If you’re currently moving home, you likely understand the combination of excitement and stress that comes with the moving process. You probably have a long list of “To Do” items to get through, but don’t forget to change your door locks when you arrive at your new home. Doing this is highly recommended for various reasons, from personal safety to insurance considerations.
In this guide approved by an expert locksmith from Lock & Key, we’ll break down the importance of changing your lock during the moving process. We’ll also outline the best way to complete this, and items you should consider when making the change!
Who has a Spare Key?
This should be your first thought when moving to a new location. You may have assurances from the previous owner or the current landlord, but you never know who might still have access to your home or apartment. Spare keys are quite easy to make, so it’s a good idea to be proactive about changing the door locks.
There are many legitimate reasons why a spare key might have been given to a friend or family member, but it’s best to keep your home secured in case they drop by unannounced. In any situation, it makes sense to change your door locks to prevent unwanted guests from showing up unexpectedly.
Lock Safety and Security Overview
To understand the importance of replacing your lock, it helps to have a working knowledge of locks and common security concerns. This helps you stay ahead of burglars while understanding which security measures are best suited to your property. When you change your locks, you can see what type of lock is fitted on your door.
If previous tenants haven’t completed a lock upgrade, chances are your door has a euro cylinder lock installed. Common euro cylinder locks can be found on most uPVC doors, and while reliable and sturdy, they can be extremely vulnerable to attacks. Criminals can easily force their way into your home by using lock snapping and similar burglary techniques. Euro cylinders can be extremely susceptible to forced entry, which is why it’s advisable to upgrade to an anti-snap lock.
Professional locksmiths recommend that you invest in locks that have been certified by a national security agency, such as the British Standards Institution (BSI). Locks with an official certification are rated to protect against unauthorised use.
Door Locks Can Impact Insurance
Depending on your insurance provider, you can see big insurance benefits by upgrading your locks. Generally speaking, insurance companies pay attention to the type of door locks installed on your property. Some locks, such as the BS3621 mortice lock, can actually reduce your insurance premiums when installed.
On the other hand, if your locks are improperly fitted or otherwise inadequate, your insurance can be negatively impacted. In some cases, insurance companies may decline to pay out entirely in the event of a break-in if a lock fails to meet security criteria.
Certain locks are considered “insurance-approved” because they meet strict security measures. It’s best to look for locks with this title to get the best chances of lowering your insurance premiums.
Listing the Wrong Locks on Insurance Documents
Typically, you’re required to list and describe the type of locks fitted on your exterior doors when setting up a home insurance policy. It’s critical to list the correct locks on your insurance forms, as failing to do so can result in higher premiums and deductibles. An inaccurate description of your locks can result in a breach of contract or other penalties.
It’s highly recommended that you replace the locks on your new home quickly after moving so that you can correctly update home insurance policies with advanced locks. With luck, you’ll quickly see lower premiums and other insurance benefits.
Unforced Entry
Ideally, your home should be impervious to all types of common theft and burglary. However, there are some frustrating cases of burglars gaining entry to a home without the use of force. If your home is equipped with high-security locks, but you leave a window unlocked, is your property truly secured?
Burglars can invade houses of any level of security if there happens to be an easy entrance. It’s even easier when a criminal has access to a spare key and can simply open the door because a homeowner failed to change the locks.
Instances of break-ins where a trespasser gains entry without force are called “unforced entry”. In these cases, insurance companies can refuse to pay out for claims, leaving homeowners and renters to fend for themselves. For this reason, it’s essential to change your locks shortly after moving and remain vigilant regarding home safety.
Should I Try to Do It Myself?
Depending on your level of DIY experience and confidence, you might consider replacing the locks yourself. Certain locks are easier to replace than others, as more sophisticated locking systems require special tools and careful measurements. Unless you’re installing a simple lock, we recommend reaching out to a local locksmith agency to save you time and energy, avoiding potential door damage in the process. Installing a lock yourself can also result in an improper fitment of your lock, drastically reducing the lock’s efficacy. Agencies like Lock & Key can send out a master locksmith to assist you with any type of lock replacement.
Another option is to rekey your locks rather than replace them. This involves changing the mechanical locking system in a lock to fit a new key, making the old keys obsolete. This is extremely hard to do without locksmithing equipment and experience, but hiring a locksmith to rekey your lock might be cheaper than a replacement, depending on the type of lock.
Conclusion
Moving to a new location can be difficult and exhausting, but there are multiple long-term benefits to swapping out your new home’s locks. Replacing your locks can prevent people from entering your home without your permission, whether or not their intentions are pure. High-security locks can also deter burglars from targeting your house. Not only will your home be protected, but your insurance premiums may be lowered as a result of your proactive security measures.
While it’s a great idea to change your locks, locksmiths also recommend that you take all necessary precautions to prevent break-ins when going out of town. This means securing all windows and doors, avoiding posts on social media that advertise your trip ahead of time, and leaving lights on to give the appearance that you’re home. With proper security measures in place, you can be confident in your new home’s security year-round!
