Blog Post

Do I need to change my locks?

February 21, 2025

Why Changing Locks is Crucial: Key Scenarios and Importance

Lock change locksmith nearby

Changing the locks on your doors may not be something you think about often, but it plays a critical role in securing your home or business. Understanding when and why to change locks is essential to maintaining safety and security. This guide outlines the importance of lock changes and the scenarios where they become necessary.

Enhancing Security

Lock changes are a fundamental aspect of security maintenance. Old, worn-out locks are easier for burglars to pick or break, compromising your property’s security. Upgrading to new, high-security locks can protect against these vulnerabilities, ensuring that your premises remain safe from unauthorized access.

Key Scenarios for Changing Locks

  1. Moving into a New Home or Office

When you move into a new property, changing the locks is crucial. You never know how many previous tenants or owners might still have keys. Secure your space by ensuring only you and those you trust have access.

2. After a Break-in or Attempted Break-in

If your property has been burglarized or there was an attempt, changing the locks is a priority. This ensures that any compromised locks are replaced, and any potential security weaknesses are addressed.

3. Lost or Stolen Keys

Losing your keys or having them stolen is a direct threat to your property’s security. Change your locks immediately to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining entry.

4. Old or Worn-Out Locks

Over time, locks wear out and become less effective. Regularly updating your locks helps maintain a high level of security and functionality.

5. After Ending a Relationship

If you've ended a relationship where your former partner had keys to your property, changing your locks is a wise decision to ensure your privacy and security.

6. For Enhanced Security Features

Technology and security features improve over time. Upgrading to newer locks can provide enhanced security, like improved pick resistance, smart lock features, or integration with home security systems.

Impact on Home Insurance: The Risks of Not Changing Locks When Moving

One often overlooked aspect of moving into a new home is the impact it can have on your home insurance. Many homeowners may not realize that failing to change locks when moving into a new home can actually invalidate their home insurance policy. Here’s why this is critically important:


Insurance Requirements

Most home insurance policies have specific clauses that relate to the security of the property. These clauses often require that all points of entry are secured with locks that meet certain standards, and that the homeowner must ensure all keys are accounted for. If you move into a new home and do not change the locks, there is a potential risk that previous owners, tenants, or others could still have access to your home. If a break-in occurs and it is found that you did not change the locks, insurers may see this as a failure to secure the property adequately.


Validating Your Insurance

Changing locks when you move into a new home not only enhances your security but also aligns with the terms of most insurance policies, which often stipulate that you must take reasonable steps to secure your home. By changing your locks, you demonstrate compliance with these terms, which can be crucial in the event of a claim.


Professional Advice and Installation

To ensure that your home is not only secure but also compliant with insurance standards, it is advisable to use professional locksmith services. Locksmiths like SMS Locksmiths can provide and install locks that meet or exceed the security standards required by most insurance companies. They can also provide you with a certificate of installation, which can be useful documentation for your insurance provider.



Incorporating a lock change into your moving checklist is not just a security measure—it's also a critical step in ensuring that your home insurance remains valid. Overlooking this step can lead to significant risks, not only in terms of security but also in terms of potential financial loss if an insurance claim is denied due to non-compliance with policy requirements. Make lock changing a priority when you move, and consult with professional locksmiths to ensure that your home meets all required security standards.

This added section emphasizes the importance of changing locks from an insurance perspective, highlighting the potential risks and benefits associated with this practice. This reinforces the overall message of the blog post about the crucial role that lock changes play in home security and insurance compliance.

The benefits of professional lock change services


Using professional locksmith services, like SMS Locksmiths, ensures that your lock changes are done correctly and efficiently. Professionals have the tools and expertise to install various types of locks, from traditional models to the latest in security technology. They can also provide valuable advice on the best type of lock for your specific needs and security goals.

Conclusion

Changing your locks is a proactive measure that can significantly enhance the security of your property. Whether you’ve moved into a new home, experienced a break-in, lost your keys, or simply want to upgrade your security, lock changes are a vital part of maintaining safety. Don’t wait for a security breach to happen; take preventive measures by ensuring your locks are up-to-date and professionally installed.

For anyone considering a lock change, SMS Locksmiths offers reliable, quick, and professional services to meet all your security needs. Ensure your peace of mind by choosing the right professionals to handle your security upgrades by contacting SMS Locksmiths today.

