Are door locks covered on house insurance?

Door locks are a critical component of home security, but whether they’re covered by house insurance depends on the specifics of your policy and the circumstances surrounding the damage or loss. In most cases, home insurance falls into two categories: buildings insurance (which covers the structure of your home) and contents insurance (which covers your belongings). Here’s a breakdown of how each may handle door lock coverage:

1. Accidental Damage to Door Locks

Most standard home insurance policies do not cover wear and tear, which includes normal aging or damage from long-term use. If your door lock simply wears out or fails due to old age, you will most likely be responsible for the cost of replacement. However, if you have accidental damage coverage as part of your buildings insurance, your policy may cover the cost of replacing or repairing a damaged lock if the damage was sudden and unintentional, like if the lock is damaged in an accident.

2. Burglary or Attempted Break-in

One of the most common scenarios where door locks are covered by home insurance is after a burglary or an attempted break-in. If your door lock is damaged or broken during a theft or vandalism, this is usually covered by buildings insurance. In these cases, your insurance may cover the cost of replacing or repairing the damaged locks as part of repairing the structural damage to your home caused by the break-in. It’s important to note that in such scenarios, you’ll likely need to provide evidence of the break-in, such as a police report.

3. Emergency Assistance and Locksmith Services

Some home insurance policies offer emergency assistance as an additional service. This coverage can be helpful if you’re locked out of your home due to lost, stolen, or broken keys. Emergency locksmith services may be included in these situations, allowing you to regain access to your home and, in some cases, have the locks replaced if security is compromised. This coverage often comes with an upper limit on how much the insurance company will pay for emergency services, so it’s worth checking your policy details.

4. Lost or Stolen Keys

Certain premium home insurance policies may offer key replacement coverage. If your keys are lost or stolen, this type of coverage can pay for the cost of replacing the locks. However, this is often only available under more comprehensive policies, so it’s important to review your coverage to ensure you’re protected. Some insurers may also offer this as an optional add-on to your standard policy.

5. What’s Not Covered?

While home insurance may cover locks in specific situations, it typically will not cover:

• General maintenance or wear and tear.
• Replacing locks that are old or deteriorated.
• Non-emergency lock changes unless you have specific coverage for key replacement.
  
  

Tips for Protecting Your Door Locks

• Regularly maintain your locks to ensure they are in good working condition.
• Consider upgrading to more secure lock systems if your current locks are old or outdated.
• Report any incidents of theft or attempted break-ins to the police and your insurance provider immediately.

Door locks can be covered under home insurance, but the coverage depends on the type of damage and your specific policy. Burglary-related damage, lost or stolen keys, and emergency lockout assistance may be included, especially in comprehensive policies. Always check your policy details and speak with your insurance provider to understand the exact coverage available to you.

At Toby Hansen Insurance Agency, we can help you find the right home insurance policy that includes protection for your door locks, offering peace of mind when it comes to securing your home. Contact us today to learn more about our coverage options tailored to your needs.