If you’ve ever checked your home insurance policy, you’ve probably seen a clause mentioning “approved locks” or “BS3621 compliant locks.”
But what does that actually mean?
And more importantly — how do you know if your door lock meets insurer requirements?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
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What “insurance approved” really means
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The difference between BS3621 and TS007
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Why not all locks qualify
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How to choose the right high-security lock for your home
Why Insurance-Approved Locks Matter
Most UK home insurance policies require:
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A 5-lever mortice lock (BS3621) on wooden doors
or -
A TS007 3-star rated cylinder on uPVC or composite doors
If your lock doesn’t meet the required standard, insurers can:
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Reduce payouts
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Refuse burglary claims
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Increase your premium
Insurance requirements are often shaped by guidance followed across the industry, including standards recognized by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
In short: the wrong lock can cost you thousands.
That’s why many homeowners upgrade to modern high-security door locks that meet or exceed current standards.
You can explore compliant options inside our high-security door locks collection.
The Two Main Standards Explained
1️⃣ BS3621 – Traditional Mortice Lock Standard
BS3621 applies mainly to timber doors.
To qualify, the lock must:
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Be a 5-lever mortice deadlock
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Include anti-pick and anti-drill features
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Display the British Standard Kitemark
These locks are still common on older wooden front doors.
However, most modern homes now use uPVC or composite doors — which brings us to TS007.
2️⃣ TS007 – The Modern Security Standard
TS007 is now the most important standard for uPVC and composite doors.
It was introduced to combat a specific threat:
Lock snapping.
To be considered insurance approved under TS007, a cylinder must be:
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⭐⭐⭐ 3-star rated
or -
Combined with a 2-star handle to achieve equivalent protection
A genuine 3-star rated cylinder includes:
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Anti-snap protection
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Anti-drill protection
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Anti-pick protection
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Reinforced core structure
If your current lock is basic or unbranded, it may not offer this level of defence.
Many homeowners upgrade to TS007-rated euro cylinder locks to ensure compliance and significantly improve overall door security.
How to Check If Your Lock Is Insurance Approved
Here’s a quick checklist:
✔ Look for visible markings
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British Standard Kitemark (BS3621)
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TS007 star rating stamp
✔ Identify your door type
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Timber door → likely needs BS3621
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uPVC/composite door → likely needs TS007
✔ Check your insurance documents
Policies often specify:
“5 lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS3621”
or
“Cylinder lock conforming to TS007 standard”
If you’re unsure, replacing your current lock with a certified option from our door locks collection removes the risk entirely.
Are Insurance-Approved Locks Worth It?
Absolutely — and not just for compliance.
Modern approved locks provide:
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Strong resistance against forced entry
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Protection against snapping attacks
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Increased peace of mind
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Improved resale appeal
Considering the average burglary claim runs into thousands of pounds, upgrading your lock is one of the highest ROI security improvements you can make.
Compliance + Security = Confidence
Insurance-approved doesn’t just mean “tick the box.”
It means:
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Tested against real burglary methods
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Independently certified
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Recognised by UK insurers
Whether you’re protecting a family home or a rental property, fitting the correct high-security door lock ensures you’re covered both physically and financially.
If you’re unsure what standard your current lock meets, upgrading to a certified solution gives you clarity — and significantly strengthens your front-line defence.
Check out the featured products from this article below 👇
