Can upgrading your home security help reduce your insurance premiums? For one Parkinson homeowner, installing better locks not only improved the security of their property but also helped lower their ongoing home insurance costs.
At Lockwise Locksmiths, we recently completed a residential security upgrade at a home in Parkinson, on Brisbane’s southside. The work included installing 17 window locks, fitting new deadlocks to external timber doors and upgrading the sliding glass door security.
We also made sure the new locks were convenient to use. All 17 window locks were keyed alike, while the new door deadlocks were matched to the homeowner’s existing keys.
The result was improved security throughout the home, fewer keys to manage and an insurance premium reduction for the homeowner.
Why the Homeowner Decided to Upgrade Their Security
Home insurance policies can include specific requirements relating to external door locks, window locks and other security measures. Depending on the insurer, the type of locks installed may also affect how a property is assessed for insurance purposes.
For this Parkinson property, upgrading the existing locks helped the homeowner satisfy their insurer’s security requirements and obtain a lower premium.
However, there was another important consideration: convenience.
Installing additional locks shouldn’t mean carrying around a large collection of different keys. We wanted to improve security without making the house more difficult to use.
After assessing the existing hardware, we selected suitable locks that would provide reliable security while working with the home’s current locking arrangements.
Installing 17 Keyed-Alike Window Locks
One of the largest parts of this job involved installing 17 key-operated window locks throughout the property.
Window locks are an important part of residential security, particularly on accessible windows that could otherwise provide an entry point into the home.
Depending on the window design, suitable key-operated locks can provide an additional level of security beyond the window’s existing latch.
Why We Keyed All 17 Window Locks Alike
Rather than supplying a different key for each window, we configured all 17 locks to operate using the same key.
This is known as keying alike, and it’s one of the simplest ways to make a home security upgrade more practical.
The benefits include:
- One key operates all 17 window locks.
- Fewer individual keys to identify and store.
- Easier day-to-day operation and maintenance.
- Consistent locking arrangements throughout the home.
- Simpler key management for the homeowners.
Keying locks alike doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of the hardware. It means selecting compatible locks and configuring their cylinders to operate with a common key.
We regularly recommend keyed-alike arrangements when installing multiple locks in residential properties, particularly where homeowners want better security without unnecessary complications.
Installing Yale Deadbolts on External Timber Doors
The property also had external timber doors that weren’t fitted with deadlocks.
We installed quality Yale deadbolts to provide additional security to these entry points.
Yale and Lockwood are established names in the Australian lock industry, and we regularly use quality hardware from manufacturers including Lockwood, Whitco and Yale when the products are suitable for the application.
Choosing a deadbolt involves more than simply selecting a brand. We also consider the door construction, existing hardware, installation position and compatibility with the homeowner’s current keys.
Matching New Deadbolts to Existing House Keys
One of the most useful parts of this installation was that we were able to key the new deadbolts to the homeowner’s existing door keys.
Rather than introducing another key every time a new lock was installed, the existing key continued to operate the compatible door locks.
This meant the homeowners finished with just two main keys:
One key for all 17 windows and one existing key for the house doors.
It’s a practical outcome that makes securing the property much easier.
Choosing the Right Sliding Glass Door Lock
Sliding glass doors can present different installation challenges compared with traditional timber doors.
At this Parkinson property, the clearance between the sliding glass door and the security screen door was limited.
A conventional lock wasn’t the most suitable option because its dimensions could have interfered with the neighbouring door.
Instead, we selected an Austral sliding door lock that provided the necessary clearance while offering suitable security.
Why Lock Selection Matters
The Austral lock also positioned the keyway further away from the door frame, making it easier to access when inserting and turning the key.
This is a small detail, but it can make a noticeable difference to everyday operation.
When installing or replacing sliding door locks, we consider:
- Clearance between sliding doors and security screens.
- Compatibility with the existing door frame and locking arrangement.
- Ease of access to the keyway.
- Suitable lock positioning and operation.
- Long-term reliability and practical everyday use.
The correct lock isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the most common model. It’s the one that suits the door, provides appropriate security and works properly once installed.
Overcoming Window Installation Challenges
Not every window in an existing home can accommodate the same style of lock.
During this installation, two windows had restricted access around their frames because of adjacent cabinetry.
