Does Contents Insurance Cover Broken Locks?

Contents insurance covers broken locks, but only in the right circumstances. Whether you’re covered depends entirely on how they got broken. A break-in? Likely covered. Years of wear and a lock that finally gave up? That’s on you. Here’s what you need to know.

At a glance

• Contents insurance typically covers broken locks if the damage is linked to a burglary or attempted break-in.
• Wear and tear, poor maintenance and deliberate damage are excluded. That’s on you.
• Accidental damage to locks isn’t usually included as standard. It’s an add-on worth considering.
• Lemonade’s Theft and Loss add-on also covers lost or stolen keys, including the cost of replacing locks.

When contents insurance covers broken locks

Your locks are part of how you secure your home, and when something unexpected damages them, your contents insurance may step in. But only when the damage results from a specific, insured event.

The most common scenario where cover applies is a burglary or attempted break-in. If someone forces entry and damages your locks in the process, your standard Lemonade contents insurance policy will typically cover the cost of repair or replacement. You’ll likely need to report it to the police and provide a crime reference number to support your claim.

What types of damage or loss are covered?

Here’s a closer look at when your locks are covered:

• Burglary and forced entry: If your locks are broken during a break-in or attempted break-in, you’re covered under a standard Lemonade contents insurance policy. Report it to the police straight away, get a crime reference number and contact your insurer as soon as possible.
• Vandalism: Deliberate damage to your locks by someone outside your home, such as vandalism, is typically covered as an insured event. Document the damage thoroughly and report it to the police before making a claim.
• Lost or stolen keys: With Lemonade’s Theft and Loss add-on, if your house keys are lost or stolen, we’ll cover the necessary costs to replace your locks or keys. This applies whether your keys go missing at home or while you’re out and about.
• Accidental damage: Snapped your key in the lock? Damaged the mechanism during a DIY job? That kind of mishap isn’t covered under a standard policy, but with Lemonade’s Accidental Damage add-on, you would be. It covers sudden and unexpected damage, even if it’s your fault.

When broken locks aren’t covered

Here’s the bit you don’t want to miss. While locks can be covered in the right circumstances, there are clear limits:

• Wear and tear: A lock that’s gradually worn down, rusted or simply given up after years of use isn’t what insurance is for.
• Poor maintenance: Locks that have been neglected or badly maintained are unlikely to be covered.
• Deliberate damage: Damage caused intentionally by you, a family member or anyone you’ve allowed into your home won’t be covered.
• Gradual damage: Any deterioration that’s built up slowly over time, rather than from a sudden event, is unlikely to be covered.

Basically, contents insurance covers your locks against unexpected events, not the inevitable effects of time and use.

What about home emergency cover?

If you want broader protection for lock-related emergencies, like being locked out of your home or needing urgent repairs outside of a standard claim, Lemonade’s Home Emergency cover is worth considering. It gives policyholders with a contents-only policy access to a 24/7 emergency helpline for urgent home issues, including situations where you’ve lost your keys and need immediate help.

Please note: this add-on is only available on contents-only policies.

How to make a claim for a broken lock

If a lock has been broken or damaged, here’s how to handle it:

1. Check your policy. Confirm the lock damage is covered and that the cause, whether a break-in, vandalism or accidental damage, falls within your cover.
2. Report it. If the lock was broken during a break-in or act of vandalism, report it to the police and get a crime reference number. Your insurer will likely ask for this.
3. Document the damage. Photos of the broken lock, any evidence of forced entry, the condition of the door frame – the more detail, the better.
4. Contact your insurer quickly. Let them know as soon as possible. Delays can affect your claim.
5. Hold off on replacing the lock. Wait for your insurer’s go-ahead before getting it replaced or repaired, unless it’s an urgent security issue and you need the property secured straight away.

With Lemonade, you can file a claim straight through the app. No lengthy phone calls, no mountains of paperwork. Just a quick, straightforward process so you can get your locks sorted and your home secured.

Before we go

Broken locks are covered by contents insurance when the cause is sudden and unexpected: a break-in, vandalism or an accidental mishap with the right add-on. Wear and tear and poor maintenance don’t make the cut. Know what’s in your policy, add what you need, and you’ll know exactly where you stand if something goes wrong.

Lemonade’s contents insurance is built around you, not the small print. With cover that’s easy to understand, flexible add-ons and a claims process designed to be simple and human, you can feel confident your home is protected when it matters most. Explore Lemonade’s home insurance options to find the right cover for you.

Broken lock and contents insurance FAQs