Is a key lock box as secure as a key safe?

Do you know the difference between a key safe and a key lock box? Which is the most secure for key storage?

Looking to find out the best way to safely store and share your keys? With a myriad of key storage solutions out there, it takes a lot of time and persistence to figure out what’s best for you. Let us save you the legwork by giving you a quick overview of the differences between a key safe and a key lock box.

Is a key lock box secure?

If you’re wondering what the differences between lock boxes, key lock boxes and key safes are, you hopefully already realise that there is no such thing as a safe place for hiding keys. Not only hiding a key under a doormat is inviting trouble, but it is also very likely to invalidate your home insurance as the key is not deemed to be held securely.

So, storing your key in a lockable key storage device is a minimum requirement. But be warned: very few key boxes are safe. And shockingly, contrary to what the name suggests, not all key safes are either! Read on to find out how to pick a key safe that is truly secure.

What is an outdoor key lock box?

A key lock box is a generic term that’s made its way to the UK from the US. Collins dictionary defines it as ‘a box with a lock, used for securing items of value, like a safe-deposit box, a strong box, a post-office box, etc’. The key phrase has been widely adopted by the home security industry to specifically mean ‘outdoor key box’ – a lockable storage device that is mounted to the outside wall of a property to store keys in case you want to give someone access to your home when you’re not there.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that a lockable device should keep your key well secure. Unfortunately, many key lock boxes are made from materials that cannot withstand impact, making them easy to break into.

The difference between a lock box and a key safe

Within the industry, the terms are often used interchangeably and, unfortunately, there is no governing body regulating the naming. At The Key Safe Company, we feel it is really important to raise awareness of the difference, especially when it comes to being approved for security by the police. Many suppliers use the term ‘key safe’ but often these products have not been rigorously tested for security. We work to provide key storage that is truly safe for our customers, backed by security certifications by independent industry bodies.

Here are some simple steps to help you differentiate the secure key safes from the non-secure key lock boxes out there.

Which key safes are truly secure?

To gain peace of mind that your key is secure, make sure your chosen solution has these independent seals of approval:

‘Police preferred’ status to indicate police accreditation

Police Preferred Specification from the Secured by Design scheme is run by the UK Police. The initiative independently certifies home security products to be safe and deter crime.

LPS1175 Certificate as proof of vigorous anti-attack testing

The LPS1175 (Loss Prevention Standard) certifications are issued by LPCB (The Loss Prevention Certification Board). Part of BRE (British Research Establishment), the LPCB has been working with the industry and insurers for over 100 years to set the standards needed to ensure that fire and security products and services perform effectively. You will find a list of all key safes which have attained the LPS1175 security standard listed in BRE’s Red Book.

If you’re still wondering whether you should get a key lock box or a key safe, we most certainly recommend you should opt for the latter, but be sure to check that it is both LPS1175 certified and ‘police preferred’. A secure key safe will ensure your keys are kept safe and will not endanger the people or contents within the property.

You can find out more about different types of key storage devices in our handy Key Safe Guide.

Which is the best key safe to buy?

If you can, we recommend that you always opt for the most secure mechanical key safe on the market, which is currently ark Tamo, having attained the LPS1175 Issue 8 A10 certification. Alternatively, our Supra C500 Pro and Supra P500 Pro police preferred key safes are also a popular choice, backed by the LPS1175 Issue 8 A5 certification. They are easy to install by any competent DIY’er but, if you’d prefer to leave it to us, we also offer an optional installation service.

To find out more or to order your secure key safe today, call us on 0330 363 0303.