Burglary cover is tied to the protection level committed to in the policy – this list helps make sure that committed level actually works in practice. The exact requirement depends on the terms and the sums involved, so read every "typically" here as just that – you'll find your own policy's requirements in its terms.
In brief:
- Protection has three layers: mechanical (locks, bars), electronic (alarm, cameras), routine (closing up, arming, keys).
- The weakest point is what counts – the list is designed to find it.
- The level committed to in the policy is the benchmark: it has to hold up in practice too.
Mechanical protection
- ☐ Are the locks on the entrances at the level committed to in the policy (typically a certified mortise-lock/rim-lock combination)?
- ☐ Is the protection on rear and side openings the same level as the main entrance?
- ☐ Ground-floor, easily accessible windows – bars, security film, or other mechanical protection, if required?
- ☐ Gates, loading ramps, roof lights – are the "unconventional" entry points secured too?
- ☐ Is the site perimeter (fence, gate, lighting) in good order?
Electronic protection
- ☐ Is the alarm system built out to the level committed to in the policy (space protection, opening sensors), and does it work?
- ☐ Is arming the alarm a daily routine – is it clear whose responsibility it is when leaving last?
- ☐ Remote monitoring or notification: does the alarm reach someone, and what's the response procedure?
- ☐ Cameras: do they cover the critical points, is footage stored for long enough, and is the process for retrieving it known?
- ☐ Maintenance: are batteries, sensors, and the annual check documented?
The routine – where most losses start
- ☐ Is there a closing checklist (windows, gates, alarm, keys) – and is it actually used?
- ☐ Key discipline: who holds which keys; are they returned when employment ends; are spare keys kept locked away?
- ☐ Cash routine: emptying the till, the safe, banking – within the limits: cash article?
- ☐ Holiday periods, long weekends: who keeps an eye on the premises?
- ☐ Are valuable, portable items (laptops, instruments) locked away overnight?
If you got stuck on any point: aligning security with cover is part of the survey – for the requirements around burglary cover, see the burglary article; for how protection and cover relate, see the security-guarding article.
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This article is for information purposes only and contains general information; it does not constitute an offer or insurance advice. The precise content of insurance contracts is determined by the insurers' policy terms in force at any given time.
