APECS Break-In Guarantee - Terms and Conditions
Version: 1.1
Effective Date: September 2026
1. Definitions
"APECS" - APECS Consult Limited, the provider of the Break-In Guarantee and manufacturer of the AP Cylinder.
"ILH" - Ingenious Locks & Hardware Limited, manufacturer of ILH DUPLEX and Auto-fire Multipoint locks.
"Registrant" - The individual who registers the AP Cylinder and, if applicable, associated ILH components.
"AP Cylinder" - The specific APECS cylinder registered for the Break-In Guarantee.
"Qualifying ILH Product" - An ILH DUPLEX or Auto-fire Multipoint lock installed in accordance with ILH maintenance guidelines.
"Authorised Key Centre" - Any key centre officially recognised by APECS, for example a PRIME Centre.
"Break-In" - Unlawful entry to the property through mechanical failure or snapping of the AP Cylinder.
2. Overview
This Break-In Guarantee provides limited compensation in the event of a break-in where access was gained solely through snapping of a correctly installed and maintained APECS AP Cylinder. The cylinder must have been compromised by a lock-snapping attack and must be submitted for assessment. The guarantee period is five (5) years from the date of purchase, subject to the terms below.
Where a Qualifying ILH Product forms part of the installation, claims may be administered jointly by APECS and ILH. This administrative arrangement does not affect the level of cover available to the Registrant.
3. Eligibility Criteria
The guarantee is valid only if:
3.1 The AP Cylinder is registered for both the APECS 10-Year Warranty and the Break-In Guarantee within 28 days of purchase.
3.2 The AP Cylinder is installed in a PAS024:2016 (or later) certified door.
3.3 The AP Cylinder is installed in accordance with APECS Installation Instructions.
3.4 The internal components of the AP Cylinder are kept free of dirt and lubricated every 6 months using a suitable lubricant (excluding WD-40).
3.5 Only one claim may be made by the Registrant within the Guarantee Period.
3.6 Valid insurance coverage must be in place for at least 30 days prior to the break-in:
3.6.1 Building Insurance is required if the claim includes door replacement costs.
3.6.2 Contents Insurance is required if the claim includes compensation for uninsured stolen items.
3.7 The door and hardware have not been previously damaged or left exposed.
3.8 Only keys sourced from APECS or an Authorised Key Centre have been used.
3.9 The property must not be unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days.
3.10 The door must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance instructions.
3.11 A claim form must be submitted within 21 days of the break-in.
3.12 A valid Police Crime Reference Number must be provided, and the crime must be reported within 24 hours of detection.
3.13 The AP Cylinder remains installed at the property of installation.
3.14 The Registrant continues to reside at that property.
3.15 The guarantee applies to residential properties in the UK and Ireland only. Commercial properties are excluded.
4. Claims Involving Qualifying ILH Products
If the AP Cylinder is installed with a Qualifying ILH Product, and this installation is correctly registered within 28 days of purchase:
4.1 The ILH locking system and keeps must be installed and adjusted per ILH guidelines.
4.2 APECS may liaise with ILH during the assessment of the claim.
4.3 ILH and APECS reserve the right to send an approved service engineer to inspect the product.
4.4 These provisions relate solely to claim administration and do not provide additional compensation.
5. Claim Process
To make a claim under this guarantee:
5.1 The AP Cylinder must have been compromised by a lock-snapping attack. Entry through any other method is not eligible.
5.2 The cylinder must be retained and submitted for inspection via Signed For / Registered post.
5.3 Submit a completed claim form within 21 days of the break-in.
5.4 Provide proof of purchase, crime reference number and insurance details.
5.5 Include a list of uninsured stolen items with proof of ownership.
5.6 If applicable, allow access for service engineer assessment and cooperate with reasonable inspection requests.
5.7 All costs associated with the removal, reinstallation, or replacement of the lock, including locksmith call-out charges and labour costs, are the responsibility of the Registrant. APECS will not cover or reimburse any such expenses.
5.8 Await final written decision from APECS and ILH where applicable within 30 days.
6. Compensation
6.1 Up to £5,000 to cover uninsured loss and replacement of the door or equivalent cost.
6.2 Payment will be made within 30 days of claim approval via bank transfer.
6.3 Postage reimbursement for submitted cylinder. Claims will not be reimbursed if the returned item is lost, missing in the post, or sent to the wrong address.
6.4 Claim is void if the break-in method post-dates TS007 standard covered at time of manufacture.
6.5 No compensation is payable if entry occurred through a component not covered by this guarantee, for example glazing or PVCu panel failure.
6.6 APECS and ILH retain the final right to determine claim validity.
7. Limitations & Exclusions
7.1 No coverage for cash, credit cards, monetary instruments, or intangible losses.
7.2 No coverage for legal fees, loss of earnings, emotional distress, or business disruption.
7.3 Maximum of £500 per individual item; APECS and ILH reserve right to define "single item".
7.4 Only one successful claim per household during the Guarantee Period.
7.5 Only physical failure of covered components is claimable; all others are excluded.
8. Transferability
This guarantee is non-transferable and remains valid only for the original Registrant.
9. Legal Terms
9.1 This guarantee does not imply prevention of break-ins; it provides limited compensation in qualifying situations.
9.2 Guarantee terms are separate from and do not override sale or installation terms set by third parties.
9.3 If any part of this agreement is deemed invalid, remaining terms remain enforceable.
9.4 This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales and falls under their exclusive jurisdiction.
9.5 The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 shall not apply.
For further details or to submit a claim, please visit www.apecs.co.uk or contact APECS Customer Support.
