Two standards, two kinds of door
| Door | Typical lock | Standard to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Timber front/back door | Mortice deadlock or sashlock (often with a nightlatch) | BS 3621 — Kitemark and “BS3621” stamped on the faceplate |
| uPVC or composite door | Multipoint lock driven by a euro cylinder | TS007 3-star cylinder, or 1-star cylinder + 2-star handle |
| Flat entrance door | Often a euro cylinder, sometimes with a mortice | Depends on the lock fitted — check each one |
BS 3621 covers key-operated locks such as 5-lever mortice deadlocks and nightlatches. TS007 covers euro-profile cylinders and the handles and guards that protect them. They are not interchangeable. TS007 is explained here.
What typical policy wording says
- Final exit doors: a 5-lever mortice deadlock or a lock to BS 3621; key-operated multipoint locks are commonly accepted as an alternative.
- Claims may be reduced or refused if the required locks were not fitted or not used.
- Some attacks (such as lock bumping) can leave little sign of forced entry — another reason to have tested, rated cylinders.
How to check you’re covered
- Find the “security” or “locks” condition in your policy booklet.
- Match each final exit door to the standard it names.
- Check the lock or cylinder face for the Kitemark and stars (or BS3621 on a mortice faceplate).
- Keep an invoice that names the product and rating in case you need to show it.
Every kianlocks job comes with an itemised invoice naming the Avocet ABS cylinder and its TS007 3-star and Sold Secure Diamond ratings. £149 flat — upgrade your cylinder. We fit euro cylinders only; if your policy needs a BS 3621 mortice lock, you will need a locksmith who fits those.
Insurance and lock questions
What locks do home insurers require?
It varies by policy, so read your own wording. A common pattern: wooden final exit doors need a 5-lever mortice deadlock to BS 3621, while uPVC and composite doors need a key-operated multipoint lock. Allianz, for example, describes TS007 3-star euro cylinders for uPVC and composite doors.
Is a euro cylinder “insurance approved”?
There is no single “insurance approved” mark. Insurers usually refer to British Standards. For euro cylinders the relevant standard is TS007; a 3-star cylinder (or 1-star with a 2-star handle) is what insurers such as Allianz describe for uPVC and composite doors.
Can my insurer refuse a claim because of my locks?
It can happen. Consumer guides such as MoneySuperMarket warn insurers may refuse a claim if door locks do not meet the standards in the policy, and leaving a door unlocked usually means no payout. Keeping an invoice that names the lock and its rating helps show what was fitted.
Will a 3-star lock lower my premium?
Usually not directly. The Master Locksmiths Association notes most insurers do not give a discount for British Standard locks because they are normally a standard policy condition rather than an extra.