LOCKSMITH & SECURITY ADVICE · REVIEWED 13 NOVEMBER 2026
Check your insurance before lock work
Your insurer may need to authorise help or arrange its own contractor.
Check before commissioning work
If it is safe, check your policy and call the insurer or assistance provider before you book or authorise lock work. Home-emergency cover, lost-key cover and ordinary home or motor insurance are different products; none should be assumed.
- Ask whether this incident is covered and whether prior authorisation or a named contractor is required.
- Check the excess, financial limit and whether attendance, parts, VAT or damage are included.
- Ask whether the claim affects any no-claims benefit and what evidence is needed.
Safety and records
Do not delay emergency help when someone is in danger. If the property is insecure, ask promptly about temporary securing and keep a record of advice received.
- Keep photos, receipts and an itemised invoice; retain replaced parts if police or the insurer may need them.
- Wear, maintenance faults and planned upgrades may be outside cover.
- Before buying a security upgrade or safe, ask the insurer to confirm its requirements for your actual property. A seller's general approval claim is not your policy.
Sources & review
Original directory guidance based on the sources below, checked13November2026. It is general information; confirm your own equipment, policy, access rights and circumstances.