UK smart lock buyers urged to check door fit and insurance rules
Smart locks let people enter their homes using a phone, code, fob or biometric features, and some can be operated remotely. Interest is growing in the UK, but buyers need to check that a lock suits their door and meets their insurer’s requirements, or installation could affect their cover.
There are three main types: units that replace the handle, retrofit devices fitted over an existing lock, and electronic cylinders that replace the mechanical one. Prices range from under £100 to more than £1,000, with a good-quality unit estimated at £200 to £250 before fitting; cited examples cost about £200 and £339. Buyers are advised to look for the BSI Kitemark or Sold Secure SS504 certification, check compatibility with UK door cylinders, and consider that smart locks may last only five to six years, compared with around 20 years for a traditional lock.
In short
- Check door compatibility and insurance terms before buying.
- Look for recognised security certification.
- Smart locks may need replacing sooner than traditional locks.
Explained simply
A smart lock controls access to a home using features such as a phone, PIN code, key fob or fingerprint; some can also be operated remotely. Most either replace the handle or cylinder, or fit over an existing lock, and prices and expected lifespans vary.
In the UK, a lock must fit the door and work with its cylinder, which may differ from systems used elsewhere. Buyers may also want to check for recognised security marks such as the BSI Kitemark or Sold Secure SS504.
Home insurance policies can set requirements for door locks, so fitting a smart lock that does not meet them could affect cover. Checking with the insurer before buying or installing one can help clarify what the policy requires.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “What to look for if you’re buying a smart lock in the UK”.