Insurance-Rated Padlocks

When protecting valuable assets, insurance-rated padlocks provide the security level that insurance companies recognise and require. These certified locks undergo rigorous testing to meet specific standards, giving you confidence that your belongings are secured adequately while maintaining your insurance coverage.

Insurance companies often specify minimum security requirements for padlocks protecting high-value items. Without proper certification, you might discover your insurance won't cover theft from areas secured with inadequate locks. That's where CEN-graded padlocks and Sold Secure-approved options become essential for both security and peace of mind.

What Makes a Padlock Insurance-Rated?

Insurance-rated padlocks achieve their status through independent testing by recognised bodies like CEN (Central European Norm) and Sold Secure. These organisations put padlocks through intensive tests measuring resistance to cutting, drilling, picking, and other attack methods commonly used by thieves.

CEN grading ranges from 1 to 6, with grade 6 offering maximum security. Most insurance companies require at least a CEN grade 3 or 4 to cover valuable items. The Squire WS75, our most popular container padlock, boasts a CEN 4 rating that satisfies most insurance requirements whilst providing robust protection for shipping containers and storage units.

How Do Insurance Companies View Security Ratings?

Insurance providers recognise these certifications when assessing policy premiums and claim eligibility. An appropriately rated padlock demonstrates you've taken reasonable precautions to secure your property. This proactive approach can lead to lower premiums and ensure coverage remains valid if you need to make a claim.

Many insurers specifically request Sold Secure Gold-rated products or CEN grade 4 and above for high-security applications.

Which Insurance-Rated Padlock Should You Choose?

Selecting the right insurance-rated padlock depends on what you're securing and where. For shipping containers and commercial storage, the hardened steel construction and weather-resistant design of CEN 4-rated padlocks provide year-round protection. The 6-pin tumbler mechanisms and anti-drill protection found in models like the Squire WS75 exceed insurance requirements whilst deterring even determined thieves.

For domestic applications like securing your shed, insurance-rated options range from combination locks to restricted key padlocks. Restricted key profiles prevent unauthorised duplication, adding another security layer that insurance companies value. The Squire SS65S offers CEN 5 grading with a restricted key profile, making it particularly suitable for high-risk areas.

Where Can Insurance-Rated Padlocks Be Used?

Insurance-rated padlocks suit numerous applications where valuable items need protection. Shipping containers storing commercial goods benefit from CEN 4-rated container padlocks designed to withstand harsh weather and physical attacks. Storage units containing household items or business inventory require similar protection levels to maintain insurance validity.

Garages housing vehicles or expensive equipment need robust security that insurance companies recognise. The closed shackle designs found in many insurance-rated padlocks provide extra protection by concealing most of the shackle within the lock body, making cutting attacks significantly harder.

For maximum security applications, CEN 6-rated padlocks like the Mul-T-Lock NE14H offer the highest protection level available. These ultra-secure options suit situations where insurance requirements are strictest or where irreplaceable items need safeguarding.

Why Do Insurance Requirements Matter?

Beyond satisfying insurance stipulations, choosing properly rated padlocks protects your investment in security. A cheap, unrated padlock might save money initially, but could cost thousands if thieves target your property and insurance refuses your claim. Insurance-rated padlocks undergo testing that proves their effectiveness against real-world attack methods.

The 10-year guarantees offered by manufacturers like Squire demonstrate confidence in their products' longevity. Combined with features like anti-corrosion finishes and weatherproof designs, insurance-rated padlocks provide reliable security through years of use. This durability means you won't need frequent replacements, making them cost-effective long-term security solutions.

When securing commercial premises or high-value domestic items, insurance-rated padlocks offer essential protection that satisfies both security needs and insurance requirements. By choosing certified options from trusted brands, you're investing in proven security that protects your assets and maintains your insurance coverage.