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Will a Smart Lock be Suitable for Home Insurance requirements

Better Safe Than Sorry

As a homeowner, you already know the importance of protecting your home and its contents with insurance. If you’re considering installing a smart lock, it's crucial to understand how it might affect your home insurance policy. This guide will explain the role smart locks play in home security and how they may impact your insurance coverage.

This article is intended to provide general advice on insurers' practices regarding smart locks and offer guidance on reading your policy for theft and burglary protection. Always consult your insurance provider for specific details, as coverage options and requirements vary.

Do Smart Locks Affect Insurance?

You might wonder if installing a smart lock could void your home insurance or limit your coverage in case of a break-in. It’s a valid concern, and understanding the relationship between your smart lock and your insurance policy is crucial.

The short answer is "it depends". Usually more on the type of lock the "smart" part fits to. The above Tedee smart lock fits onto a 3 Star British Standard cylinder, this means the smart part isn't changing the actual locking mechanism. This is the ideal scenario as it can allow your insurance company to use previous standards and apply them to the latest equipment.

Is a Smart Lock Secure?

When considering a smart lock, it’s natural to question its security. While traditional locks have clear standards, smart locks are relatively new, and not all insurance policies directly address them. It’s essential to verify that the smart lock you choose meets your insurer's requirements for protecting your home. Most insurers focus on the lock cylinder, which does the actual work of keeping your property secure. The best rating for the Euro cylinders is 3 star Kitemarked TS007 - 2014. You can easily tell if your cylinder has a rating as it will be marked on the face of the lock with 3 stars.

For example, smart locks like Tedee control the existing lock cylinder, enhancing convenience without compromising security. This is perfect as the Euro cylinder will retain its 3 star rating and it gives you not only the look of a standard Euro cylinder lock externally it also gives you an override key for the smart lock in case anything happens to the smart lock so you can still get into your home with the use of a high security key.

When to Consult Your Insurance Provider

If your home contains high-value goods or specific security features (such as CCTV) your insurance policy may have unique requirements. In these cases, it's best to consult your provider to ensure that the smart lock you're considering is compatible with your policy. Some insurers may require additional high-security measures beyond what standard smart locks offer.

Properties with advanced security needs, such as businesses or estates, may require custom solutions that include both smart and traditional security features.

What to Check in Your Policy

Most insurance policies specify basic security requirements for your doors and windows. Common requirements usually include at least one of the following:

  • At least a BS3621 rated lock on external doors
  • A multi-point locking system - 3 or more points of locking
  • Burglar-resistant cylinders - Kitemarked either with 1 or 3 stars ( 3 is the best)

Ensure your smart lock works with these security standards. For example, Tedee smart locks are compatible with multi-point locking systems and high-security cylinders, making them a viable option for many homes.

Installation Considerations

When installing a smart lock, you can either use an adapter to keep your existing lock cylinder or replace it with a new, dedicated smart lock cylinder. Each method has different implications for security, but both can meet the requirements set by most insurance policies, provided that the underlying cylinder is certified.

Will Home Insurance Cover Losses if You Have a Smart Lock?

In case of a burglary, the critical factor for most insurers is whether there are signs of forced entry. A smart lock can actually enhance security by automatically ensuring that your door is locked. Additionally, many smart locks provide activity logs that show when and how the door was accessed, offering extra proof in case of a claim.

Final Tips for Insuring a Home with a Smart Lock

  • Review Your Policy: Always review the security requirements outlined by your insurer. Look for terms like “two-point locks,” “attested cylinders,” or “electronic mechanisms.”
  • Consult Your Provider: Verify any doubts with your insurance agent or a locksmith.
  • Ask for Discounts: Some insurers may offer reduced premiums for homes equipped with smart locks due to their enhanced security features.

Smart Locks and Insurance: A Growing Trend

As smart home technology becomes more common, some insurers may even view smart locks as an added layer of protection, which could help lower your insurance premiums. Be sure to ask your provider if they offer any discounts for smart home security systems.