Alyssa Lane
Key safes are secure, weather-resistant boxes that are typically mounted on the exterior of a property and hold a spare key. They can be useful for those who frequently lose their keys, or for Airbnb hosts, holiday homes, and short-term lets. However, they also show thieves exactly where the keys are stored. As a result, some insurers may stipulate that any type of key safe will invalidate your insurance. Therefore, it is important to check your policy documents or contact your insurer before installing a key safe. Some insurers might only approve certain makes and models, or require that the key safe is installed by a professional, located in a discreet place, and that the code is only shared with a small number of trusted individuals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does a key safe affect house insurance? | It depends on the insurance provider and the specific policy. Some insurers might stipulate that any type of key safe will invalidate your insurance. |
| What to do before installing a key safe? | Check your policy documents or contact your insurer. |
| What are the factors that affect the claim? | If a thief accesses your home by breaking into your key safe, some insurers might consider this forced entry and accept a claim, while others might not. If the key safe is not compliant with the insurer's requirements or is used improperly, the insurer might reject the claim. |
| What are the approved key safes? | LPCB-certified key safes, 'Police Preferred' models certified by 'Secured by Design', and Intratone key safes. |
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What You'll Learn
Key safe specifications
Key safes are secure, weather-resistant boxes, typically mounted on the exterior of a property, that hold a spare key. They can be opened using a combination code or a rotating combination wheel.
When choosing a key safe, it is important to select one that has been approved by the police with their 'Secured by Design' Police Preferred Specification. The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) works with the security industry and insurers to set security standards. Key safes with an LPCB certification have been rigorously tested to ensure they are secure and effective. The standard that deals with key safe security is called LPS1175 (Issue 8 being the latest). It is recommended that you opt for products with a minimum of LPS1175 A1 standard or above (e.g. LPS1175 A5 or A10).
The Masterlock key safe is a good option for those living on a busy street, as it has a subtle design and is made to withstand attempted break-ins. It comes with a protective cover that protects the combination dials from the weather and disguises them from burglars. The Viking Security Safe VS-144KS is another option that features a lockable drop slot, allowing for after-hours drop-off. It has a master PIN and an employee PIN and can be programmed with any combination of 3 to 8 numbers.
To reduce the risks of unauthorised access to your home, it is important to choose a highly secure key safe. Some key safes feature a multi-push button, where each button can be pressed multiple times, resulting in millions of possible combinations. The ark Tamo, for example, features patented multi-push technology and is the first and only push-button key box to be certified to the A10 level, making it the most secure device of its type.
In addition to the security features of the key safe itself, it is important to consider the location of the safe. It should be well-secured to a wall or other solid surface and kept out of sight of passers-by to reduce the risk of your property being targeted by thieves.
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Police-approved key safes
Whether a key safe affects your house insurance depends on your insurance provider and the specific policy you have in place. Some insurers may stipulate that any type of key safe will invalidate your insurance, while others might only approve certain makes and models. Some may even specify certain conditions, such as requiring the key safe to be installed by a professional or located in a discreet place. Therefore, it is always best to check with your insurer before purchasing and installing a key safe.
The C500 Key Safe is a police-approved key safe that has achieved an independent security rating. It is a secure method of externally storing keys to your property. The key safe is discreetly secured to the outside of the property, and spare keys can be accessed using a push-button combination. When installed as directed into brick or dense concrete, the C500 is as attack-resistant as a domestic front door. It features an integrated hook to ensure easy reach access to keys.
Another example of a police-approved key safe is the ark Tamo, which is the first and only push-button key box to be certified to the A10 level, making it the most secure device of its type. It features patented multi-push technology, where each button can be pressed up to four times, resulting in over 9 million combinations.
To summarise, while key safes can be a convenient way to store keys, it is important to check with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy is not invalidated. Police-approved key safes, such as the C500 and ark Tamo, can provide a secure option for storing keys and increasing home security.
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Insurance-approved key safes
Whether a key safe will affect your house insurance depends on your insurance provider and the specific policy you have in place. While some insurers might stipulate that any type of key safe will invalidate your insurance, others might only approve certain makes and models. Some insurers might refuse any claims relating to burglary or damage if you use a key safe, while others might cover you only if you use an approved type of key safe.
