good quality multipoint locking mechanism fitted with either a selection of hooks or bolts or a mixture of the two.
NOTE: Multipoint locks with rollers only (See Upvc Multipoint page) are no longer insurance rated as rollers are no longer considered locking points only locating points.
However, if the mechanism is fitted with a cheap cylinder or a cylinder too long (i.e. protrudes to far out) then it does not matter how good the lock is as the cylinder will be the weakest point and the most vulnerable to attack.
NOTE: If you have a multipoint that only has a latch in the centre (as pictured) and rollers, these are now down graded and unfortunately should be changed. These multipoints are extremely easy to gain entry by and have NO insurance rating by nearly ALL insurance companies and their underwriters at all. Should you be unsure about any information on this page contact Owl Locksmiths and Security for FREE NO OBLIGATION survey or advice.
Should you be the victim of crime and your security is deemed unsuitable by your insurers it is highly likely that they will reduce the figure paid out should you submit a claim.
For dwellings with a single entry / exit (i.e Flats) separate legal requirements exist and locks fitted MUST comply to the current fire safety regulations. For more information on this contact Owl Locksmiths and Security. As a landlord, if you were to fit a locking device that does not conform to current legal regulation and there is an incident where injury or worse is the result. The penalties are extreme and the risks are just not worth taking.
Window Security. Insurance companies will also check the security of your windows as well as doors. Windows on the ground floor whether wooden or Upvc should be fitted with a lock of some description. Windows higher than the ground floor that can be reached from (for instance) a flat roof must also be fitted with a lock. These can be integrated within the handles or as an added fitments.
What insurance companies never tell you: One major factor which any insurance company WILL NEVER TELL YOU is that it is not just the point of entry in a burglary but also the point of exit.
For example, if the burglar manages to enter through a small window BUT leaves carrying your goods via the front door because of compromised security whether keys in the door or a poor lock, the insurance company are likely to reduce the payout as they would deem the you have been negligent and in their eyes you have assisted the burglar. So be careful and check the small print.
Owl Locksmiths and Security fact sheet. We have put together a fact sheet of what to look for around your home that can be emailed or posted to you. It describes where to look, what to look for and what can be done on a limited budget. If you would like a copy or a free no obligation site visit contact us with your details.