Insurance & Locks: What Your Insurer Requires

Many people in Brussels discover their insurer's requirements after a burglary, at the worst possible moment. Yet in Belgium, coverage for theft by break-in often depends on the quality of your locks. This guide explains what insurers really look at, so you avoid a nasty surprise at claim time.

Why your locks matter to your insurer

Home insurance generally covers theft by break-in, meaning there must be physical traces of forced entry (a picked lock, a kicked-in door, a smashed window). If your home was poorly secured or left open, the insurer can reduce or even refuse compensation. The logic is simple: the insurer expects a reasonable level of protection from you.

What policies often require

Requirements vary from one policy to another — read your general and specific terms carefully — but you'll often find:

• A certain lock standard: on the front door, many insurers require a multi-point lock or a cylinder resistant to picking and drilling.
• Effective locking: when away, doors must be locked with the key (not just pulled shut) and windows closed.
• Recognised certifications: standards like A2P (the benchmark in high-security locksmithing) or European ratings are valued reference points.
• Maintenance: a worn-out lock left unchanged can be held against you.

The standards in plain terms

You don't need to be an expert, but a few reference points help you talk to your insurer and choose a good lock:

• Anti-burglary cylinder: protected against picking, bumping, drilling and snapping. It's the heart of a door's security.
• Multi-point lock: locking at 3, 5 or 7 points along the height of the door, far more resistant to a crowbar than a single point.
• Benchmark brands: Fichet, Bricard, Picard, Mul-T-Lock, Vachette offer certified models we install routinely in Brussels.

After a burglary: the steps to follow

To be compensated, build a solid file: police report, photos of the damage, list of stolen goods with proof of purchase, and a quote or invoice for the lock replacement. Declare the claim within your policy's deadlines (often 24 to 48 h). The full procedure is in our guide on what to do after a burglary.

Bring your locks up to standard before it's too late

The best time to check your locks is before the problem. A cylinder that sticks out from the rose, a door with no reinforcement, an original lock never changed: these are weak points that burglars spot and insurers penalise. A replacement with a certified cylinder usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Want to know whether your locks meet what your insurance expects? We come and assess in Brussels and Brabant and provide a compliant invoice for your file. Call 0495 205 400.