Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a Safe
Avoid Common Mistakes
Avoid Common Mistakes
When buying a safe, you are not just buying a box with a lock. You are buying time, protection and peace of mind. A safe is often the last line of defence for your valuables in a property. Get it right and you can protect what matters most, get it wrong and it a just a weak point for burglars to take advantage of.
Some common mistakes we have seen are:
- Buying untested or uncertified safes
- Choosing a safe based on price, rather than risk and security offered
- Failing to install a safe properly
- Ignoring insurance requirements
So, when choosing your safe, make sure you consider what you need to protect.
Higher graded safes resist attacks longer, so always consider looking one grade higher than you think you need.
What type of safe should I choose?
What type of safe should I choose?
Selecting the right safe depends on your individual requirements. Whether you are looking for a home safe, office safe, or high-security safe, careful consideration is key.
Key Factors to Consider
- Total value of contents
- Type of valuables (cash, jewellery, documents)
- Installation environment (home or commercial premises)
- Insurance requirements
SafeFort Recommendations
- Home safes for documents and personal items: S1 or S2
- Safes for valuables and small businesses: Grade 0 or Grade I
- High-security safes for large assets: Grade II and above
When choosing between safe ratings, opting for a higher grade can provide enhanced protection and long-term flexibility.
What is the difference between a home safe and a high-security safe?
What is the difference between a home safe and a high-security safe?
Home safes and office safes are usually designed for everyday valuables, documents, keys, and smaller items.
When looking at home or office safe, you should look for the level of security certification. You will often see S1 and S2 as a basic level of protection. If you are storing valuables or have a small business we would recommend that you consider safes with Eurograde rating from G0 to G2.
High-security safes are built for higher-value contents and general suit more demanding commercial environments. They carry stronger insurance ratings and higher Eurograde classifications (G3 to G7). Their construction and resistance to attack are significantly higher than home and office safes.
How do I know what size safe I need?
How do I know what size safe I need?
Think about what you need to store now, then allow extra space for future items. Check the internal dimensions, not just the external dimensions, as wall thickness and fire protection can reduce usable internal space.
Should I choose a key lock or electronic lock?
Should I choose a key lock or electronic lock?
Key locks are simple and reliable but require careful key management. Electronic locks are convenient for regular use and can be better when several trusted users need access. Some safes also offer advanced locking options depending on the model.
Are your safes suitable for both homes and businesses?
Are your safes suitable for both homes and businesses?
Yes. Many safes are suitable for homes, home offices, retail spaces, offices, hotels, hospitality venues, and commercial environments. The best option depends on the value of the items being protected and the level of access control required.
Insurance Ratings & Certifications
Do all safes offer fire protection?
Do all safes offer fire protection?
No. Some safes are designed mainly for burglary protection, while others include fire protection for paper documents or digital media. Always check the fire rating and the type of contents the fire protection is designed for.
What does Secured by Design mean?
What does Secured by Design mean?
Secured by Design is a police-preferred specification initiative focused on crime prevention. Products carrying this recognition may offer added reassurance when choosing security equipment.
What does AIS approved mean?
What does AIS approved mean?
AIS approval means a safe has been recognised by the Association of Insurance Surveyors.
This can be important when buying a safe for insured valuables, business use, or higher-risk items.
What does Eurograde mean?
What does Eurograde mean?
Eurograde is a security classification used for tested safes. A higher Eurograde usually means stronger burglary resistance and a higher potential insurance rating.
Leading European Safe Certification Authorities
- ECB-S (European Certification Board – Security Systems)
Considered the gold standard for European safe certification, ECB-S ensures safes meet EN security ratings through rigorous testing. - VdS Schadenverhütung (Germany)
A highly respected German certification body, known for demanding testing procedures and exceptional reliability.
EN 1143-1: High Security Safes
The leading European standard for burglary-resistant safes.
- Grades range from Grade 0 to Grade XII
- Each level represents increased resistance to sustained attack
- Tested against professional tools, including drills, grinders, and explosives
EN 1143-1 safes are ideal for high-value storage, including jewellery, cash, and confidential documents.
What does a safe’s cash rating mean?
What does a safe’s cash rating mean?
