Locks that work

Not really in the spirit of this thread, but if it's an OTP bike, just insure it and lock it however the insurance company tells you to

This reminds me that insurers often regard it as your responsibility to ensure that the security you are using is still appropriately approved when it comes to each and every renewal. Buying something 3 years ago that was Sold Secure approved doesn't mean it is still approved and you should check or run the risk of an insurance claim being rejected. Manufacturers withdraw products and don't want to pay for the test renewal on products that are no longer on sale. Sold Secure test standards also go up (not as quickly as we would like!) so the bar does get higher. Products are improved/replaced. Etc.

This is another reason why we avoid a lot of the budget brands because they chop and change products frequently and you can be left in the lurch with something that no longer has the approval. It can happen to all manufacturers for a range of reasons so it is important to check the approval status when your renewal is due. Sold Secure have a rather hostile 'Approved Products Search' facility on their web site that allows you to check products from any manufacturer. E.g. the following shows what Kryptonite have approved today:

http://www.soldsecure.com/search?name=Kryptonite

Drill down to check the actual approval rating: a previous 'Bicycle Gold' might have dropped to a 'Bicycle Silver'. A product may have been uprated so a Silver may change to a Gold.

Beware again that products that are approved in conjunction with others (e.g. a padlock with a specific chain) creates a grey area as to whether that lock is approved with a different approved chain. That is why we always have our stuff tested individually and have encouraged Squire to do the same so you can mix and match and still know where you stand.

I hope that helps you to avoid a nasty insurance surprise if the worst happens!

Steve.