Choosing the right door lock for your UK home can feel confusing with so many types available, but the wrong choice could leave your home uninsured or vulnerable to break-ins. Your door material, insurance policy, and required security level all dictate which lock type is suitable. This guide explains the ten main door lock types for UK homes, ranked by security and practicality.
The most secure door lock type for UK homes is a British Standard BS3621 five-lever mortice deadlock, as it meets insurance requirements and resists forced entry. For uPVC doors, a multi-point locking system with a Kitemarked cylinder is the essential choice.
What matters when you choose: Your door material (timber, uPVC, or composite), your insurance policy requirements, and the level of forced-entry resistance you need. Most home insurers require a lock meeting British Standard BS3621 for timber doors or a TS007 3-star Kitemarked cylinder for uPVC doors, ignoring this can void your contents cover.
Quick comparison of common door lock types
| Lock type | Security level (BS rating) | Typical door | Insurance-approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five-lever mortice deadlock | BS3621 (high) | Timber | Yes |
| Multi-point locking system | BS EN 12209 (high) | uPVC / composite | Yes (with Kitemark) |
| Euro cylinder | BS EN 1303 (varies) | uPVC / composite | Yes (TS007 3-star) |
| Rim automatic deadlatch | BS8621 (medium) | Timber | Varies |
| Night latch | No BS standard (low) | Timber | No |
| Patio door lock | BS EN 12209 (medium-high) | Sliding / French | Yes (with Kitemark) |
| Keyless smart lock | TS007 or Sold Secure (varies) | Timber / uPVC | Varies |
| Rim lock (traditional) | No modern BS (low) | Period timber | No |
| Padlock and hasp | No BS for doors (low) | Shed / gate | No |
| Mortice sash lock | BS3621 (high) | Timber | Yes |
1. Five-lever mortice deadlock
This is the gold standard for timber front doors. A five-lever mortice deadlock is fitted into a recess cut into the door edge and uses five levers to operate the bolt. The BS3621 version is the lock most UK home insurers specify for timber external doors. Without it, your contents cover may be invalid if a burglary occurs through that door. The lock resists drilling, picking, and forced entry by physical attack. It operates with a key from both sides and does not have a handle on the outside. For maximum security, choose a model with a hardened steel plate and anti-drill protection.
- Meets British Standard BS3621, required by most home insurers for timber doors (GOV.UK, 2026)
- Fitted into the door edge, not surface-mounted
- Five levers provide resistance against lock picking
2. Multi-point locking system
Standard on virtually all modern uPVC and composite doors, a multi-point locking system engages bolts at the top, bottom, and centre of the door edge when you lift the handle and turn the key. This spreads the locking force across the door frame. That makes it much harder to force open than a single-point lock. The locking mechanism is housed within the door and operated by a euro cylinder. The entire system should meet BS EN 12209 for insurance approval. If your uPVC door has a multi-point lock, check that the cylinder is also Kitemarked to TS007 3-star standard.
- Locks at multiple points along the door edge; standard on uPVC and composite doors (FENSA, 2026)
- Operated by lifting the handle then turning the key
- Meets BS EN 12209 for insurance-approved security
3. Euro cylinder lock
The euro cylinder is the removable lock core fitted into uPVC and composite doors, including those with multi-point systems. It is a cylindrical cartridge that contains the key pins and operates the locking mechanism. Security varies hugely between models. A basic euro cylinder can be snapped in seconds using a technique called lock snapping. For insurance-approved security, you need a TS007 3-star rated cylinder, which includes anti-snap, anti-drill, and anti-pick features. Alternatively, a Sold Secure Diamond-rated cylinder offers equivalent protection. Always check the cylinder rating when buying a new uPVC door or replacing an old cylinder.
- Fitted into uPVC and composite doors; must be TS007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond-rated (MCS, 2026)
- Vulnerable to lock snapping without anti-snap protection
- Replaceable without changing the entire door lock mechanism
4. Rim automatic deadlatch
A rim automatic deadlatch is a surface-mounted lock fixed to the inside face of a timber door. It uses a spring-loaded latch that deadlocks automatically when the door closes, meaning you do not need to remember to lock it with a key. The BS8621-rated versions offer reasonable security and are sometimes accepted by insurers for back or side doors, though rarely for the main front door. The lock is operated by a key from the outside and a handle or turn knob from the inside. It is easier to fit than a mortice lock because it does not require cutting a large recess into the door.
- Surface-mounted on timber doors; BS8621-rated versions offer reasonable security (TrustMark, 2026)
- Deadlocks automatically when the door closes
- Usually accepted for side or back doors, not main front doors
5. Night latch
A night latch is a simple surface-mounted lock with a spring-loaded latch that holds the door closed. It operates with a key from the outside and a turn knob on the inside. It has no deadbolt and no British Standard security rating. Insurers do not accept night latches as the sole lock on any external door because the latch can be slid back with a plastic card or thin tool. Many older timber doors still have night latches fitted, but they should always be supplemented with a five-lever mortice deadlock or replaced entirely. Use a night latch only on internal doors or as a secondary lock on a garden gate.
