Types of house locks

Can't tell a deadlock from a deadlatch? We can help. If you’re looking to save money on home insurance, it's important to get the right locks fitted.

When you apply for cover, insurers need to know what locks you have on any outside doors or patio doors. 

In some cases, if you don’t have the right locks, you may struggle to get cover at a reasonable price. 

So it's always a good idea to compare quotes from a number of insurance providers to find a good deal. 

You might even get a discount off the normal premium if your property has a higher degree of security.

Door lock types

When comparing home insurance through Confused.com, you’ll be asked what kind of locks you have on all of your outside doors.

This helps insurance companies assess your property’s security level. 

It can be difficult to determine which type of lock you have at home, but it's important to get it right - or you could be at risk of invalidating your home insurance policy.

You'll have to select one of four main options. If you don't have one of these, choose “other lock type” – and consider getting your security upgraded.

Five-lever mortice deadlock

This is the standard deadlock, which offers moderate protection to the main doors in your home. It's lockable from either side and is sometimes used with a nightlatch for added security. 

Five-lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS 3621

Look out for the British Standard kitemark to see if your mortice deadlock conforms to BS 3621.

It's deadbolt locked and unlocked by key from either side, and is recommended by insurance companies - so you might even get a discount on your premium. 

Key-operated multi-point locking system

A multi-point locking system bolts the door into the frame and locks at multiple points at the turn of a key, giving a high level of security.

It's common in modern houses as you'll usually find this type of lock on UPVC and composite doors.

Rim automatic deadlatch with key-locking handle

If you have a rim automatic deadlatch, it will be mounted on the inside of the door. T

he cylinder inside the lock is linked to the keyhole on the outside of the door, allowing homeowners to lock their doors more securely from the inside.