What is an Insurance Approved Safe?

So, you’re thinking about getting a safe to protect your cash or valuables?

They come in various shapes and sizes, and incorporate a host of useful features, meaning you’re sure to find something suitable.

However, there are many factors to consider when looking for a new or second-hand safe, and making the right choice is crucial for insurance purposes.

Here the security specialists at eSafes explain what insurance-approved safes are and why you might need one.

What is an insurance-approved safe?

An insurance-approved safe has been independently tested to standards set by the Association of Insurance Surveyors, providing the highest level of protection for your valuables.

Unlike other security safes, AiS approved safes are part of an approved scheme where numerous organisations throughout Europe test (and scrutinise) certificates. They also certify these safes to specific grades (depending on the level of burglary resistance they offer) – providing each model with a unique certification badge that signifies where it was certified and the grade it’s been given.

As a result, AiS-approved security safes get the seal of approval from insurance companies the world over.

How do AiS insurance-approved safes work?

Insurance-approved safes use strong, resilient materials, such as steel, concrete, and hardened plates, to resist attacks.

As a rule of thumb, an AiS safe will include the following features to ensure optimal security for the items you keep inside:

• Thick steel walls and doors – insurance-approved safes typically have a solid steel door and walls of substantial thickness, offering a high level of defence against theft. The thicker the steel, the longer it will take a criminal to break into your safe and access your valuables.

• Reinforced locks – an AiS-approved safe has a robust lock to resist picking and drilling (two common methods criminals use to gain entry). Whether you opt for a traditional key, electronic, or biometric lock, it will meet EN 1300 locking standards.

• Anti-tamper – to make it much more difficult for thieves to gain access to your belongings stowed inside, insurance-approved safes tend to include anti-tamper features like re-locking mechanisms.

• Fire protection – bear in mind that some AiS-approved safes offer a degree of fire protection (usually up to 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes). These models are an excellent investment if you plan to secure important documents and other items out of harm’s way.

Why are AiS insurance-approved safes necessary?      

Safes that are approved by the Association of Insurance Surveyors (AiS) are essential for anyone wanting to safeguard their belongings.

These security safes are not only remarkably strong, secure, and reliable – stopping thieves from being able to open your safe within a matter of minutes – but they’re designed to meet rigorous standards, too.

AiS-approved safes are widely recognised by insurance companies. Many often stipulate that, for your insurance to be valid, valuables must be kept in such a safe.

By investing in one of these tested and certified safes, you can trust that your possessions will be thoroughly protected, which is especially important if the crime rate is high in your local area.

Ready to purchase an insurance-approved safe?

Buying an insurance-approved safe is a smart move.

It will provide you with peace of mind that sentimental items, important documents, expensive gadgets, and cash are kept out of reach of opportunists, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.

Be sure to browse our extensive range of AiS insurance safes online.

We stock all the leading brands, including Burton Safes, Chubbsafes, and Phoenix Safes, to name just a few. These come equipped with a high-security lock as standard and carry a unique cash or valuables rating.

At eSafes, we pride ourselves on offering competitive prices across our online inventory, allowing you to guard what matters the most to you, without spending a fortune.

For more information about the safes we have in stock, or for expert advice on choosing one, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team today.