Do Insurance Companies Require Specific Garage Door Locks?

Garage doors are one of the largest entry points to a home, yet they are often overlooked when it comes to security. For many households in the UK, garages store not only vehicles but also bicycles, tools, and sports equipment, all of which are valuable and attractive to intruders. In many properties, a garage also provides direct access into the home, meaning a weak lock could compromise the entire property.

When homeowners arrange or renew their insurance, one of the questions that often arises is whether insurance companies require specific garage door locks. The answer is not always simple, as requirements vary between insurers and depend on the type of property, the garage door design, and the level of cover being sought. This guide explains how insurers view garage door locks, the standards they may expect, and what homeowners should know to stay both compliant and protected.

Why insurers care about garage locks

Insurance companies calculate premiums based on risk. The easier it is for an intruder to gain access to a property, the greater the likelihood of a claim. Locks on external doors, including garages, are therefore an important part of the risk assessment.

If an insurer finds that a garage was not adequately secured at the time of a burglary, they may reduce or refuse a claim. This makes it essential for homeowners to understand what locks are considered acceptable and to ensure their garage security meets the standards expected by their policy.

General requirements for external door locks

Most insurers group garage doors with other external doors when outlining requirements. The most common expectations are:

• British Standard locks: For timber or side-hinged garage doors, insurers often expect a mortice lock that meets BS3621 (5-lever mortice deadlock) or a similar recognised standard.
• Multi-point locking: For uPVC or composite-style doors, insurers usually require a multi-point locking system that engages at several points along the frame.
• Secure cylinders: Euro cylinders must often be anti-snap and Kitemark-approved, especially in high-risk areas.
• Additional bolts or bars: For certain types of garage doors, insurers may recommend or require additional devices such as garage defender bars or internal bolts.

Not all insurers are equally strict, but policies typically include wording that specifies locks must be of “a good standard” or must meet specific standards in order for cover to apply.

How requirements differ by garage door type

Up-and-over doors

Up-and-over doors are still common in the UK, but they are often the most vulnerable. Many older up-and-over doors rely on simple T-handle locks that do not meet current insurance standards.

Insurers may accept a reinforced T-handle or a euro cylinder upgrade, but in many cases they expect additional security such as a garage defender bar or internal deadbolts to supplement the lock.

Sectional doors

Sectional doors typically use euro cylinder locks with multi-point mechanisms. For insurance purposes, these are usually acceptable if the cylinder meets TS007 3-star Kitemark or SS312 Diamond standards. Insurers may specifically ask whether the lock is anti-snap.

Roller doors

Manual roller doors often come with basic slide locks, which may not be sufficient on their own. Insurers may recommend fitting two slide locks, one on each side, or supplementing them with padlocks. For motorised roller doors, insurers usually expect integrated electronic locking systems.

Side-hinged doors

Side-hinged garage doors are treated much like front or back doors. Insurers typically expect a 5-lever mortice deadlock that meets BS3621, or a comparable lock type that is recognised as high security.

Side access doors

If your garage includes a separate pedestrian access door, insurers treat it the same way as any other external house door. This means either a BS3621 mortice lock or a multi-point locking system is generally required.

British Standards and ratings insurers look for

The most important standards for garage door locks in the UK are:

• BS3621: Applies to 5-lever mortice deadlocks and sash locks. Recognised by most insurers as the minimum standard for external timber doors.
• TS007: A British Kitemark standard for euro cylinders. A 3-star rating provides full protection against snapping, drilling, and picking.
• SS312 Diamond: One of the highest levels of certification for euro cylinders, offering resistance to advanced burglary methods.
• Sold Secure Gold or Diamond ratings: Applied to padlocks, bolts, and supplementary devices. These ratings are recognised by insurers as indicators of high security.

If your policy documents specify that locks must meet British Standards, it is important to check that your garage lock carries the relevant marking.

Do insurers always check garage locks?

In practice, insurers often rely on homeowner declarations. When you complete an application, you may be asked to confirm the type of locks you have on external doors. If you declare that you have a British Standard or anti-snap lock and this turns out not to be the case, any claim could be challenged.

In the event of a burglary, loss adjusters may inspect the property and check whether locks meet the description provided. If a garage was entered because of a weak or inadequate lock, the insurer may refuse to pay out.

What happens if your lock does not meet requirements

If your garage door lock does not meet the standards expected by your insurer:

• Your cover may be invalidated for theft claims involving the garage.
• Your overall policy could be considered void if you misrepresented security at the time of application.
• You may face higher premiums if your insurer deems the risk level to be higher.

It is therefore important to upgrade locks promptly if you find they do not meet requirements.

Cost of upgrading to insurance-approved locks

Upgrading does not necessarily mean major expense. Typical costs in the UK include:

• BS3621 mortice locks: £40 to £80 plus fitting.
• 3-star anti-snap euro cylinders: £30 to £60.
• Reinforced T-handle locks: £20 to £40.
• Garage defender bars: £50 to £100.
• Heavy-duty slide bolts or padlocks: £20 to £50 each.

Compared with the potential cost of an invalid insurance claim, these are relatively modest investments.

Supplementary measures insurers may encourage

Some insurers do not stop at locks. They may recommend or even require additional measures such as:

• Garage defender bars: External steel bars that stop up-and-over doors from being forced.
• Internal bolts: Extra slide bolts or deadbolts to provide multiple locking points.
• Security handles: Reinforced handles that shield vulnerable lock cylinders.
• Smart alarms: Integration of garage doors into home alarm systems.
• Motion sensor lighting: To deter opportunists.

While not always mandatory, these measures reduce risk and can sometimes result in lower premiums.

How to check your own policy

To determine whether your insurance company requires specific garage door locks:

1. Read your policy documents carefully. Look for sections on “minimum security requirements” or “theft cover conditions.”
2. Identify whether British Standards are specified.
3. Contact your insurer directly if you are unsure. They can confirm whether your current lock meets requirements.
4. Keep written confirmation for your records in case of disputes later.

Why proactive upgrades are worthwhile

Even if your insurer does not specifically require a certain type of lock, upgrading is still worthwhile. Burglars often target garages because they expect weaker locks. A visible high-quality lock or security bar can deter attempts altogether. Upgrading also ensures peace of mind that your insurance cover will not be questioned.

Final thoughts

Do insurance companies require specific garage door locks? In many cases, yes. While requirements vary, insurers typically expect locks that meet recognised British Standards, particularly BS3621 for mortice locks and TS007 or SS312 standards for euro cylinders. Side-hinged doors are treated like other external doors, while up-and-over and roller doors may require supplementary measures such as defender bars or slide bolts.

Homeowners should always check their policy documents and confirm with their insurer if unsure. Upgrading to insurance-approved locks is not only about compliance but also about reducing the risk of burglary and ensuring peace of mind. The modest cost of upgrading is far outweighed by the protection it provides against invalid claims and potential losses.