January 20, 2025
Understanding the Importance of Immediate Action After a Burglary
October 23, 2024
Locked out of house? Discover stress-free solutions and smart tips to regain entry without the hassle!
May 1, 2024
When it comes to ensuring a happy and secure home, few elements play a more crucial role than the humble door lock. However, like any frequently used mechanical component, locks require regular maintenance to prevent malfunctions and extend their lifespan. This guide will help you with the essential practices for maintaining door locks, ensuring they stay functional and secure year-round. Alternatively just call us and our lock repair locksmith will take care of it for you.
April 18, 2024
Do you have superglue in your lock? Need to remove it? We can help.
By Simon Gabriel December 1, 2023
Homeowners and business owners frequently experience lockouts, damaged locks, and missing, stolen, and damaged keys.
By Simon Gabriel December 1, 2023
Are you locked out of your home or business in Richmond? Do you need to upgrade, repair, and replace any of its door locks, window locks?
By Simon Gabriel December 1, 2023
Does your residential home or business need a security upgrade in Richmond upon Thames?
By Simon Gabriel November 20, 2023
Emergency lockouts can happen unexpectedly. You may come home and find your door lock damaged from an attempted burglary intrusion. Perhaps you have lost your keys and cannot gain entry to your home. Whatever the emergency, you must call a professional locksmith company with the proper skillset and tools to address the problem quickly. That is where we can help. SMS Locksmith is a professional emergency locksmith company serving homeowners and business owners in Twickenham and surrounding locations. Our company can dispatch a qualified and licenced locksmith to your Twickenham-based location within 30 minutes after you request our help. The locksmith will arrive at your property with all the tools and equipment needed to perform the emergency service. Our emergency lock-opening services use non-destructive techniques to unlock doors and windows. We will not damage the doors and windows during the lock-opening process. However, if your lock is damaged or you have lost your keys, we may recommend our lock and key replacement service to ensure your property remains secure. It all depends on the situation. SMS Locksmith employs the most qualified and dedicated locksmiths in Twickenham . Our emergency locksmith services include lock picking & bypassing, lock slipping, and lock drilling. Afterward, we can replace old or damaged locks. Then, you can have peace of mind about the security of your home or business. Request Emergency Assistance Would you like to request emergency assistance with a lockout or other emergency lock situation in Twickenham ? Call us at 0203-3151-0531 to submit your request today. We look forward to serving you.
Locksmith in Twickenham
By Simon Gabriel November 20, 2023
Do you need a mobile locksmith in Twickenham? Whether you have been locked out of your building or wish to repair or replace its door or window locks, you must hire a professional and trustworthy locksmithing company to do the job right.
By Simon Gabriel October 30, 2023
Some homes and businesses use lockable post boxes to store incoming or outgoing mail securely. Does this sound like your situation? Perhaps you live or work in a neighbourhood with a lot of crime and worry about your packages and letters getting stolen. If that is the case, you must hire a professional locksmith to install sturdy and durable locks in your post box, post room, or letter box. Post boxes and letter boxes are essential to keep secure because they often contain critical financial, personal, and legal documents. The last thing you would want to happen is to see those documents end up in the wrong hands. But that could happen if you lose your keys or have a broken lock in the post box or letter box. Every post box and letter box requires a different type of lock and key. So, if your post box lock is malfunctioning or you have lost or damaged the key, you will need a professional locksmith to install the proper lock and key system for the box. Do not attempt to replace the lock or key yourself because you could worsen the problem. Top Reasons for Post Box Lock and Key Issues Here are the common reasons why you might experience problems with your post box lock or key: 1) Vandalism to the Box Your post box or letter box is always out in the open, where it is susceptible to vandalism. If you live in a neighbourhood with a high rate of vandalized and burglarized properties, don’t be surprised if your post box suffers intentional damage. It should be easy to recognize the signs of a vandalized post box because it will contain scrapes, marks, and scuffs around the lock area. If the lock feels loose or unusual after inserting your key, then you should replace the lock immediately. 2) Stolen Keys Did someone steal the keys to your post box or letter box? If so, you cannot run the risk of the thief using the keys to access the contents of your post box. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the lock and create a new key. That way, the stolen keys will no longer work on your post box. 3) Wear and Tear The locking mechanisms of post boxes and letter boxes will not stay viable forever. There will come a point when the locking mechanisms stop working correctly due to wear and tear from years of usage. Have a professional locksmith replace the lock when the signs of wear and tear appear. Even if the lock is still functional, it is only a matter of time before it malfunctions. Take all signs of wear and tear seriously. Contact a Professional Locksmith SMS Locksmith offers fast, affordable, quality lock replacement services for post boxes, post rooms, and letter boxes. If you need to request this service, please call us at 020-3151-0531 to schedule an appointment. Please note that you must be the property owner or tenant authorized to access the post box, post room, or letter box. Our services cannot be used to access a box or room that you have no authority to use.
Show More
Share by: