Top Insurance Lock Standards in the UK: BS3621 vs. TS007 Explained
When it comes to securing your home and ensuring you meet your home insurance requirements, not all locks are created equal. Two of the most commonly referenced standards in the UK are BS3621 and TS007.
These are not just random codes—they are the benchmarks insurers often look for when assessing the validity of your home security setup. In this article, we’ll explore what each standard means, why they matter, how to check if your locks comply, and which is right for your home in Lincoln or anywhere else in the UK.
What Are Lock Standards and Why Do They Matter?
Lock standards are industry-agreed benchmarks developed to ensure that locks meet minimum safety and durability requirements. In the UK, these are often set or maintained by organisations such as the British Standards Institution (BSI) or the Door & Hardware Federation. Insurance companies rely on these standards to determine whether your property is adequately protected. If your door locks do not meet the standards outlined in your policy, a break-in could invalidate your insurance claim—even if your home was burgled through no fault of your own.
BS3621: The British Standard for Mortice and Rim Locks
BS3621 is the traditional standard for locks installed on wooden (timber) doors, such as mortice deadlocks and rim nightlatches. This standard ensures the lock is robust against drilling, picking, sawing, and other common attacks. Importantly, BS3621 locks are key-operated from both sides—a feature often required by insurers.
What Makes a Lock BS3621 Compliant?
- Key-operated from both inside and outside
- Minimum 20mm bolt throw (the part that goes into the frame)
- Resistant to drilling, picking, and sawing
- Often accompanied by a British Standard Kitemark on the faceplate
Common Examples of BS3621 Locks
These locks are typically found on older front doors made of timber. Well-known examples include:
- 5-lever mortice deadlocks with a Kitemark
- Rim nightlatches (Yale-type locks) with BS3621 certification
TS007: The Standard for Euro Cylinder Locks
TS007 is a more recent standard introduced by the Door & Hardware Federation and the Glass and Glazing Federation, specifically aimed at Euro cylinder locks—commonly used on uPVC, composite, and aluminium doors with multi-point locking systems.
What Does TS007 Include?
TS007 uses a star rating system (up to three stars) to indicate the level of protection. The minimum requirement for insurance-grade security is usually three stars, which can be achieved by either:
- A standalone 3-star cylinder (e.g. Ultion, Yale Platinum)
- A combination of a 1-star cylinder and a 2-star rated security door handle
Key Security Features of TS007 Cylinders
- Anti-snap protection (forcibly breaking the lock externally)
- Anti-drill and anti-pick pins
- Bump-resistant mechanisms
- Sacrificial cuts—allowing the outer part to break away without compromising internal locking
BS3621 vs. TS007: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which standard applies to your home:
| Feature | BS3621 | TS007 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Lock | Mortice deadlock or rim lock | Euro cylinder (typically for uPVC/multipoint) |
| Applies To | Timber doors | uPVC, composite, and aluminium doors |
| Security Features | Anti-drill, anti-pick, anti-saw, 20mm bolt | Anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-drill, sacrificial cuts |
| Kitemark | Yes (with BS3621 identifier) | Yes (with star rating) |
| Insurance Approved? | Yes | Yes (3-star or 1-star + 2-star handle) |
How to Tell If Your Locks Meet These Standards
To check whether your locks are BS3621 or TS007 compliant, look for the British Standard Kitemark—usually stamped onto the faceplate of the lock (for BS3621) or engraved onto the Euro cylinder itself (for TS007).
If you’re unsure, a professional locksmith can usually identify your lock standard within minutes and advise you on necessary upgrades.
Real Examples in Lincoln Homes
- A Victorian terrace in uphill Lincoln had its old mortice lock replaced with a BS3621 5-lever deadlock to meet the homeowner’s insurance policy renewal condition.
- A detached family home in North Hykeham had a 1-star cylinder replaced with an Ultion 3-star cylinder after a neighbour suffered a break-in via lock-snapping.
- A landlord in Saxilby upgraded all front doors of his HMO properties with TS007-rated handles and cylinders to stay compliant with licensing rules.
Which One Should You Choose?
The answer depends on the type of door you have:
- Timber door: Go for a BS3621 mortice lock or nightlatch
- uPVC/composite door: Choose a 3-star TS007 cylinder or the combined 1-star + 2-star handle setup
If you have both door types on your property, make sure each has a lock that meets the correct standard for its door style. It's also wise to check your insurance policy wording; some insurers specify BS3621 explicitly, while others accept TS007 for uPVC doors.
Need Help Upgrading Your Locks?
At Local Locksmith Lincoln, we supply and fit locks that meet or exceed BS3621 and TS007 standards. Whether you're unsure about your current setup or want to proactively improve security, we offer:
- Lock inspections and compliance checks
- Upgrades to insurance-approved models
- Fast, tidy installation with minimal disruption
Don't leave your home vulnerable or your insurance at risk. Contact us today to schedule your lock check or upgrade.
📞 Call: 01522253327
📍 Service Areas: Bracebridge Heath, North Hykeham, Witham St Hughs, Waddington, Branston, Washingborough, Cherry Willingham, Nettleham, Saxilby, Skellingthorpe