Options for Keeping Your Valuables Safe

Where do you keep your most important papers? If your answer is something like “In a shoebox under the bed”, “In the attic/basement”, or “Somewhere in my desk drawer” (or you’re not sure!), it might be time to get more organized with your storage methods.  Buying a home safe or fireproof lock box, or renting a safe deposit box from your local bank, is a great way to keep your valuables safe in case of an unexpected event, such as a burglary or natural disaster like a fire or flood.

There are three standard types of home protection units:

•          Safe with a combination lock
•          Fireproof box
•          Safe deposit box*

*Usually rented from, and kept on-site at, a local bank.

All of these safety units are good investments if you want to keep your prized possessions and valuable papers in one place. But what should you put in them?

Home safe or fireproof box

Your home safe or fireproof box should hold the items that you don’t use often, but would need to access quickly when you do need them. Some examples would include:

•         Birth certificates of all family members
•          Social Security cards
•          Passports
•          Spare car keys and all vehicle titles
•          Wills, Power of Attorney documentation (if you are named as such for a relative), and other important legal documents
•          Medical information for all family members (including physicians’ names, prescribed medications, and dosages)
•          Bank account information (including retirement accounts, investments, etc.)
•          Computer back-up discs and SC cards
•          Spare cash
•          Armed forces documentation papers (which could also be kept in a safe deposit box at the bank)

Safe deposit box

A safe deposit box would contain important items you don’t need or use regularly and don’t want to keep in your home. This could include:

•        Heirloom jewelry or watches
•        Collectibles (such as coins, stamps, or baseball cards)
•        Savings bonds
•       Property deeds

You should not keep your only copy of a document (such as a will) in a safe deposit box.  

If you're thinking of buying a home safe, there are several types available. A fireproof box is useful, but a burglar could pick it up and take it out of your home (although, if it’s locked, they would have a tough time getting it open). A traditional safe is usually quite heavy and might require a hand truck to get into your home; these models are best kept on the ground floor or in the basement. Smaller models that can be bolted to the floor or wall are usually kept in a spare bedroom, home office, or library.

Besides having secure storage units for your important possessions, consider purchasing insurance for valuables like jewelry, collections, sports equipment, collectible firearms, and artwork for additional peace of mind in the event of a burglary or natural disaster. ETA Insurance Group works with several carriers who provide this important coverage. Contact us to learn more!