Locksmith

Security Advice: Get BS3621 Locks, Trust No Other Locks

karen
  • calendarJanuary 27, 2025
  • time7 minutes

Here’s a startling fact: 58% of burglars enter homes through the front door. Your locks are your first line of defence, yet many UK homeowners don’t realise their locks might not meet their insurance requirements. BS3621 locks could be the difference between a secured home and a rejected insurance claim.

You’ve likely spotted the “BS3621” stamp on locks at the hardware shop. But what does this rating mean for your home security? Let’s get straight to the facts you need to protect your home and keep your insurance valid.

What is BS3621?

BS3621 isn’t just another technical code – it’s your guarantee of lock quality. This British Standard sets strict requirements that locks must meet to prove they’re tough enough to resist common break-in methods. The British Standards Institution (BSI) introduced these standards in the 1960s to help homeowners choose locks they could trust.

While no law says you must have BS3621 locks, your insurance company probably demands them. Most UK home insurance policies need these locks on your external doors. Without them, you risk having your claims rejected.

Think your existing locks are good enough? Here’s the reality: if burglars break in and your locks don’t meet BS3621 standards, your insurance company might not pay out. That means you’d have to cover the cost of stolen items and damage yourself.

What Makes a Lock BS3621 Certified?

A BS3621 lock isn’t just any standard lock. It needs specific features to earn its certification, and each one plays a key role in keeping your home safe:

  • 5 lever mortice deadlock bs3621: Your lock must have at least five levers or pins inside. This makes it harder for anyone to pick the lock, as each lever needs to be perfectly aligned for the key to turn.
  • Hidden screws: Once your door is locked, no screws should be visible from the outside. This stops burglars from simply unscrewing the lock to get in. The lock body stays firmly fixed to your door when it’s closed.
  • Anti-drill protection: A hardened metal plate sits inside the lock to stop drill attacks. If someone tries to drill through your lock, they’ll hit this tough barrier instead of the delicate locking mechanism.
  • Long, strong bolt: The lock bolt must stick out at least 20mm into the door frame. This deep engagement makes it much harder for someone to force the door open by pushing or pulling.
  • Key retention: You can’t remove your key until the bolt is fully extended. This clever feature stops you from accidentally leaving your door only partially secured.

How to Identify a BS3621 Lock

Looking for a BS3621 lock? Here’s what to check:

  • Find the Kitemark: Look for a distinctive heart-shaped symbol with an “S” inside it on the lock’s faceplate (the metal plate visible on your door). This BSI Kitemark proves the lock has passed strict testing.
  • Check the code: Next to the Kitemark, you’ll see “BS3621” stamped into the metal. You might also spot a year, like “BS3621:2017”, showing which version of the standard the lock meets.

BS3621 locks work best with wooden doors, as they need the right door thickness and structure to function properly.

Not sure about your locks? A qualified locksmith can check them in minutes. They’ll spot the right markings and confirm if your locks meet insurance standards.

Types of BS3621 Locks

Let’s look at the main types of BS3621 locks you can choose for your home:

  • Mortice deadlocks: These sit inside your door, with just the faceplate visible. They’re super secure because the lock body is hidden within the door’s wood. You’ll need a key to lock and unlock them from both sides, making them perfect for front doors.
  • Mortice sash locks: Similar to deadlocks, but they include a handle and latch. This means you can open the door with the handle when it’s not locked. The deadlock part still needs a key, giving you both convenience and security when you need it.
  • Euro cylinder locks: These modern locks use a cylinder that you can change without replacing the whole lock. They’re brilliant for uPVC and composite doors, and you can get them as deadlocks or sash locks.
  • Rim nightlatches: You might know these as “Yale locks”. They mount on the inside of your door and automatically lock when you close the door. BS3621 versions are beefier than standard nightlatches and need a key to open from both sides.

BS3621 and Home Insurance

Let’s talk money. Your insurance company isn’t being fussy about BS3621 locks – they’re protecting both of you. Here’s what you need to know:

Most insurers write BS3621 locks into their policies as a basic requirement. If you make a claim after a break-in, they’ll check your locks. Non-compliant locks put you at risk of claim rejections, higher excess payments, policy cancellations, and difficulty finding new insurance coverage.

Beyond BS3621: Additional Security Measures

BS3621 locks give you solid protection, but smart burglars look for other ways in. Here’s how to build extra layers of security around your home:

  • Alarms that talk to your phone: Modern systems send alerts straight to your mobile when someone triggers them. You can watch live footage and even chat with visitors through your doorbell camera. Far better than those old bells that everyone ignored.
  • CCTV that actually works: Today’s cameras record in HD and store footage in the cloud. No grainy videos or lost tapes. Plus, visible cameras make burglars think twice about targeting your home.
  • Stronger door frames: A great lock won’t help if your door frame is weak. Get solid strike plates that spread the force of an attack across the frame. Add hinge bolts on the side to stop criminals from lifting your door off.
  • Smart locks with backup: These let you unlock your door with your phone and check if you remembered to lock up. But make sure you get ones with key backup – tech can fail when you least expect it.

DIY vs Professional Installation

Fancy installing your BS3621 lock yourself? Let’s weigh up your options:

DIY InstallationProfessional Installation
Save money on labour costsLocksmith spots potential problems
Work at your own paceHas proper tools and expertise
Risk of security compromises from mistakesPreferred by insurance companies
Possible door damage during fittingIncludes guarantee on work and parts

If you’re keen on DIY, start with a simple rim lock. But leave mortice locks to the experts – proper fitting means proper security and better sleep.

Ready for professional help? Book our locksmith service for expert advice and solutions, or visit our quote page to get a custom price for your needs.

Making Your Decision

Time to check your locks. Look for that BSI Kitemark. If you can’t find it, you’re probably not covered by your insurance.

Take these steps today:

  • Check your insurance policy for lock requirements
  • Look for the BSI Kitemark on your current locks
  • Call a few locksmiths for quotes
  • Ask about multi-lock discounts

Need help? Local locksmiths know BS3621 standards inside out. They’ll check your current locks and suggest the right upgrades for your doors and budget.

The real question isn’t “Can I afford BS3621 locks?” It’s “Can I afford not to have them?” Your home security starts with your locks. Why risk it with anything less than BS3621?

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