Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Safe

When buying a safe, avoiding common mistakes is essential to ensuring your valuables remain secure. Many people make the wrong decisions, which can lead to serious security risks. In this blog, we’ll explore the top mistakes to avoid when buying a safe so that you can make the right investment for your security needs.

1. Not Prioritising Insurance Approval

One of the most critical mistakes buyers make is failing to prioritise an insurance-approved safe. Many insurance providers have specific guidelines, and they may refuse to cover losses if your safe doesn’t meet their standards. To avoid this, always confirm with your insurer what requirements your safe must meet.

For added peace of mind, consider these safes that are approved by the Association of Insurance Surveyors (AiS). It’s important to also choose a safe with a rating that matches your current and future needs. Much like selecting the right size (discussed below), you should ensure the safe’s insurance rating accommodates the value of all your assets, now and in the future. If your assets exceed the insurance rating, you may not be able to claim the full amount in case of a loss.

For more details, check out our blog on demystifying insurance-approved safes.

2. Ignoring Fire and Water Resistance Ratings

Secondly, overlooking fire and water resistance ratings is another common mistake. Many buyers focus solely on burglary protection without considering potential natural disasters like fires or floods. Not all safes are designed to withstand these extreme conditions.

To ensure maximum protection, always check the fire and water resistance ratings. For example, our fire-resistant safes offer protection for up to 60 minutes—enough time to safeguard your important documents and valuables. Be sure to review these cash safes when considering your purchase.

3. Choosing the Wrong Size

Selecting the wrong size safe is another frequent error. Many buyers choose a safe that meets their current needs but fail to plan for future requirements. Over time, your collection of valuables may grow, and you could quickly run out of space.

It’s always better to opt for a larger safe that allows room for growth. You’ll be thankful when you have enough space for all your valuables without needing to invest in another safe.

4. Overlooking the Locking Mechanism

The type of locking mechanism your safe uses is just as important as its size and fire resistance. Most safes come with a key lock as standard but can be upgraded with a variety of safe lock options, including digital, combination, and biometric options. Each system offers different levels of convenience and security.

When choosing your safe, consider a locking mechanism that aligns with your security needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the reliability of a combination lock or the advanced features of biometric technology, selecting the right system is essential for peace of mind.

5. Focussing Solely on Price

Lastly, focusing solely on price is a mistake that could cost you in the long run. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, doing so often means compromising on quality. Safes that do not meet British and European standards may not offer the level of protection you need.

A higher upfront investment usually translates to better materials, more advanced locking mechanisms, and superior security features. When it comes to safeguarding your most valuable possessions, it’s worth paying for quality.

Bonus: Skipping Professional Installation

Even the best safe won’t provide adequate protection if it’s not installed correctly. Many buyers make the mistake of skipping professional installation, assuming they can do it themselves. However, professional installation ensures your safe is securely anchored and properly positioned to prevent theft or tampering.

Moreover, many insurance policies require the safe to be installed to specific standards for coverage to remain valid. Don’t overlook this critical step! Check out our blog on the importance of professional installation of safes for more details.

★ SMP Security: Your Trusted Security Partner ★

At SMP Security, we’re committed to helping you avoid these common mistakes and find the perfect safe for your needs. With over 45 years of experience and a strong reputation as the UK’s leading safe manufacturer, we offer a wide range of high-quality safes, including fire-resistant, floor, gun, deposit, luxury, and reconditioned safes, as well as vaults and safe deposit centres.

Our experts will guide you through the selection process and provide professional installation to ensure your safe offers the best possible protection. If you already have a safe and need advice on maintenance, check out our blog for expert safe maintenance tips.

Choose SMP Security for expert advice, top-quality safes, and unmatched peace of mind.