Home Security Emergencies: Locks, Break-Ins & Broken Windows (UK Guide)
A snapped key, forced lock or smashed window after a break-in needs a fast, secure fix. Here's what to do immediately and how home emergency cover helps.
Home security emergencies — a snapped key, a failed lock after a break-in attempt, or a smashed window — are stressful precisely because they leave your home insecure. Speed matters more than almost any other type of home emergency.
Immediately After a Break-In
- Call 101 (or 999 if the break-in is in progress or anyone is at risk) before touching anything, so police can note the scene.
- Photograph any damage before you start making repairs — you'll need this for both the police report and your insurance claim.
- Don't discard broken glass, damaged frames or forced locks until police confirm they don't need them as evidence.
Securing the Property
A locksmith registered with the Master Locksmiths Association can usually replace a euro-cylinder lock — the most common type on UK front doors — within the hour. If a window or door has been forced, temporary boarding is often needed to secure the property overnight; most home emergency cover plans include this as an immediate safety measure while a permanent repair is arranged. If you rent, your landlord is legally responsible for keeping the property secure.
Many landlords still expect the tenant to arrange the emergency call-out and claim it back, so agree this in advance if you can.
Preventing Lock and Security Emergencies
- British Standard BS3621 locks are the standard most UK home insurers require for cover to remain valid.
- Anti-snap cylinders are worth the modest upgrade cost, since cylinder snapping is a common UK burglary entry method.
- Keep a spare key with a trusted neighbour or in a secure keysafe rather than under a mat or plant pot.
How Home Emergency Cover Helps
Home security cover typically includes emergency locksmith call-out after a break-in or lock failure, and temporary boarding of broken windows or doors — both dispatched from a single call rather than you sourcing and vetting an emergency tradesperson yourself at 2am. See what's included in our Home Emergency Cover guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does home insurance cover a broken lock after a break-in?
Usually yes for the repair itself as part of a burglary claim, but not for the emergency call-out speed or temporary security measures — that's the home emergency cover gap.
What do I do if I'm locked out of my house?
If there's no security risk, a local locksmith can usually attend within an hour; avoid unbranded "emergency locksmith" listings with no fixed address, as some quote low then charge hundreds on arrival.