Allowing people into your home or property when you’re not there used to be either leaving a key under a doormat, or a complicated business of sending a set of keys by courier or asking a neighbour to hold a set - none of which are particularly convenient options.
What is a key safe?
They are usually metal boxes with a hinged, opening front secured by a combination lock in which you can store a set of keys. They are fitted to a wall using bolts that go through the back and metal plate so that even if a burglar prised the box from the wall, the keys are still locked inside.
Other designs can be hung from a metal post or rail. You can choose from a variety of combination locks, from a simple, four-wheel device with the numbers zero to nine on each, or a more complicated push-button device with both letters and numbers.
Setting your access code
Most key safes arrive with a ‘factory setting’ code in them. This is typically 0000 or 1234. It’s vital that you read and thoroughly understand the instructions before setting a new code, as the last thing you want is to fiddle about with a new combination only to discover you don’t remember what it was when you needed your keys.
Take a photo to share with trusted people, or jot it down somewhere secure.
Which key safe is best: hanging or wall-mounted?
Many key safes are designed to be screwed or bolted to a wall and it’s most secure to attach to a brick or stone wall, though you can also mount it on wood. In this case, even if a burglar attempted to take it off the wall, they would still need to be able to open the safe to get at the keys. Another option is one with a metal rope or chain, that you can hang from a metal post or rail. This is particularly suitable for buildings such as garages and outhouses.
Am I covered under my home insurance?
Always check with your house insurance or buy-to-let provider that you are still insured if you use a key safe - and ask if they have a preferred brand or model. You might find that you are not covered if things go missing and you have been giving the access codes to several different people.
A spokesperson from Go Compare says: “It’s always best to check with your insurer before you buy and install a key safe. Read through policy documents, and if you can’t see any explicit mention of key safes, then contact your insurer.
“Some insurers may stipulate that any type of key safe will invalidate your insurance. Others may only approve certain makes and models.
“Providers may also specify certain conditions. This might include a requirement that the key safe is installed by a professional or located in a discreet place, and that you only share your key code with a small number of trusted individuals.”
Best key safes at a glance
We’ve rounded up the best key safes to use on your home or property.
See the best options below
KeySecure KSC3K Mini Outdoor Combination Key Safe
Best for: large capacity
Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 2.5 cm
For many homes and holiday cottages, all you need is a good, secure box for keys that will allow easy opening and closing. This has space for up to five mortise or six to eight Yale keys, plus a car key.
It also allows you to re-set the four-digit combination at any time, so if you have a holiday let or AirbnB, you can change it for each guest’s arrival. The number dial and flip switch that opens the safe are protected behind a sliding panel that will keep dust and water out and help it stay in good working condition for longer. The number dials are easy to use and they move around freely.
Buy now £27.00, Safe Options
Burton Keyguard XL Police Preferred Secure Key Safe
Best for: police approved
Dimensions: 2 x 5 x 7 cm
Some key safes are recommended by the police, offering an extra layer of reassurance. This is a high-security model with a mechanical combination lock that works by just pushing the buttons. It fixes firmly to the wall using bolts (included) and it also has a cover that protects it from the elements. It takes around five to seven Yale or mortice keys and has easy-to-see numbers and letters.
Buy now £59.00, Amazon
Master Lock Light Up Key Safe 5425EURD
Best for: illuminated dial
Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.2 x 5.2 cm
If you need to place a key safe in a dark corner, or you have guests or carers coming and going at night, a model that has an illuminated face is ideal. This has a durable case and a cover to keep it safe from water and dirt and there is a window in the cover that allows you to see the large, easy-to-read dial combination easily. It can hold several keys, be mounted onto wooden or brick walls and all that you need to attach it is included within the box. The combination can be reset when required.
Buy now £32.00, Argos
Supra C500 Pro Key Safe
Best for: police-approved and carries safety certificates
Dimensions: 6.3 x 8.1 x 14.9 cm
This is a police-preferred key safe that gives you the freedom to be out while still giving key people access to your property: think dog walkers, cleaners and childminders.
