Nowadays, people have been looking for suitable security means to protect their important documents, properties and other valuables from theft and loss. The two main options are a safety deposit box and a safe box. While both may sound similar they are different in nature. Read this article to learn about their differences.
- Definition
A safety deposit box or safe deposit box refers to a metal box placed in a secure location, like in the vault of a credit union. Safety deposit box suppliers usually offer sizes ranging between 3 by 5 inches and 10 by 10 inches.
Meanwhile, a safe box is a secure box that can be locked to secure your valuables in the office or home. To install a safe box, you will need some simple tools such as a drill, screwdrivers, socket set, drill bits, etc. Other tools may also be required based on the type of flooring your safe is placed.
- Things to be stored
Apart from the key features, one main element to differentiate a safety deposit box and safe box is items you can store in them.
Safety deposit boxes are usually used to store items that require infrequent access. Here are some items commonly kept in a safe deposit box:
- Personal papers like original birth certificates, citizenship papers, marriage certifications, etc
- Valuable jewellery, collectibles
- Family keepsakes such as family heirlooms
- Copies of wills
- Important business papers, records, and contracts
- Hard drives containing backups and important data
A safe box provides extra security for your possessions. You may keep items that require instant access at a moment’s need. Listed below are belongings typically stored in a safe box:
- Important legal documents such as attorney papers
- Insurance documents for vehicles, houses, health, life, etc
- Passports
- Medical information and contacts of your family
- Security cards and identity papers. It is recommended to keep these items in the safe box for your daily access.
- Computer backup disks or drives
- Cash
- Security level
Due to their security mechanism, safety deposit boxes are generally more secure than safe boxes. They provide higher protection as they are often equipped with extra security essentials.
Some additional security means for safety security boxes:
- Biometrics implementation
Considering enhancing the security level of your safety deposit box? Your safety deposit box manufacturer may recommend implementing biometrics in your locking systems. A fingerprint or facial recognition software may be installed to authorise the boxholder’s access to the safety security box.
- Strong boxholder ID verification process
Many banks use this to secure their clients’ safety deposit boxes. People who wish to access their safety deposit boxes should undergo an identity verification process first. Checking an ID card is one of the ways to confirm the boxholders’ identities. Banks ensure a copy of the boxholder’s ID in their systems matches the details presented by customers.
- Dual-key systems
Dual-key systems may also be used to safeguard safety deposit boxes in banks. People who wish to access them are required to authenticate their authorised signature first.
- Safe deposit management tools
These tools are a worthy investment as they help to manage all aspects of your safety deposit boxes, safety deposit box suppliers often recommend including customer signatures, rental agreements, photographs and billing details.
- CCTVs and alarms
If you rent a safety deposit box in the bank, it will be under round-the-clock surveillance through CCTVs and alarms.
- Ease of access
In order to access safety deposit boxes, authorisation is required via signatures or verification of identity. Safety deposit boxes are often secured by a strong vault door built from concrete, complemented with steel rods and proprietary additives to enhance its strength.. This makes safety deposit boxes difficult to access. Meanwhile, safe boxes can be accessed with a passcode.
Ultimately, whether you decide on a safety deposit box or a safe box depends on your needs and preferences. Should you require extra security for more important possessions then a safety deposit box is your best bet. Otherwise, a safe box makes for the ideal choice if you are looking for something more basic that still gets the job done.
At Falcon Safe, we design security products to protect your valuables. Contact us today for high quality vaults, safety boxes, fireproof cabinets and other more.