Rather than installing unsuitable hardware or modifying the cabinetry unnecessarily, we selected a different style of window lock that was compatible with the available space.
Having access to our Hillcrest locksmith workshop and a range of suitable hardware allowed us to complete the installation with the correct products.
This is one reason professional assessment matters. Even when windows appear similar, their frames, surrounding fittings and available mounting positions can require different locking solutions.
Can Installing Window Locks and Deadlocks Reduce Home Insurance Premiums?
Yes, in some circumstances, upgrading your locks can help reduce your home insurance premium. However, the savings depend on your insurer, policy and the security requirements applicable to your property.
For the homeowner in this Parkinson job, the completed security improvements resulted in a lower insurance premium.
That means the work provided two potential long-term benefits: improved physical security and reduced ongoing insurance costs.
What Should You Check With Your Insurer?
Before upgrading locks specifically for insurance purposes, it’s worth asking your insurer:
- Do my external doors need key-operated deadlocks?
- Are key-operated window locks required?
- Are there particular lock types or specifications that must be met?
- Will upgrading my locks change my premium?
- What evidence of the installation will you require?
Some insurers may offer a discount for certain security features, while others simply require particular locks as a condition of cover.
Always confirm your insurer’s requirements before arranging work, especially if reducing your premium is one of your main objectives.
Better Home Security Doesn’t Have to Mean More Keys
A common concern when homeowners upgrade their security is that they’ll end up with more keys than they started with.
In many cases, that can be avoided.
A locksmith can often rekey compatible new locks to match existing keys, or configure several new locks to operate with one common key.
For this Parkinson home, we achieved exactly that.
The homeowner gained 17 additional window locks, new deadbolts on the timber doors and an upgraded sliding glass door lock without creating a complicated collection of keys.
Of course, keyed-alike systems should be planned carefully. Not every lock uses the same key profile or cylinder design, so compatibility needs to be assessed before installation.
Professional Residential Locksmith Services in Parkinson and Brisbane Southside
Lockwise Locksmiths is a family-owned locksmith business based in Hillcrest, servicing Parkinson, Browns Plains, Calamvale, Stretton, Algester and surrounding Brisbane southside suburbs.
With more than 20 years of professional locksmithing experience, we provide practical advice and quality installations for homeowners looking to improve their property’s security.
Our residential locksmith services include:
- Window lock installation and replacement.
- Deadbolt and deadlock installation.
- Sliding glass door lock repairs and upgrades.
- Rekeying existing locks.
- Keying multiple locks alike.
- Lock replacement after moving house.
- Repairs to worn or damaged locks.
- Residential security improvements and advice.
Whether you’re upgrading your locks for insurance purposes, moving into a new home or simply wanting better security, we can help select suitable hardware and provide a professional installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will installing deadlocks lower my home insurance premium?
It may. Some insurers consider door and window security when assessing a property’s risk or determining policy requirements. Contact your insurer to confirm whether particular upgrades will reduce your premium.
Can all my window locks use the same key?
In many cases, yes. Compatible window locks can be keyed alike so that one key operates multiple locks. For this Parkinson installation, all 17 window locks operated with one key.
Can new deadbolts be keyed to my existing house key?
Often, yes. If the new deadbolt uses a compatible cylinder and key profile, a locksmith may be able to configure it to operate with your existing key.
Do sliding glass doors need special deadlocks?
Sliding glass doors require locking hardware suited to their construction and frame arrangement. Clearance between a sliding glass door and an adjacent security screen can also affect which locks are suitable.
Do all windows need key-operated locks?
Not necessarily. Requirements depend on the window type, property, relevant safety considerations and any conditions imposed by your insurer. A locksmith can assess the windows and recommend appropriate hardware.
Can a locksmith install different window locks if the frames are obstructed?
Yes. Different window designs and surrounding fittings may require alternative lock styles. In this job, we used different locks on two windows where cabinetry restricted the available installation space.
Need to Upgrade Your Home Security?
If your insurer has requested better door or window locks, or you’re considering improving your home’s security, speak with Lockwise Locksmiths.
We can assess your existing locks, recommend suitable upgrades and look for opportunities to key compatible locks alike so your home remains convenient to use.
Lockwise Locksmiths – Based in Hillcrest, servicing Parkinson, Browns Plains and Brisbane Southside.
Contact our team for professional advice or a quote on residential lock upgrades.