There are lots of reasons for which you should have your locks changed
Would you change the locks on a new property when you move house? According to a new survey most would not. Insurers suggest your home insurance claim is at risk of being turned down if a spare set of keys was used by a previous owner to commit burglary. Your insurer will normally need to see evidence of forced entry before paying out on a burglary claim. Do not be a victim; ask your local locksmith for free advice and protect your belongings, home and personal safety.
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Over half of movers don't change locks
Moving House? Do you know who has had keys for your new property? Would you change the locks on a new property when you move house? Most of us would not, according to a new survey. But experts suggest a home insurance claim is at risk of being turned down if a spare set of keys was used by a previous owner or tradesman to commit burglary. Are we too trusting? Research from mortgage broker Ocean Finance has found that 30 per cent of movers change locks on all external doors. A further 12 per cent install new locks on at least one door – usually the home’s main entrance. But the remaining 58 per cent are happy to leave their security arrangements as they are. This is despite the fact that they cannot be sure whether any third parties have a set of keys for their new property. ‘Basic precaution’ Ian Williams from Ocean Finance says: "Most, if not all, homeowners would say that securing their house was very important to them. "So it’s really odd that we don’t take the basic precaution of changing the locks. "We seem prepared to take it on trust that the vendors and estate agents have given us all the copies of the keys." The firm found that people who lived in cities were more likely to change their locks: almost half do so when they move in. In rural areas however, far fewer movers will take this precaution. In Devon and Cornwall, for example, the rate is just 30 per cent. Young people more wary The study also found that young people are more inclined to change their locks than older homebuyers. But what are the implications for home insurance claims if you fail to change locks on a new home? If you have items stolen, your insurer will normally need to see evidence of forced entry before paying out on a burglary claim. ‘Take reasonable care’ Steve Foulsham, head of technical services at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, says: "A policyholder does have to demonstrate that they have taken reasonable care. "And they could be asked to prove that they have done this with who has access to keys, resulting in an awkward conversation with their insurer. "Changing locks when you move in to a new property is certainly something which we would advise." Ian Williams adds: "For most people, buying a house is the largest purchase they’ll ever make, so spending a few extra pounds just for the peace of mind of knowing who has a key to it seems sensible. What about tenants? If you are moving into new rented accommodation, you should be able to change the locks if you are worried about previous tenants having access to your home. Recent research from insurer Direct Line showed that more than 90 per cent of landlords do not change the locks on properties between tenancies. Check your tenancy agreement to see if you are allowed to change locks or whether you need your landlord’s consent in advance. Bear in mind that there is a strong chance you will have to foot the bill for doing so – although it is of course worth asking your landlord to pay. Instruction to open up a seized window sash, after some further problem solving someone had broken the mech and screwed it shut. sneeky
Glass Replacements and Draught ProofingReplacing 4mm Clear standard glass for toughened double glazed units into existing Timber hardwood frame. fitting deadlocks and door rack bolts. Fitting dedicated 7mm draught pile strip to door
Fitting double glazed units into timber frames due to unit breakdown, Making sure to clean rebates and beads of all old beading compound. Re glazed and bedded using butyl glazing compound
With Autumn and winter approaching fast its time to think about your home security and how secure your home and property is. With insurance companies tightening down on claims are your locks and security up to insurance specifications stated in your policy?. Have you declared that you have British Standard locks when in fact you have not. Your insurers could decline your claim if the unthinkable should happen. If you are unsure as to what locks you have fitted contact your Local locksmith for advice. Denbigh Locksmiths & Joinery Services Your security is important and you work hard for what you have in and around your home, check your doors, windows these should be locking or fitted with keyed locks, gates and external lighting all help to deter the people who want to intrude on your property. Your local locksmith has a vested interest in and around his area in supplying you with good sound advice Doors should be fitted with BS kite marked cylinders Anti-Snap or Mortice deadlock/sash locks. They should be fitting securely and locking correctly and hooks, bolts engaged fully. External fitted bolts and door chains should be checked. Check your doors that are hidden from easy viewing these are the week points that are targeted. Windows should be fitting and closing correctly with all shoot bolts working and engaging low level windows should be lockable or any accessible upper windows should be lockable. Garages are mostly used for storage nowadays think about securing the doors and making sure locks are working correctly, take a look are what you store in there and the cost of replacing the items you will be shocked at replacement costs. Check external lighting, replace those bulbs that are not working. sheds and storage areas should be lockable with padlocks. Ladders and tools should be chained up or stored away out of site, don't give them the tools to gain entry into your home Don't make it easy for them some simple steps can make a big difference As of late there has been local Burglary attempts in and around Denbigh,Ruthin and Denbighshire Area, These are the times we are living with, It doesn't cost a fortune to secure your home and property and take some FREE advice on security. Denbigh Locksmiths can advise and help you protect and secure your home to a reasonable level to deter the unthinkable. Thousands of homes are fitted with sub standard locks to entry exit doors and windows, Please take some time to look at these. Many insurance companies are refusing to cover properties without a set level, Just because you have UPVC doors and numerous locking points this does not mean your safe, its all controlled by the lock cylinder. Below are substandard cylinder fitted in and around many homes today, fitted because of low cost and profit and lack of knowledge on how to fit locks Below are Anti-snap British standard cylinders and handles, Denbigh Locksmiths only fit British Standard locks throughout my services
Are your cylinder locks British standard kitemarked, Denbigh Locksmiths only fit British Standard Locks, Anti-snap. If your lock cylinders look anything like the pictures below please consider changing them as soon as possible your insurance could be void if the unthinkable happens For a full list of what Denbigh Locksmiths can offer click link below
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