FAQs | The Post Vault North West England

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. What is a safe deposit box?

A safe deposit box is an individually stored container held within a high secure safe or vault which is only accessible to the key holder. A safe deposit box, sometimes called a safe deposit locker, is used to store valuable possessions that an individual may not wish to store at home or at their place of work. The renter agrees to pay an annual fee for using the box, which can only be opened by combining the use of an assigned key, a personal identification number (PIN) and biometric security.

2. Why do I need a safe deposit box?

If you are concerned about the security of your valuables at home or in the workplace, you should consider renting a safe deposit box. With over 7,300 household and business thefts occurring last year according to Annual Crime figures from Merseyside Police, The Post Vaults can offer true security and peace of mind. The installation of home security provides only limited protection, since owners can be forced to open safes under threat of physical violence. In addition, your home contents insurance costs should be reduced by the use of a safe deposit box.

3.What happens if I lose my keys?

You will receive two identical keys when renting your safe deposit box. If you lose one or both keys, please contact The Post Vault immediately. We will arrange an appointment and explain the next steps. You must be present when your box is opened, and you will be responsible for any replacement lock and repair costs.

4. What are the typical items stored in a safe deposit box?

Jewellery

Cash

Data Storage

Back up discs

Wills

Birth certificates

Precious metals e.g. gold, silver etc.

Passports

Property deeds

Rare coins / stamp collections

Military medals

Artwork

Important keys

Home inventory list/video

Marriage certificate

Wedding video

Income tax returns

Family photographs

Share certificates

Insurance contracts

5. Are there any prohibited items that cannot be kept in a safe deposit box?

You are not permitted to store any items that are illegal or dangerous. Weapons of any kind, explosives, gas canisters, perishables or liquids are not permitted. See our terms and conditions for a list of additional prohibited items.

6. What do I need to open an account with you?

You can visit us in person any day during our opening hours, call us to book an appointment or reserve a box online. We will require you to prove your identity using an acceptable form of photographic identification (a valid passport or driving licence) and a proof of address (a utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old).

7. Can I give other persons access to my box?

Only people registered to use your box with The Post Vaults will be allowed to access the vault area and your box. No more than three people can be registered to access one safe deposit box at any given time. No person under the age of 18 years will be permitted to register for or to access a safe deposit box.

8. How much does your service cost and how do I pay?

Prices start from less than a £2.50 per week. A once-off £100 key deposit is required to open a new account. The deposit is refundable when the contract ends with the return of the keys and access cards. Our minimum rental period is 3 months. Payment can be made by credit card or debit card.

9. What are your opening hours?

Our opening hours vary by branch:

Bolton: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–5:30 pm; Saturday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm.
New Hall Lane, Preston: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am–4:30 pm; Saturday, 10:30 am–1:30 pm.

10. Where are you located?

We have three branches across the North West:

Bolton: 12 Oxford Street, Bolton, BL1 1RF
Chorley: 56 Market Street, Chorley, PR7 2SE
Preston: 204 New Hall Lane, Preston, PR1 4SS

11. How do I renew or cancel my contract with you?

Approximately one month before your contract expires, we will contact you by phone, email or post, depending on your preferred method of communication, to invite you to renew. If you do not wish to renew, both keys must be returned to us in person or by registered post before your contract expiry date. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

12. Can the government or law enforcement agencies access my box?

No. The only case in which we are obliged to open a box is when we are presented with a valid court order.

13. Do The Post Vaults keep a copy of my key?

No. You will be issued with the only 2 keys unique to your box.

Each box is opened using a dual-lock system. The ‘customer’ key and one held by ‘The Post Vaults’. Each box requires both keys to gain access, neither The Post Vaults or the customer can open the box alone.

14. What happens to my safe deposit box if I die?

If there is no ‘specified person’ on your account at the time of your death, then normal legal processes will prevail. Once the estate has been granted probate, the executor of the estate will be assigned access to the box. The person reporting your death should bring a certified copy of the death certificate to our office. Access will be allowed to the box for the purposes of probate valuation only. No items may be removed until such time as a relevant grant of probate has been shown.