To reduce the risks of home access using a key safe, it is recommended to choose the most secure key safe on the market. Key safes with an LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) certification have been vigorously tested to make sure they are secure and perform effectively. All LPCB-tested key safe products and compliant manufacturers are listed in their Red Book, which is available online. The standard which deals with key safe security is LPS1175 (Issue 8 being the latest). It is recommended to opt for products with a minimum of LPS1175 A1 standard or above (e.g. LPS1175 A5 or A10).
Another option is to choose a key safe that has been approved by the police with their 'Secured by Design' Police Preferred Specification. These products meet the 'Police Preferred Specification', meaning the UK police officially considers them safe. The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) is also a body that sets security standards, so you can look for products that meet their standards.
To minimise the risk of your key safe being compromised, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when fitting the key safe and use the approved fittings. Look for a key safe that has at least 10 buttons, or one that includes a multi-push button option, allowing for millions of possible code combinations. Only share the code with a small number of trusted people and regularly change the access code. It is also recommended to install the key safe away from the front door and out of public view.
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Increased premiums
It is important to note that different insurance providers have varying policies regarding key safes. Some insurers may stipulate that any type of key safe will invalidate your insurance, while others may only approve certain makes and models. It is always best to check with your specific insurance provider before installing a key safe.
To reduce the risk of increased premiums, it is recommended to choose a highly secure key safe that has been approved by the police or certified by independent security bodies. The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) is a body that works with the security industry and insurers to set security standards. Their Red Book lists all LPCB-tested key safe products and compliant manufacturers. The Police Preferred Specification is another security initiative that is officially recognised by the UK police.
In addition to choosing a secure key safe, it is essential to use it properly. This includes keeping the key safe well-secured to a wall or other solid surface and located out of sight of passers-by. It is also important to limit the number of people who know the access code and to keep the key safe locked at all times. By taking these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of theft and potentially avoid increased premiums.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that if you do not disclose the use of a key safe to your insurance provider and a burglary occurs, your policy may be invalidated. Therefore, it is always best to be transparent with your insurer and understand the potential impact on your premiums.
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Key safe usage
Key safes are secure lock boxes that are affixed to an outside wall of a property to store a key. They are typically accessed via a combination code or digital keypad. They are a convenient way to share access with friends, family, and trusted service providers. They are also useful for storing a back-up key in case of an emergency.
When choosing a key safe, it is important to opt for one that has been approved by the police with their 'Secured by Design' Police Preferred Specification. The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) also works with insurers to set security standards for key safes, so it is recommended to opt for products with a minimum of LPS1175 A1 standard or above. To reduce the risks of home access using a key safe, it is best to choose the most secure key safe on the market.
It is important to note that the use of a key safe may affect your house insurance. Some insurers may stipulate that any type of key safe will invalidate your insurance, while others might only approve certain makes and models. It is always best to check with your insurer before purchasing and installing a key safe. Some providers might specify certain conditions, such as requiring the key safe to be installed by a professional, located in a discreet place, and that the key code is only shared with a small number of trusted individuals.
To ensure the security of your key safe, it is recommended to regularly change the combination and keep it well-secured to a wall or other solid surface. While it should be easily accessible, it is best to keep it out of sight to reduce the risk of your property being targeted by thieves. Consider locating the box so it is hidden by plants or a mailbox. Additionally, a weather cover can be used to shield the key safe from the elements and disguise it from passers-by.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your insurance provider and the specific policy you have in place. Some insurers might stipulate that any type of key safe will invalidate your insurance, while others might only approve certain makes and models.
Some insurers might refuse any claims relating to burglary or damage if you use a key safe. Others might stipulate that they can cover you only if you use an approved type of key safe, like a 'Police Preferred' model certified by 'Secured by Design'. If a key safe is not compliant with your insurer's requirements or if it's used improperly, like if you left it unlocked or if the code is widely known, your insurer might reject your claim.
You should check your policy documents or contact your insurer to clarify their requirements for key safes. It is recommended to choose a key safe that has been approved by the police with their 'Secured by Design' Police Preferred Specification. LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board)-certified key safes are also considered secure, having been vigorously tested to ensure they perform effectively.
Yes, there are various alternatives to key safes when it comes to keeping a spare key somewhere or letting people access your home. Most of these alternatives are safer than just stashing a key in a plant pot or under a doormat.
Some insurance companies are fine with tenants leaving keys in a key safe, as long as the model is good, the safe is strong enough, and it is being used properly. If you are storing communal keys, the key safe should be kept inside the building rather than outside, adding an extra level of security.
