If you choose to keep precious metals at home, proper security measures are essential.
Home Safe Recommendations
- Weight: Choose a safe heavy enough that it cannot be easily carried away (300+ lbs recommended)
- Fire Rating: UL-rated for at least 1 hour at 1,700°F
- Bolt Down: Anchor the safe to the floor or wall
- Location: Interior room, ground floor, away from obvious areas (master bedroom closet is the first place thieves check)
Security Best Practices
- Discretion is paramount. Do not discuss your holdings with anyone who does not need to know
- Install a monitored home security system
- Consider a decoy safe with modest contents
- Document your holdings with photos and serial numbers, stored separately
Insurance
Standard homeowner’s insurance typically covers only $200–$1,000 of precious metals. You will need a scheduled personal property rider or a separate valuable articles policy. Contact your insurance carrier for specific coverage options.
When to Consider Vault Storage
For holdings exceeding $50,000–$100,000, professional vault storage often provides superior security and insurance at comparable or lower cost than home solutions.