Key Safe: House Insurance Validity

If you're thinking about getting a key safe, it's worth checking whether it will affect your house insurance. While key safes are a great way to securely store your keys, allowing visitors to let themselves into your home, not all insurers will cover them. It's important to check with your insurance provider whether installing a key safe will invalidate your insurance. Some insurers may stipulate that any type of key safe will invalidate your insurance, while others may only approve of certain makes and models.

Police-approved key safes

A wall-mounted key safe is a great way to securely store your keys and allow visitors to let themselves into your home. However, it is important to check that your home insurance covers the use of one.

When looking for a police-approved key safe, you should also look for one that has been certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB). The LPCB works with the security industry and insurers to set security standards. Key safes with LPCB certification have been rigorously tested to ensure they are secure and perform effectively. The standard which deals with key safe security is LPS1175, with Issue 8 being the latest. The higher the issue number, the better.

The Key Safe Company's Supra C500 Pro and Supra P500 Pro were the first mechanical key safes in the UK to meet the Police Preferred specification. They are now joined by the ark Tamo™, which is officially the most secure push-button key safe on the market. The Supra C500 and P500 are also recommended by personal alarm services. The Burton Keyguard Digital XL is another option, which has a higher certification. These key safes are all Police-accredited by the 'Secured by Design' initiative and have LPS certification. Prices start at around £60 and can go up to £100 for a home alarm system-connected Supra P500.

When choosing a key safe, it is important to select one that is well-made, robust, and durable. It is also recommended to choose a safe with a higher number of buttons, making it more difficult for thieves to guess the combination. Additionally, consider changing the code regularly and installing the safe in a discreet location, as suggested by the police.

Insurance-approved key safes

Whether a key safe will invalidate your house insurance depends on your insurance provider. It is recommended that you check with your insurance provider before installing a key safe. Some insurance providers may specify certain conditions for the installation of a key safe, such as requiring a licensed professional to install it or limiting the number of people who know the key code.

To ensure that your key safe is insurance-approved, look for one that has been independently tested and certified by security experts. In the UK, 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 LPCB's standard for key safe security is called LPS1175 (Issue 8 being the latest). It is recommended that you choose a key safe with a minimum of LPS1175 A1 standard or above (e.g. LPS1175 A5 or A10).

Another certification to look out for is the 'Secured by Design' Police Preferred Specification. This certification is approved by the police and indicates that the key safe can help reduce crime. Key safes with this certification have been tested by an independent third party to a standard recognised by the police and the insurance industry, LPS 1175 Level 1.

In addition to certifications, there are other features you can look for in a key safe to ensure it is secure. Choose a key safe with a large number of buttons to increase the number of possible code combinations, making it harder for thieves to guess the code. You can also consider a smart key safe, which allows you to control who has access and monitor when the safe has been opened via an app.

Key safe installation

If you're thinking of getting a key safe installed, it's a good idea to first check with your home insurance provider to see if it will impact your policy. While key safes are a much more secure option than hiding a spare key under a doormat or in a plant pot, not all insurers will cover them, so it's best to check with your provider before purchasing and installing one.

Once you've confirmed that a key safe won't invalidate your insurance, you can start looking into the installation process. Some companies offer professional installation services for key safes, which can give you peace of mind that your safe has been properly fitted by an expert. These services typically include a brief site inspection, followed by a discussion with the installer about the positioning of your key safe. The installer will then fix the key safe to an exterior wall using the appropriate fixings, such as expansion bolts or rawlplugs with screws, which are designed for use with solid surfaces like brick or concrete.

It's important to note that the position of your key safe may be restricted by factors such as safe site access and obstructions like pipes or cables within the wall. In some cases, additional costs may be incurred if the installation is classed as non-standard, for example, if specialised access equipment or permits are required. After installation, the engineer will typically carry out a final assessment to ensure the key safe is secure and provide a demonstration of how to use it.

If you're handy and comfortable with DIY, you may also be able to install a key safe yourself. Key safes typically come with the necessary fixings and instructions for installation. However, it's important to carefully follow the instructions and consider factors such as the location of pipes or cables within the wall to avoid any damage.

Whether you choose professional installation or DIY, it's important to consider the placement of your key safe. Avoid installing it right next to the front door, as this could make it more accessible to thieves. Instead, opt for a more secluded location, such as near shrubbery or window boxes, to deter potential criminals. Additionally, make sure to choose a key safe that meets high security standards, such as those that are police-approved or have the "Secured by Design" label.

Key safe code

A key safe is a small, secure, mechanical metal box used for storing a spare property key. It is usually mounted on a wall near the front entrance door of a property. To open a key safe, you need to enter a combination code or rotate a combination wheel.

When setting a key safe code, it is important to choose a difficult number combination. Avoid obvious combinations like 1,2,3,4 or your date of birth. The more single-press buttons on a mechanical key safe, the more possible code combinations there will be, making it harder for thieves to guess the code.

It is also important to limit the number of people who know the code. Only share the code with a small number of trustworthy people who require access to the property. Change the code regularly, especially after someone no longer needs access to the property.

Some key safes offer smart features, allowing you to control access remotely via an app and track when the safe has been opened.

Key safe location

The location of your key safe is important. If it's in a visible place, it should be particularly sturdy and well-secured to an exterior wall or other immovable objects. If it's in a discreet location, it should still be a robust model that can withstand repeated blows with a heavy object such as a sledgehammer. The police recommend placing the safe somewhere inconspicuous, such as by shrubbery or window boxes, but not so hidden that a thief could easily hide while trying to break into it.

If you're using the safe to store a spare key in case you or a family member gets locked out, a concealed safe in a discreet location is more secure. In this case, you could use a disguised key safe that resembles a natural rock or lawn ornament. However, don't rely on the disguise to fool criminals. Choose a model with a reliable lock, and place it somewhere observers are unlikely to notice it in passing or see you removing or replacing the key.

If the key is for people outside your household, such as temporary residents, emergency services personnel, or nursing staff, a more visible safe and obvious location are better.

It's important to note that the location of your key safe may impact your house insurance. Some insurers may specify certain conditions, such as requiring the key safe to be installed in a discreet place. It's always best to check with your insurer before installing a key safe and ensure that your chosen location meets their requirements.

Frequently asked questions