Safe Buying Guide

If you are considering buying a safe, congratulations! You care about your security and the safety of your valuables and are in the right place! Buying a safe is a significant investment that requires careful consideration. Whether you’re protecting valuable items or sensitive documents, choosing a safe that meets your specific needs is important. To ensure you are making a sound decision, it is essential to consult a safe buying guide and keep in mind some safe buying tips. Here are the ten most important things (in no particular order) to consider before making your purchase.

Size:

When purchasing a safe, one of the primary factors to consider is its size. Safes are available in a range of sizes, including compact wall-mounted options, underfloor safes, and larger freestanding models. It is important to carefully evaluate the items you intend to store and select a size that can accommodate them.

While you base your size decision on your current storage needs, at SMP, we recommend opting for a size slightly larger than your initial plans. This proactive approach ensures that you have ample space to accommodate all your valuables, both now and in the future. By choosing a bigger safe, you can avoid potential regrets of not having enough room for additional items down the line.

Location:

When purchasing a safe, it is crucial to carefully consider its location. Determine whether you plan to store the safe in a closet, garage, basement, or any other designated area. Assess the available space and ensure that the chosen safe can fit comfortably in that location. The size and location of the safe are closely intertwined factors that should guide your buying decision.

You can also explore bespoke safes that can be custom-made to perfectly fit your specific space requirements. This allows for optimal utilization of the available area while ensuring that the safe seamlessly integrates into its designated location. Explore our dedicated blog to discover the best installation locations for your safe.

Security Rating:

Safes are rated based on their ability to withstand attacks from burglars and other threats. Look for safes that have been independently tested and certified by reputable organisations. Independent certification organisations such as The European Fire and Security Group (EFSG), The European Certification Body (ECB-S), and The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), who are part of the BRE, test and certify safes to a specific grade depending on the level of burglary resistance that they provide. Each safe will have a certification badge indicating where it was certified and what grade it achieved. Insurance companies around the world recognise these certifications.

Look out for the AiS approved purple sticker. An AiS approved safe confirms that the aforementioned independent testing bodies have independently tested these safes. AiS Approved Safes have been approved by The Association of Insurance Surveyors. Therefore, most UK Insurance companies accept the test certificates held by these safes as genuine and an accurate reflection of the security and insurance value rating.

Fire Resistance:

When it comes to storing items that are vulnerable to heat or fire, it is highly recommended to invest in a fire-resistant safe. By choosing a fire-resistant safe, you can have peace of mind knowing that your sensitive belongings, such as legal documents, passports, contracts, or irreplaceable photographs, are safeguarded against the devastating effects of fire. Protecting these items not only ensures their physical preservation but also helps you avoid potential financial or emotional losses.

At SMP Security Solutions, we offer a range of graded safes that provide exceptional fire resistance. Our graded safes have been meticulously designed and constructed to withstand fire for up to 60 minutes, ensuring optimal protection for your important documents, particularly paper-based materials. This level of fire resistance offers you valuable time to react and retrieve your items in the unfortunate event of a fire outbreak.

Whether you are a homeowner seeking to secure your personal possessions or a business owner looking to protect critical records, our fire-resistant safes are an ideal solution. With their robust construction and proven fire resistance, our graded safes offer the highest level of protection, instilling confidence in your ability to safeguard your valuables from fire-related risks.

Lock Type:

When selecting a safe, it is crucial to take into account the available options for locks. There are various types to consider, including key locks, combination locks, electronic locks, and more. To determine the most suitable lock for your needs, carefully assess your specific requirements.

Traditional key locks with additional keys may be the preferred choice for some, while others may lean towards modern alternatives such as digital or even fingerprint locks. It is important to consider not only your own usage but also the individuals you wish to grant access to. This thoughtful consideration ensures that the chosen lock aligns with your desired level of security and provides convenient access to authorized users.

Brand / Manufacturer:

When it comes to selecting a safe, one of the most critical factors to consider is the brand or manufacturer. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. However, one effective way to narrow down your selection is by focusing on reputable brands.

As the leading manufacturer of safes and security products in the UK, SMP Security Solutions stands out as a trusted name in the industry. With 45 years of experience in the manufacturing sector and over 40 years specifically dedicated to safes, we have accumulated extensive knowledge and expertise. Our commitment to providing bespoke security solutions has earned us recognition among businesses, banks, jewellers, and residential homes.

What sets us apart is our manufacturing plant in Telford, which remains one of the last UK-only safe manufacturers. This distinction underscores our dedication to local production and ensures that our clients benefit from British craftsmanship and quality. Moreover, our clients gain an advantage from our comprehensive industry research and development expertise, which enables us to incorporate cutting-edge advancements in security technology into our products.

Warranty:

It is important to take into account the warranty policy offered by the brand for the safe. Although safes are designed to be durable, occasional maintenance may still be necessary. (Check out this blog for tips and tricks on how to maintain your safe). In the event that your safe requires professional assistance, having an extended warranty period provides peace of mind.

We are proud to offer a five-year warranty for our branded safes, ensuring that you can enjoy an extended period of stress-free ownership. This warranty coverage reflects our confidence in the quality and reliability of our products. By selecting a safe with a robust warranty policy, you can rest assured that any maintenance needs will be promptly addressed, allowing you to enjoy the long-term security and peace of mind you deserve.

Holistic Services:

When purchasing a safe, it is beneficial to choose a brand that goes beyond just selling safes and offers additional safe-related services. This ensures a more convenient and seamless experience, especially when circumstances such as moving houses arise. Opting for a company that provides relocation options can greatly simplify the process for you.

At our brand, we not only manufacture high-quality safes, but we also offer a comprehensive range of accompanying services. These services include delivery and installation, ensuring that your safe is set up correctly and efficiently. Moreover, we provide options for safe relocation and removal, making it easier to transport your safe to a new location when needed. Additionally, we offer service and maintenance solutions to keep your safe in optimal condition, providing ongoing support and ensuring its longevity. Check out our entire list of services offered.

Additional Features:

After completing the initial steps of your safe selection process, it’s time to consider the additional features you desire. These features can enhance the functionality and convenience of your safe. Depending on your budget, you can explore various options that align with your preferences.

Some popular additional features to consider include automatic door opening, built-in lights to improve visibility, adjustable shelves for better organization, lockable compartments within the safe for added security, drawers for storing smaller items, and watch winders to keep your automatic timepieces ticking. Additionally, you may want to explore different colour options to match your aesthetic preferences.

It’s important to consider these additional features within the context of your budget. Determine how much you are willing to invest in a safe and prioritize the features that align with your needs and preferences. By doing so, you can find a safe that not only meets your security requirements but also offers the desired functionalities and enhancements that fit within your budgetary constraints.

Price:

Ultimately, the price is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a safe, and it depends on your budget and willingness to invest. Safes can vary significantly in price, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand Pounds. It’s essential to carefully assess your budget and select a safe that offers the best value for your money.

It’s important to note that the price of a safe is often influenced by its grade. As you move up in grade, the cost of the safe tends to increase. However, with a higher-grade safe, you gain the benefit of comprehensive coverage for your valuables. To provide an extra layer of protection, we recommend getting a higher grade safe than originally planned. This ensures that you will be adequately covered in the event that you decide to store more money or valuable items in the future.

Remember, investing in a high-quality safe not only protects your valuables but also provides you with peace of mind knowing that your possessions are securely stored.

Not able to decide and come to a conclusion?

Consider dropping us an enquiry down below, and a member of our safes expert team will get in touch with you and guide you throughout the process.

Alternatively, you can also call us at  01952 585673.