Looking For A Safe

Get a big one, just make sure you can get it in the house.

Also have more than one, a good hiding space can be better than a safe because anyone will be more focused on the safe than looking for the rolex you have stuffed in your sock drawer....

I purchased a Republic safe a month ago from my local locksmith and was also considering a Liberty safe. I'm happy with the Republic although the Liberty had more features (interior lighting, etc.). Those features come at a price, of course.

The advice above is sound. Consider a security system as well, and a big dog with a loud bark can't hurt.

I'm a new member here and can offer some input, if its not too late. It will at least help others in the future. The first question to ask yourself is what dollar amount are you protecting? Safes vary in levels of resistance and insurance companies offer varying premiums based on their construction. For example, 70% or so of all safes fall into the same low-medium security category which an insurance company might offer $5000 cash or $50,000 in asset coverage (this varies -/+ of course).

Higher valued items are often required to be stored in an Underwriters Laboratory rated safe such as a TL-15 or TL-30 which offer $15k/$150k and $35k/$350k in coverage, respectively. It continues on from there but this will give you a place to start. Expect to pay a couple thousand for a small safe and $12k-$25k for some of the best ones.

Today, most TL-15's and better offer 1-2 hours of fire resistance by default as the door & body have a concrete or similar barrier material. 100% steel safes do not provide any fire protection and are often given a lower insurance rating than a composite safe. Hardly any safe is waterproof so I always suggest people store delicate items in Tupperware or vacuum seal them if possible.

You can find used UL rated safes on Craigslist all the time but its best to buy one from a knowledgeable safe company that can ensure it meets today's requirements.

Hope this has been helpful.

Micah Welch, CMS, CPS, CS&VT

When talking about big and heavy? Are all these safes fire proof? Are used safes available? Anyone know internet sites for safes?

My safe cost me nothing, it was made by my dad.
Welded 1/4 plate steel, internally bolted to the floor.
It is hidden on the floor, inside a cupboard, with a corrugated cardboard box covering it.

Looks totally uninteresting, because all you see when the cupboard is opened, is a cardboard box.

Very interseting, and helpful, thx

I would rather pay a one off premium, with an investment in a decent safe, rather than
an annunal premium to an insurance company.

I inquired about insurance a long time ago. They wanted a re valuation of my collection every year, to account for changes in the inventory, before paying the premuim of 3% for coming year.
The total cost? For example (does not relate to to the value of my collection,) revaluation fee on the above basis: 1% preminum 4%. value of collection $100,000. Total annual insurance cost for the year: $4,000.

You can buy a decent safe for $4,000!

Interesting reading, I have thought about a safe, but am far more comfortable with safety deposit box's. The big issue with a safe for me is the fact having one installed is more likely to make the property a target.