When I meet people and inform them that I am involved in the safety deposit box business, I usually encounter responses such as “What requirement would I have for a safety deposit box” or  ” I have nothing of value to store in a safety deposit box” or “I have a house alarm and a Safe at home”.

If you ask yourself the following questions it may help you in your decision process:

Have there been burglaries in your area in recent times? Have you items at home that are irreplaceable in the event of a home fire? Are you away from your home for extended periods due to work or holidays? Is your home contents insurance premium significant as a result various specified items on the policy? Have you cleared your mortgage and hold the title deeds? Are you worried about Irish Banks and if there was a Cypriot style bailout? Are you a business owner who stores large amounts of cash at home?

I will now expand briefly on each of these questions.

Have there been burglaries in your area in recent times?

According to the Central Statistics Office there are over 22,000 burglaries in Ireland every year. The likelihood is that someone living close to you has been a victim. In addition, aggravated burglaries have been on the rise in Ireland. Talk to your local crime prevention officer at your local Garda Station.

Have you items at home that are irreplaceable in the event of a home fire?

It is only when you sit down and ponder this question that you can get the answer. Maybe you have old photos / videos of family that are not backed up on a memory disc or you do not have copies made of them. Have you jewellery that has been passed down through the generations. Or maybe a relatives military medals or other family heirlooms.

Are you away from your home for extended periods due to work or holidays?

Do you travel a lot with work. Are you retired and spend the Winters in sunnier climates. Are you planning a cruise. Quite a number of people leave their jewellery at home when going on holidays. Is this jewellery insured if you are not wearing it or it is not in a Safe.

Is your home contents insurance premium significant as a result of numerous specified items on the policy?

Have you several items of jewellery insured and specified on your policy. Do you wear all the jewellery at once? If not, should you store the items you are not wearing in a safety deposit box? Your home contents premium will drop significantly if you inform your insurance company that these items are now stored in a safety deposit box when not being worn.

Have you cleared your mortgage and hold the title deeds?

If your mortgage is cleared, where are the Title Deeds stored? Banks no longer offer a safe keeping service in Ireland. Did you know that it can cost several thousand euro to have Title Deeds replaced. Not to mention the hassle and inconvenience caused.

Are you worried about Irish Banks and if there was a Cypriot style bailout?

In the event of another financial crisis, could the Irish Banks be vulnerable? In Cyprus deposits over €100k were taxed significantly as part of an IMF bail out. Should you store a portion of your cash in a safety deposit box as a hedge against a Banking collapse?

Are you a business owner who stores large amounts of cash at home?

Do you own a business where cash is used as payment e.g. restaurants, pubs, small shops etc. Do you bring this cash home with you from time to time. In recent times, business owners have increasingly been the target of aggravated burglaries

Having answered these questions, you are now in a position to decide if you need a safety deposit box with Merrion Vaults.

For only €199 per annum, your valuables can be securely stored providing you with additional Peace of Mind.

Please call us today if we can help on 01-2547900 or email info@merrionvaults.ie

Séamus Fahy

Director