Safe insurance ratings indicate the maximum value insurers typically cover when valuables are stored in a certified safe.
While exact limits vary between providers, the following serves as a general UK guide:
Indicative Insurance Ratings for Safes
- S1 Safe - £2,000 cash and/or £20,000 valuables
- S2 Safe - £4,000 cash and/or £40,000 valuables
- Grade 0 Safe - £6,000 cash and/or £60,000 valuables
- Grade I Safe - £17,500 cash and/or £175,000 valuables
- Grade II Safe - £35,000 cash and/or £350,000 valuables
*Valuables such as jewellery and watches are typically insured at up to ten times the cash rating.
For full compliance, always confirm your safe insurance requirements directly with your insurer.
Delivery & Installation
How long does delivery take?
How long does delivery take?
Delivery times vary by product, supplier, and delivery method. Smaller items may be dispatched faster, while larger, specialist, or special-order safes can take longer.
Estimated lead and delivery times should be checked on the product page or confirmed before ordering.
Do larger safes need to be bolted down?
Do larger safes need to be bolted down?
The general rule is that safes under 1000Kg should be bolted down to perform properly and to meet insurance expectations.
Some insurance ratings may only apply when the safe is correctly installed according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Can you arrange installation?
Can you arrange installation?
Installation is available on most safes. This can include positioning, bolting down, or specialist handling depending on the product and location. Delivery and installation is available at checkout.
If you’ve selected installation:
- Delivery and installation may be arranged separately
- Installation is carried out by qualified specialists
You are responsible for ensuring:
- Floors and surfaces can safely support the weight
- The installation location is suitable and accessible
How are safes delivered?
How are safes delivered?
Depending on the size and weight of your item we use different delivery methods.
Small & Medium Items
- Delivered via standard courier
- Usually arrive within typical parcel delivery times
- Delivered to your door
Large & Heavy Items (Safes)
- Delivered via specialist courier or pallet network
- Delivery is typically made on a kerbside basis (see below)
- We may contact you to arrange a suitable delivery date
Pallet & Kerbside Deliveries (Important)
Kerbside Delivery means:
- Your item is delivered to the nearest safe access point outside your property
- This is usually your driveway, pavement, or kerb
- Drivers are not able to bring items inside your home or business
Why?
Safes are often:
- Very heavy
- Delivered on pallets
- Transported using large vehicles with tail lifts
For safety and insurance reasons, drivers cannot move items beyond kerbside.
Orders & Payments
Can I get advice before ordering?
Can I get advice before ordering?
Yes. If you are unsure which product is suitable, contact the SafeFort team before buying. This is especially important for heavy safes, high-security products, installation requirements, or insurance-related purchases.
Will I receive an order confirmation?
Will I receive an order confirmation?
Yes. Once your order is placed, you should receive an email confirmation with your order details. Please check the details carefully and contact SafeFort quickly if anything is incorrect.
What payment methods do you accept?
What payment methods do you accept?
SafeFort accepts Debit and Credit Cards and Paypal.
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Please contact SafeFort as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel an order. If the item has already been processed, dispatched, specially ordered, or booked for delivery, cancellation may not always be possible.
Returns & Cancellations
Can I return a safe after it has been installed?
Can I return a safe after it has been installed?
Installed products may not be eligible for standard return unless there is a fault or another valid issue. Installation can affect return eligibility, so confirm all specifications before installation takes place.
What if my item arrives damaged?
What if my item arrives damaged?
If an item arrives damaged, report it as soon as possible with photos of the packaging and product. Do not dispose of packaging until the issue has been reviewed, as it may be needed for the claim.
Can special-order items be returned?
Can special-order items be returned?
Special-order, customised, installed, or made-to-order products may have different cancellation or return conditions. Always check before placing the order if you are unsure.
Are heavy safes easy to return?
Are heavy safes easy to return?
Heavy safes and bulky items may require specialist collection or pallet transport. Return costs can be higher than standard parcel returns, so customers should check product suitability carefully before ordering.
What is your returns policy?
What is your returns policy?
Eligible unused products can usually be returned within 30 days, provided they are unused, in their original packaging, and complete with all keys, accessories, manuals, and documentation.