To choose the right container or home safe, first list the things you want to protect. Most home safes on the market today are designed to protect against either fire or theft, but not both. Fire-resistant containers are used to protect non-negotiable papers and are not made to withstand physical attack.
Home safes vary in size and space. Depending on size and materials, non-insulated containers sell for as little as $25, while fire-resistant boxes are $50 and up, and burglar-resistant safes start at around $300 and go as high as $8,000.
To offer acceptable fire protection for papers, a container must be able to keep its interior temperature below 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one to four hours. The burglary ratings cover protection against entry by devices ranging from common tools to high explosives.
Look for products that meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards and carry its seal.
To save money: consider buying a used safe. The cost is about 20 - 40 percent less than comparable new ones.
Source: National Security Institute