The combination can be re-set as often as you need to, so no need to feel vulnerable about ex-helpers still having access to your home. Supra’s key safe carries certificates from the Loss Prevention Certification Board and it is very strong and durable. It’s also made with rust-proof materials such as zinc alloy and it has a plastic cover to protect it from dirt and the elements.
Buy now £69.95, Amazon
Master Lock 5401EURD Key safe
Best for: largest number of combinations
Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 7.5
This heavy-duty key safe has a removable plastic cover to protect it from extreme weather and a large internal space allowing you to store keys and access cards. Set a four-digit code using 14 buttons (zero to nine, plus A to D) that you can set and reset when you need to; just be sure to change the combination with the unit open, as you could break internal plastic pins.
It can be a little tricky to install, as the bolts on this are quite long and the instructions recommend drilling a guide hole first – we’ve found something more substantial than a long, thin masonry drill bit is wise.
Made from sturdy zinc with a recessed door, it can be used inside or outdoors. Once you have keyed in the code, push the switch and then twist the top dial to ‘open’ or ‘locked.’
Buy now £69.99, Amazon
Diyife Key Safe with Rope
Best for: can be hung from a secure post or rail
Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.4 x 20.4 cm
Designed to be attached to a bar or railing, you may have seen this type of key safe for Airbnb apartments. These are brilliant if you’re not able to affix to a sturdy wall.
The strong zinc alloy box is rust-resistant, has a four-digit combination and can fit around five keys inside. The drop-down front means that you can use it one-handed, which is great if you have a bike or heavy luggage in the other. Remove the metal rope to transform it into a wall-mounted design if you like.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Defender Push Button Key Safe
Best for: internal hook for keys
Dimensions: 2.5 x 5 x 11.5 cm
Made with heavy duty metal and having plenty of space inside for a bunch of keys, this is very easy to use and very strong too. It’s a wall-mounted key safe that is secure against intruders and it’s very easy to use thanks to the push buttons. There is an internal hook to hang keys from, making them easier to grab.
Buy now £33.95, Amazon
Home Hut Outdoor Key Safe
Best for: value for money
Dimensions: 3.8 x 8.5 x 11.8 cm
Made from aluminium alloy, this is strong and simple to install. It has a cover to keep it clean, prevent the weather from damaging the workings and keep rust at bay.
It’s also on the small side, so it’s more for a smaller set of keys: think smaller homes, garages and outhouses. It has pre-drilled holes in the back to attach it to the wall and you can change the combination at will.
Buy now £9.95, Amazon
Sentinel Push Button Wall Mounted Key Safe
Best for: can be wall mounted or hung from a post
Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 7.2 cm
Made from super strong steel and painted with a hard-wearing black paint, this is a discreet addition to your home security.
Whether you want to wall mount or hang from a post is up to you; this key safe can support both. The inner compartment has generous dimensions, holding up to 10 keys with ease. Because it has push buttons that are like old mobile phones – number two also offers the letters A, B and C and so on – you can create a combination that is a memorable word such as “GRANNY.” It’s simple to change the combination by removing and replacing a setting key.
Buy now £35.00, Amazon
Safe Options Emergency access key safe
Best for: emergency, one-time use
Dimensions: 15 x 12.5 x 3cm
You might not need regular access to a home but there are sometimes occasions when you need to get in – or out - during an emergency. Perhaps someone has had an accident or illness, or you’ve managed to lose all your keys.
In times of crisis, this is a glass-fronted lock box to keep a key in. It has a key hook inside and you can buy replacement front glass if you ever need to break it. It’s a highly visible bright red and can be fitted onto a wall swiftly using screws and rawl plugs. One for places such as schools, safety and boiler rooms and emergency exits.
Buy now £36.00, Safe Options
Verdict
For a simple-to-use, well-functioning and sturdy option, Keysecure KSC3K is ideal and a good price too.
If you want a police-approved version, then go for the Burton Keyguard XL Police Preferred Secure Key Safe which is more expensive than many but may keep you on the right side of your home insurers.