- Simple latch lock; no British Standard; not accepted by insurers for main doors (Energy Saving Trust, 2026)
- Vulnerable to being slid open with a thin tool
- Should only be used as a secondary lock on external doors
6. Patio door lock (hook or roller cam)
Patio doors, whether sliding or French, need specific locking systems. Sliding patio doors use a hook or roller cam lock that engages with a keeper on the door frame when you turn the handle. French doors typically use a multi-point system with shoot bolts at top and bottom. These locks must meet BS EN 12209 for insurance approval. The key vulnerability on patio doors is the lock cylinder, which should be TS007 3-star rated, and the bottom track, which can be lifted. Choose a lock with anti-lift devices and a Kitemarked cylinder for proper security.
- Specific to sliding or French doors; uses hook or roller cam bolts for forced-entry resistance (Secured by Design, 2026)
- Must meet BS EN 12209 for insurance approval
- Requires anti-lift protection on the bottom track
7. Keyless smart lock
Keyless smart locks use a keypad, fingerprint scanner, or smartphone app to get the door instead of a physical key. They are increasingly popular for convenience, but security varies widely between brands. For insurance approval, a smart lock must carry a TS007 or Sold Secure rating, just like a mechanical lock. Many budget smart locks lack these ratings and could void your insurance. Smart locks also rely on batteries, which must be replaced regularly, and some models can be vulnerable to electronic hacking. If you choose a smart lock, pick one with a Kitemarked cylinder and a manual key override for power failures.
- Uses keypad, fingerprint, or app; check TS007 or Sold Secure rating for insurance approval (Ofgem, 2026)
- Battery-powered; requires regular battery changes
- Choose a model with a mechanical key override
8. Rim lock (traditional)
Traditional rim locks are surface-mounted locks found on period timber doors, often in older Victorian or Edwardian properties. They consist of a lock case fixed to the inside of the door and a striking plate on the frame, operated by a large iron key. These locks offer very low security by modern standards. The key mechanism is simple and can be picked easily, and the lock case is vulnerable to being forced off the door. Rim locks are usually decorative rather than functional for security. If you have a period door with a rim lock, install a hidden BS3621 five-lever mortice lock as the primary security and keep the rim lock for appearance.
- Historic surface-mounted lock for period timber doors; weak security, often decorative only
- Easy to pick or force off the door
- Should be supplemented with a modern mortice deadlock
9. Padlock and hasp
Padlocks and hasps are not suitable for house doors but are the standard lock type for sheds, gates, and outbuildings. The security level depends on the padlock body material, shackle design, and hasp strength. Choose a hardened steel padlock with a closed-shackle design, which resists bolt cutters and crowbars. The hasp should be secured with tamper-proof screws that cannot be unscrewed from the outside. For insurance cover on garden sheds, check whether your policy specifies a minimum padlock standard, such as Sold Secure Bronze or Silver.
- For sheds, gates, or outbuildings; choose hardened steel and closed-shackle design (Secured by Design, 2026)
- Hasp must use tamper-proof screws
- Check your shed insurance for minimum padlock requirements
10. Mortice sash lock
A mortice sash lock combines a deadbolt and a spring latch in a single mortice unit, fitted into the door edge. It allows the door to be locked with a key (deadbolt) or held closed by the latch for quick access. The BS3621-rated version is suitable for timber external doors and meets most insurance requirements, offering the same security as a five-lever mortice deadlock but with the added convenience of a latch. This lock type is common on front doors that need both security and easy daytime operation. It is also used on internal doors where a lockable option is needed, such as a bathroom or study.
- Combines a deadbolt and latch in one mortice unit; BS3621-rated option for internal or external doors (FENSA, 2026)
- Allows key-locking and latch-only operation
- Suitable for timber front doors where convenience matters
Your door material and insurance policy will dictate which lock type you need. For timber doors, a BS3621 five-lever mortice deadlock or sash lock is essential. For uPVC or composite doors, a multi-point system with a TS007 3-star euro cylinder provides the necessary security.
How to choose the right front door material for your home uPVC vs composite doors which is better How to improve home security on a budget
Frequently Asked Questions
A BS3621 five-lever mortice deadlock is the most secure for timber doors, as it meets insurance requirements. For uPVC doors, a multi-point locking system with a TS007 3-star Kitemarked cylinder is the standard. The MCS recommends both types for high security.
For a uPVC door, you need a multi-point locking system with a Kitemarked euro cylinder rated TS007 3-star. This meets BS EN 1303 standards and is insurance-approved. Always check the cylinder has a Kitemark to avoid voiding your contents cover.
No, night latches are not secure enough for a front door. They have no British Standard rating and can be easily manipulated from outside. Most insurers will not accept them as the sole lock for a main entrance.
BS3621 is a British Standard for five-lever mortice deadlocks, indicating they resist forced entry and meet insurance requirements. It is the most common standard required by UK home insurers for timber doors. Locks with this standard are tested for durability and security.
Yes, you should use a Kitemarked cylinder for your uPVC door, ideally rated TS007 3-star. This ensures the lock meets security standards and is approved by most insurers. Without it, your home insurance may be invalidated.
No, a padlock and hasp is not suitable for a front door. It lacks a British Standard rating for doors and offers low security, easily cut or forced. Use only on sheds or gates.
A mortice deadlock has only a bolt and is used for locking, while a mortice sash lock combines a bolt with a latch operated by a handle. Both can meet BS3621, but the sash lock is more convenient for doors that need to be closed without locking.
