BS3621 requires the lock to have 5 levers (as opposed to just 3) and at least 1000 key differs. BS3621 also requires this lock to anti-picking  security and anti-drilling qualities. The bolt throw must also be a minimum of 20mm. When these are part of the lock, it will then be certified BS3621 approved.

What this lock simply does, is improve the physical security of your property straight away. So why wouldn’t you, one reason why some Commercial Property Owners don’t have this, is they have purchased a building where the door or lock is old and quite simply have not upgraded the door as they believe the door to be, “good and solid” – which it might be! However, it could still be easily drilled or the lock picked, if it has not been BS3621 approved.

How to identify a BS3621 lock.

Identifying the lock is never the difficult part. It is  having the knowledge that your lock should be BS3621 approved in the first place. Simply open the door and look at the lock. You can identify this by the following:

• Kitemark – The lock will have faceplate and this should have a British Standard Kitemark. The kitemark looks like a heart with an “S” in the middle and “B” flat on top.
• Door Type – If the Door is made of wood, it is more likely to have BS3621 approved lock.
• Faceplate – The metal part of the lock on the edge of the door which is usually in chrome or perhaps brass.
• BS Number – BS2621 should be clearly stamped into the lock.

The above lock will allow you to say, “I have the right lock for my insurance?”

Below is a closer look at BS3621 approved lock for insurance to be valid:

If all of the above fails and you still can’t tell if the lock is BS3621 approved, you should contact a MLA approved locksmith.

Below is a photo from a customer who was asked by us to inspect the edge of her door for the correct markings. Although the code itself can be quite difficult to make out, you can clearly see the Kite Mark with and “s” and “ b” as previously described.

The BS3621 requirement not only has many physical qualities to protect your property from potential break-ins, it is also essential to be compliant with your insurance policy. Without this level of security, insurer will often exclude cover for malicious damage, fire or theft! So it is essential you check urgently if you have not done so already.

If you have any difficulty in gaining quality cover, despite having the correct BS3621 in place, then get in touch with Property Insurance Centre. We have access to a large panel of insurers where we can find cover that is not overpriced and tailored to your requirements.