Insurance-Approved & Sold Secure Padlocks: How to Choose the Right Lock

Somewhere between signing your insurance documents and actually understanding them, most people hit a wall. The policy says you need an "approved padlock" and suddenly you're staring at a shelf full of identical-looking locks wondering what on earth separates a good one from one that doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Good news: it's not that complicated once someone explains it properly. Insurance approved padlocks are locks that have passed independent security testing. Not a sticker a manufacturer slapped on the box themselves, but a grade awarded by a recognised testing body after putting the lock through some genuinely brutal assessments. Insurers ask for them because they need to know the lock on your shed door would actually give a thief pause.

This guide walks you through what the standards mean, how to read your policy, and which padlocks are worth buying if you have an insurance policy. 

Insurance approved padlocks are locks that meet specific, independently tested security standards. Insurers reference these standards in their policy wording because they want to know that whatever you're protecting is actually safe and secure. A flimsy padlock on a shipping container full of expensive equipment? That's a claim waiting to happen, and insurers know it.

The thing is, there's no single "insurance approved" stamp. Instead, insurers point to recognised grading systems. The two you'll come across most often are CEN grades and Sold Secure ratings. Some policies also mention closed shackle designs, 5-lever (or more accurately, 5-pin) mechanisms, or specific British Standards.

Here's what makes it slightly confusing: not every insurance policy asks for the same thing. One insurer might specify a CEN 3 padlock. Another might want Sold Secure Gold. A third might just say closed shackle and leave you to figure out the rest. That's why reading your policy wording carefully matters more than you'd think. 

Before you spend a penny on padlocks for insurance, dig out your policy documents. Most insurers will require one of the following:

Quick note on that "5 lever" wording: insurers borrowed the term from door lock standards. Padlocks actually use pin tumblers, not levers, so what they really mean is a 5-pin cylinder. Any quality padlock from Squire or Abus will have 5 or 6 pins as standard, so this one's easy to tick off.

The closed shackle requirement is more interesting. The built-up walls around the shackle make it harder for bolt cutters to get a grip, which is great. However, a closed shackle design alone doesn't tell you how strong the lock actually is. You could have a closed shackle padlock that's weaker than an open shackle one with a higher CEN rating. If your insurer only asks for "closed shackle," it's still worth pairing that with a recognised CEN grade. Our guide to shackle padlock types covers this in more detail.

CEN stands for Central European Norm, and it's a standardised grading system developed by major padlock manufacturers to create consistent security ratings across Europe. Think of it as a universal language for padlock strength.

The scale runs from CEN 1 (basic security) to CEN 6 (the absolute maximum). Testing covers resistance to sawing, drilling, twisting, cutting, and even freezing attacks. It's thorough stuff. If you want the full detail on how these tests work, we've written a dedicated post on how CEN grades are decided.

CEN 3 is where insurance approved padlocks start. It's generally the minimum grade insurers accept for sheds, garages, and storage containing moderately valuable items. The Squire SS50P5, for example, sits at CEN 3 and holds a Sold Secure Gold rating too, which is impressive at this price point.

CEN 4 is a step up, and the grade most commonly required for commercial applications. Shipping containers, warehouse doors, and business premises often need CEN 4. The Squire WS75 container padlock is our bestseller at this level, and it's available in master keyed configurations with standard, restricted, and patented key profiles.

CEN 5 and 6 are serious security territory. The Squire SS65CS closed shackle and the Mul-T-Lock NE14H both achieve CEN 6. These are the padlocks used by the Ministry of Defence and NATO; so yes, they're proper.

Sold Secure is a UK-based non-profit testing organisation, now owned by the Master Locksmiths Association. Where CEN grades focus on a padlock's physical resistance to attack, Sold Secure works closely with police forces and insurance companies to test products against the tools thieves are actually using in the real world. It's a practical, street-level kind of testing.

The Squire SS50CS with G4 chain, for example, carries Sold Secure Gold certification, making it a top choice for high-value items like motorbikes and trailers. At the very top, the Squire SS100CS paired with a compatible high-security chain achieves Sold Secure Diamond approval; one of very few padlocks in the world to reach that level.

People often ask us whether CEN or Sold Secure is "better." They measure slightly different things, and both are valid. Here's how they compare:  

We only stock brands we trust (Abus, Squire, Mul-T-Lock, and Tri Circle), and several of our padlocks meet or exceed common insurance requirements. Here's a closer look at the standout options for each security tier.

For most domestic situations (sheds, garages, garden gates), a CEN 3 padlock like the Squire SS50P5 will satisfy your insurer. Need something weatherproof? The Abus 83WP/53 won't seize up after a few months of British weather. Stepping up to commercial use, the Squire WS75 is our most popular container padlock for good reason: CEN 4 rated, available in master keyed and restricted key profiles, and backed by Squire's 10-year guarantee.

At the top end, the Mul-T-Lock NE14H and Squire SS65CS both achieve CEN 6 with closed shackle designs. The Mul-T-Lock features fully patented key technology; keys literally cannot be duplicated without the owner's permission. For absolute maximum security, the Squire SS100CS paired with a 22mm chain is one of very few padlocks in the world to achieve LPCB Level SR4, CEN 6, and Sold Secure Diamond approval.

Need to secure multiple locks with one key? Many of these models are available in keyed alike or master keyed configurations, which is a real time-saver for businesses managing several access points.

For a detailed product-by-product analysis, read our blog on the top 5 insurance-rated padlocks for home and business security.

Still not sure which insurance approved padlock is right for you? Work through these steps in order.

Your padlock is only as strong as what it's attached to. Fitting a CEN 6 padlock to a hasp that can be unscrewed with a basic screwdriver is a bit like putting a bank vault door on a garden shed.

Matching Your Security System

Your padlock needs to work as part of a complete system. Here's what to check:

• Hasp and staple: Should be heavy-duty, ideally with concealed fixings that can't be unscrewed from the outside
• Security chain: Match the chain grade to your padlock grade. The Squire SS50CS/G4 chain and padlock set is a good example of a properly matched combination
• Ground anchor: Essential for securing motorcycles, trailers, and other mobile assets. No point having a great padlock and chain if there's nothing solid to attach them to
• Installation: Bolts should be coach bolts or security fixings. Standard screws are too easy to remove

If you're unsure what your insurance policy is asking for, or you need help matching a padlock to your application, give our team a call on 0800 542 1264 (freephone) or drop us an email at info@locksdirect.co.uk. We'll point you in the right direction, and we won't try to sell you something you don't need. That's a promise.