A uPVC window with a PAS 24 2022 rating costs roughly 15% more than an unrated equivalent, but the break-in prevention can save you £2,000+ in claim excess and repairs.
When you shop for replacement windows, you will encounter security ratings like PAS 24, STS 202, and Secured by Design. These labels promise better protection against forced entry, but they also add a visible premium to the invoice.
A uPVC window with a PAS 24:2022 rating costs roughly 15% more than an unrated equivalent, but the break-in prevention can save you £2,000+ in claim excess and repairs. Compare PAS 24, STS 202 and Secured by Design to choose the right level for your home.
- PAS 24:2022 is the current British Standard for enhanced security windows.
- STS 202 certification is functionally equivalent to PAS 24 for insurance purposes.
- Secured by Design requires PAS 24 or STS 202 plus extra crime-prevention measures.
- A PAS 24 rated window costs roughly 15% more than an unrated equivalent.
- Preventing a burglary can save £2,000+ in average repairs and insurance excess.
- A uPVC window with a PAS 24 2022 rating costs roughly 15% more than an unrated equivalent, but the break-in prevention can save you £2,000+ in claim excess and repairs.
- The three security ratings you will see on a uPVC window PAS 24, STS 202, and Secured by Design
- Quick numbers — cost, rating, and insurance discount
- PAS 24 2022 is the direct, plain-English answer to what a uPVC window security rating means
- Eligibility and certification — how to verify an installer and a window
- What the security rating does not cover — glass, hinges, and installation quality
- Is the extra cost worth it — payback through lower insurance and peace of mind
A uPVC window certified to PAS 24:2022 costs around 15% more than an identical unrated unit, according to a 2026 market survey by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF, 2026). That premium buys a tested barrier that can prevent a burglary costing an average of £2,000 in repairs and insurance excess, based on Association of British Insurers data on domestic theft claims (ABI, 2026).
The three security ratings you will see on a uPVC window PAS 24, STS 202, and Secured by Design
Three certification labels dominate the UK window market. PAS 24:2022 is the current British Standard for enhanced security doorsets and windowsets, superseding the 2016 version. It is a test standard, not a product code, and it sets the minimum performance a window assembly must meet to resist forced entry.
STS 202 is a third-party certification run by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB). It is functionally equivalent to PAS 24 for insurance purposes, and many insurers accept it without further checks (LPCB certification directory, 2026). Secured by Design (SBD) is the police-preferred standard. It requires the window to meet PAS 24 or STS 202, plus additional crime-prevention measures such as restricted access to the locking mechanism and anti-tamper fixings (Secured by Design official website, 2026).
Quick numbers — cost, rating, and insurance discount
| Window type | Average cost (fitted) | Security standard | Typical insurance discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard uPVC, 600x900mm | £400–£550 | Unrated (basic lock only) | None |
| PAS 24 rated uPVC, 600x900mm | £480–£700 | PAS 24:2022 | 0–5% (varies by insurer) |
| Secured by Design uPVC, 600x900mm | £550–£800 | SBD (includes PAS 24) | 5–10% (common on SBD policies) |
| Budget non-rated uPVC, 600x900mm | £300–£400 | Unrated | None |
Cost data is drawn from Checkatrade and MyBuilder average fitted quotes for a standard side-hung casement window in 2026 (Checkatrade, 2026). Insurance discount figures are based on MoneySuperMarket and Comparethemarket internal data on home insurance policies that ask about window security ratings (MoneySuperMarket, 2026).
PAS 24 2022 is the direct, plain-English answer to what a uPVC window security rating means
PAS 24 is a test standard, not a marketing badge. It simulates a burglar trying to force the window open using common tools — a screwdriver, crowbar, and hammer. To pass, the window must withstand a defined set of manual and mechanical attacks for a minimum time without the locking mechanism failing or the frame being prised open (British Standards Institution PAS 24:2022 document summary, 2026).
The standard covers the whole window assembly — frame, sash, hinges, locks, and glazing bead. It does not test the handle or lock in isolation. This means a window with a PAS 24 rating has been physically attacked in a lab, and the entire structure held. If a window carries only a “security lock” claim without the full assembly test, it does not meet PAS 24.
Eligibility and certification — how to verify an installer and a window
Installers must be registered with a Competent Person Scheme such as FENSA or CERTASS to self-certify compliance with Building Regulations Part L (energy efficiency) and Part Q (security) (GOV.UK guidance on Competent Person Schemes, 2026). Part Q requires that replacement windows meet PAS 24 or an equivalent standard, but only if the installer self-certifies.
To confirm a specific window meets PAS 24 or SBD, ask the installer for a certificate from an accredited test house — BRE, Wintech, or BM Trada — or check the product listing on the SBD or LPCB website. The manufacturer’s product data sheet must show the exact rating code, such as “PAS 24:2022” or “STS 202 BR 1”. A generic “security lock” or “multi-point locking” claim is not evidence of certification.
What the security rating does not cover — glass, hinges, and installation quality
A PAS 24 rating tests the window as a whole, but the glass must also meet BS EN 356 (laminated or toughened) to prevent forced entry through the pane. The rating alone does not guarantee the glass is burglar-resistant. Hinges are tested as part of the assembly, but a PAS 24 pass does not guarantee the hinge is tamper-proof if the window is fitted incorrectly (FENSA technical bulletin on window security and installation, 2026).
Poor installation voids the security rating regardless of the product certificate. Gaps around the frame, missing packers, or incorrect fixings create weak points that a burglar can exploit. The rating applies to the window as tested in a lab under controlled conditions, not to a window that is installed with visible gaps or loose fixings.
Is the extra cost worth it — payback through lower insurance and peace of mind
A PAS 24 or SBD-rated uPVC window typically adds £80–£150 per window compared to a standard unrated unit. Home insurers may reduce your buildings and contents premium by 5–10% if all ground-floor windows are SBD-rated, though this varies by provider and postcode (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). The upfront cost is rarely recouped solely through premium savings within five years. However, it eliminates the risk of a claim for forced entry and the associated £250–£500 excess, plus the cost of replacing a damaged window frame and glass — typically £1,500–£2,500 (ABI data on average home insurance excess and premium discount modelling, 2026).
How to choose the right window security rating for your home
For most homeowners, the decision hinges on whether the extra £80–£150 per window is acceptable for reducing the risk of a forced entry. If you live in a low-crime area and have a standard home insurance policy, an unrated window may be sufficient. If your insurer offers a discount for SBD-rated windows, or if you want the strongest deterrent, the premium is justifiable as a one-off cost that lasts the window’s lifetime.
Understanding Building Regulations Part Q for replacement windows
Frequently Asked Questions
Secured by Design (SBD) is the police-preferred standard and the highest rating for uPVC windows. It requires the window to meet PAS 24 or STS 202 plus additional crime-prevention measures, as confirmed by the Secured by Design official website.
PAS 24 is a British Standard test for enhanced security doorsets and windowsets. It sets the minimum performance a window assembly must meet to resist forced entry, according to the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF).
No, STS 202 is functionally equivalent to PAS 24 for insurance purposes. The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) states that many insurers accept STS 202 without further checks, so neither is better than the other.
Yes, many insurers offer a discount on home insurance for windows with Secured by Design certification. The discount varies by insurer but can be around 5-10%, based on Association of British Insurers guidance.
A uPVC window certified to PAS 24:2022 costs roughly 15% more than an identical unrated unit, according to a 2026 market survey by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF).
