Secure Locks

Yesterday I ordered a pair of 2xGG doors from Doors Galore in Sheffield. They're to replace a couple of doors that are about ready to fall off. Quite literally. If a burglar pulled them to see if they were open - they would open! So in the next couple of days I plan to swap them.

Talking of security (or lack thereof) the changing of doors has brought the security of the whole house back to my attention. It's always been my thinking that your homes-and-contents insurance is only as good as your locks.

On the Yale website it says of mortice locks:

If you are burgled and it is later found that you did not have an appropriate lock on your door, then your insurance company can refuse to pay your claim.

I know, I know. They would say that wouldn't they. But I've heard it from more than a few sources and take it as read. Also, I don't trust insurance companies. If they can find a way out of paying, they will. So I want to make sure my house meets the standards required.

Today I called our insurance company, Centrepoint Insurance, to see what their requirements were of locks and the like. As I'd expected they didn't really have any quidelines. The lady I spoke to said I should just "keep the house in good repair" and not worry about it. The fact they are so non-commital set alarm bells ringing. They're a small comany (no website!) and just the company we defaulted to when our mortgage broker signed us up with them when we moved.

It might sound stpud but I'm going to move our insurance to a company that does have guidelines on this. As studid as I think these rules on lock quality are (if a burglar wants in, he'll get in) I'd rather feel safe in the knowledge I won't find out I'm not insured when I need it.