When Should You Change Your Locks?

Your home’s security is vital to your safety and comfort, and your locks are the first line of defence. Over time, there are specific situations where changing your locks becomes necessary, either to maintain control over who has access to your home or to upgrade security. Understanding when to update or install new locks can help reduce unauthorised access risk and protect your property.

Moving Into a New Home

Moving into a new home is exciting, but one of the first things you should consider is changing the locks. You never know how many spare keys may still be in circulation—old owners, contractors, or neighbours could have them. Replacing the door locks on all entry points, including the garage door, is essential for taking full control of who has access to your home. A fresh lock installation will give you the peace of mind that only you hold the keys to your new space.

After a Break-In

A break-in can be a traumatic experience, leaving you feeling vulnerable. After such an event, it’s important to assess the security of your doors and windows and replace any damaged or compromised locks. Thieves may have tampered with or bypassed your existing locks, so installing secure locks, such as anti-snap or high-security deadbolts, is crucial to prevent future incidents. If your windows were broken during the break-in, replacing them is critical to restoring your home’s security quickly. City Locks’ sister company, Norwich Glass, is available to help with boarding up and replacing damaged windows, ensuring your home is fully secure.

Lost or Stolen Keys

Lost or stolen keys present an immediate risk, as you don’t know whose hands they’ve fallen into. In this scenario, changing your locks should be your first step to regaining control of access to your home. Replacing your locks ensures no one with the missing keys can gain entry. Many professional locksmiths recommend this as the best way to secure your property quickly, reducing the likelihood of theft.

Wear and Tear

Locks experience wear and tear over time, especially on frequently used front or garage doors. You might notice your key sticking, or the lock may feel less smooth when you turn it. These are signs that your locks are starting to fail. Replacing worn-out locks is essential to maintaining the integrity of your home security. A professional locksmith can help you choose the right type of locks, ensuring that your replacements are durable and provide high security.

Insurance Compliance

Changing locks can also be important for complying with home insurance policies. Many insurers require that your locks meet certain standards, especially if you’ve moved into a new home or experienced a burglary. Failing to meet these standards may invalidate your insurance claims if a break-in occurs. Make sure to review your policy and check that your door lock systems are up to code. Professional locksmith services can help ensure your locks meet insurance requirements, giving you security in more ways than one.

Emergency Locksmith Services in Norwich

Sometimes, lock problems can’t wait. Whether you’re locked out of your home, need immediate lock repairs after a break-in, or your door lock has suddenly stopped working, having access to emergency locksmith services is crucial. City Locks Norwich provides round-the-clock assistance to handle urgent situations swiftly. Whether it’s gaining entry to your property or replacing damaged locks, professional locksmiths ensure that your home is secure again without delay.

Regularly assessing when to update your locks is crucial to maintaining a secure and comfortable home environment. If any of these scenarios apply to you, whether you’ve moved, experienced a break-in, or simply want to upgrade your home security, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later.

Need help with replacing or upgrading your locks?

We offer expert locksmith services, including lock installation and high-security lock replacements. Contact us for advice or to schedule a visit, and let us help you keep your home safe and secure.