Which Padlock Does My Insurance Company Require?
Which Padlock Does My Insurance Company Require?
Insurance companies often request specific types of padlocks, but the terminology used can sometimes be outdated or misleading. You may have been advised to use one of the following:
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A 5 lever padlock
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A closed shackle padlock
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A CEN graded padlock (CEN 3 or above)
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A Sold Secure approved padlock
If you simply want the most reliable option that will satisfy the vast majority of insurance requirements, choose a CEN Grade 3 or higher closed shackle padlock. The following explains why.
1. If Your Insurance Company Requests a “5 Lever” Padlock
This requirement is commonly confused with door locks. Mortice locks use levers, whereas padlocks use pin tumbler mechanisms. What is generally meant is a padlock containing at least five pins. However, the number of pins alone is not a meaningful indicator of overall security. A poorly made five-pin lock can still be forced or picked quickly. If your insurer specifies this requirement, selecting a CEN-rated padlock will exceed the intended security level while also providing a more reliable benchmark.
2. If Your Insurance Company Requests a Closed Shackle Padlock
A closed shackle padlock has raised shoulders or bodywork that restrict access to the shackle, making it more difficult to cut or attack. The challenge is that several padlock designs meet the definition of closed shackle even though they look different. For example, discus (round) padlocks and shutter (block) padlocks are also considered closed shackle because the shackle is inherently protected. If required to use “closed shackle only,” refer your insurer to this clarification to avoid unnecessary restriction in product choice.
3. If Your Insurance Company Requests a CEN Rated Padlock
CEN (BS EN 12320) is a European security grading standard. It evaluates a padlock’s resistance to cutting, sawing, twisting, pulling, drilling, and picking. CEN ratings range from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest. This grading is the most reliable method of selecting a padlock for insurance use.
| CEN Grade | Suggested Use Case | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Low security | Lockers, cabinets, toolboxes |
| 3–4 | Medium to high security | Gates, garages, workshops, external stores |
| 5–6 | High security | Commercial shutters, warehouses, industrial and transport applications |
Choosing CEN 3 or above is the simplest way to meet insurance requirements.
4. If Your Insurance Company Requests “Sold Secure”
Sold Secure is a testing scheme commonly used for bike and motorcycle security. It is not widely applied to padlocks in general use. Where Sold Secure ratings are available, they can be helpful, but the range of applicable padlocks is limited. In almost all cases, a CEN-rated lock provides a clearer and more practical benchmark.
Summary
If your insurer has provided unclear or conflicting requirements, a CEN Grade 3 or higher closed shackle padlock will satisfy security needs in nearly all cases. This approach also avoids the ambiguity often found in terms such as “5 lever” when applied incorrectly to padlocks.