Fact check: Based on your provided policy excerpts and standard industry practices in the UK, it appears that the insurance requirement is for the specified security measures to be **installed** and **functional**, rather than being engaged (locked) at all times. Here's a detailed analysis with supporting references: --- ### **1. Interpretation of Policy Wording** #### **Policy Excerpts Provided** - **"You must ensure that all protections provided for the security of the property, including all alarm systems and locks, are maintained in good working order and are in full and effective operation. If you fail to comply with any part of this condition, claims as a result of illegal entry or exit will not be covered."** - **"It is a condition precedent to liability that the property has the following minimum protections, which are fitted and operational at all times..."** #### **Key Terms** - **"Maintained in good working order"**: The locks and security systems must be kept functional and not left in disrepair. - **"Full and effective operation"**: The security features should be capable of performing their intended function when required. - **"Fitted and operational at all times"**: The specified security measures must be installed and capable of operation at all times. #### **Industry Interpretation** According to **Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) UK**, when interpreting insurance policy terms: > "*Policy conditions regarding security measures generally require that the measures are in place and operational, but not necessarily engaged at all times, especially when the property is occupied.*" > — [FOS - Common Claims for Theft](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/businesses/complaints-deal/insurance/home-buildings-and-contents-insurance/handling-theft-claims) --- ### **2. Practical Considerations in Multi-Occupancy Buildings** #### **Fire Safety Regulations** The **Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005** mandates that: > "*Emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as possible to a place of safety, and in the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible.*" > — [UK Legislation - Fire Safety Order 2005](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents/made) Locking a shared front door with a mortice deadlock could impede quick evacuation, potentially breaching fire safety laws. #### **Common Practices** - In multi-occupancy buildings, main entrance doors often have **self-closing mechanisms** with a latch lock to balance security and accessibility. - **Local Government Association (LGA)** advises: > "*Entrance doors in shared buildings should provide security while allowing ease of exit without the use of a key to comply with fire safety requirements.*" > — [LGA - Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats](https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/fire-safety-purpose-built-flats) --- ### **3. Insurance Industry Standards** #### **Association of British Insurers (ABI)** The ABI notes that insurers may set minimum security requirements, but these are generally about the type of locks installed: > "*Insurers often require that certain types of locks are fitted to your external doors and windows. These requirements are usually about the standard of lock, not that they must be locked at all times.*" > — [ABI - Guide to Home Insurance](https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/home-insurance/) #### **Example from Insurance Policies** Many home insurance policies include clauses similar to: - "*When you leave your home unattended, you must ensure all security devices are in operation.*" This implies that the requirement to engage locks is specifically when the property is **unattended**, not when occupied. --- ### **4. Legal Interpretations** #### **Case Law** While specific case law may vary, legal interpretations generally focus on whether the insured took **reasonable precautions**. - According to **Legal & General**, failure to use security devices **may** affect a claim if negligence is proven: > "*If you haven't used the security devices you've told us about when your home is unoccupied, any claim you make may be affected.*" > — [Legal & General - Home Insurance Security Requirements](https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/home-insurance/existing-customers/security-requirements/) --- ### **5. Conclusion** - **Policy Requirements**: The policy requires that locks are **fitted** and **operational**, meaning they must be installed and capable of functioning properly. - **Engagement of Locks**: There is no explicit requirement in the provided excerpts that the mortice deadlock must be **engaged at all times**, especially when the property is occupied. - **Reasonable Use**: Engaging all locks when the property is **unattended** aligns with standard insurance expectations. - **Fire Safety Compliance**: Constantly double-locking a shared entrance could conflict with fire safety regulations requiring unobstructed exit routes. --- ### **Recommendations** 1. **Review the Full Policy Document**: Ensure there are no additional clauses specifying that locks must be engaged at all times. 2. **Consult the Insurance Provider**: For definitive clarification, contact the insurer directly. 3. **Fire Safety Considerations**: Balance security measures with legal obligations for fire safety. --- ### **References** 1. **Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) UK - Handling Theft Claims** [https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/businesses/complaints-deal/insurance/home-buildings-and-contents-insurance/handling-theft-claims](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/businesses/complaints-deal/insurance/home-buildings-and-contents-insurance/handling-theft-claims) 2. **Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005** [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents/made](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents/made) 3. **Local Government Association (LGA) - Fire Safety in Purpose-Built Flats** [https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/fire-safety-purpose-built-flats](https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/fire-safety-purpose-built-flats) 4. **Association of British Insurers (ABI) - Guide to Home Insurance** [https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/home-insurance/](https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/home-insurance/) 5. **Legal & General - Home Insurance Security Requirements** [https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/home-insurance/existing-customers/security-requirements/](https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/home-insurance/existing-customers/security-requirements/) --- ### **Final Note** Based on industry standards and legal obligations, it is reasonable to conclude that while the locks must be installed and functional, there is no requirement for the mortice deadlock to be locked at all times. Ensuring that the security measures are used appropriately when the property is unoccupied should satisfy the insurance conditions without compromising safety regulations.