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NRW Safe-Deposit Box Break-Ins Prompt Consumer Advice on Insurance and Storage

Consumer advisers recommend documenting holdings and confirming insurance rather than moving valuables home.

Overview

  • Verbraucherzentrale NRW experts urge customers to photograph, keep receipts for, and appraise items in bank lockers to substantiate any loss claims.
  • Banks often cap coverage for safe-deposit contents, so customers are advised to check contracts, raise limits with their bank, or buy separate locker insurance.
  • If values exceed limits, experts suggest splitting items across another locker or paying cash into an account instead of concentrating it in one box.
  • Taking valuables home without proper protection is discouraged because household policies frequently cap cash payouts at roughly €500 to €3,500, though certified, anchored home safes can qualify for higher limits.
  • Police report increased phone scams referencing the Gelsenkirchen break-in and warn customers against sharing details about valuables or cash.