Theft insurance

Whiff
I was going to say the same.
Mine is buried in the garden.
I garden for a disabled lady. Last week we were having this conversation about keys.
She said that her daughter has the spare key. Her daughter runs a beauty parlour in Southend.
So that means said daughter has to leave a customer while she drives to her mum.
Plus the fact that her phone would be in her house ?

We have a burglar alarm, professionally fitted, but it doesn’t count for insurance as it’s not a monitored one.

I always set it when leaving the house.

Auntieflo there was a key safe fitted on my bungalow. Which I never used. When I had my new front door fitted the fitter said I hope you don't use that. Meaning the key safe I said no. He showed me why he will never fit them. He used a screwdriver and popped it open. Then removed it for me.

I hope yours can't be opened like that. The one here had a combination lock.

When we renewed our Insurance we had a questionnaire that I filled in, I deliberately said ‘No’ to burglar alarm, deadlocks, etc. Just in case I forgot to lock up or arm the burglar alarm, the difference in cost was only a few pounds and I know I’m covered especially as DH often leaves doors unlocked and forgets to set the alarm.
I don’t have any small print regarding keys left with other family members though.

You could also try asking the insurer to explain their criteria simply, and you can also ask them how much it would cost if you don't have all of those.

I personally won't have key operated windows, because I want to get out quickly in case of fire. My insurance policy notes the window locks that I do have.

Annsixty - my insurance policy allows me to leave a key with a 'trusted neighbour' when I am 'absent', and this fits with police advice.

Thankyou everyone for the advice.

I don't think that I can sleep at nights now! I'll find a professional to check my locks.

annsixty

My windows all have locks but I couldn’t tell you the last time I locked them when out for a shopping trip or a meal.
Also it is worth noting that if you leave a spare set of keys with family or a neighbour as insurance against being locked out, your insurance is also invalidated.

I did not know that Annsixty, I don’t think my insurance company have that condition as I’m one of those odd people who read the small print in my policy very carefully. Mine gives me a reduction for having an alarm but does not state that it needs to be activated so I queried that before I bought the policy as I don’t always put it on if I’m just going out for a few moments - I know I should but I’m both lazy and forgetful!

I found today that my back door had been left unlocked since last Tuesday when I had someone round to quote for some work outside. Also just last month, after feeling a slight draught when coming into my house at the front door, I discovered that my patio door was wide open - from when I was sitting in the garden the previous day! I really am very careless and should check doors and windows etc more often.

I’m having a key safe fitted soon but I was planning to leave my neighbours with the key they have so I don’t need to give them the code - which they would need to write down!

We contacted our insurers last week, as we have just had a key safe fitted, after advice from our GP, and thought we should advise them, as it could make a difference to our premiums.

The girl on the phone said she had not been asked that before and went to ask 'someone'. She came back to say that a note had been made on our file, but otherwise , no change.
So at least we have notified them.

Some insurance websites have illustrations of different types of lock so you can identify if you have the right ones.

My windows all have locks but I couldn’t tell you the last time I locked them when out for a shopping trip or a meal.
Also it is worth noting that if you leave a spare set of keys with family or a neighbour as insurance against being locked out, your insurance is also invalidated.

Depends on how long ago your windows/doors were replaced. Mine were replaced 6/7 yrs ago and they fill all the insurance criteria. If yours are old maybe you could get them checked by a local glazier for peace of mind.