Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs: General Questions

What is Vitessa Vault?

Vitessa Vault is an independent Safe Deposit Centre located in Oakwood, North London, in close proximity to Hertfordshire. We provide high-security storage solutions including safety deposit boxes, vaulted safes, and secure document storage, all protected by on-site security guards and advanced biometric access systems within our Grade 9 vault.

Unlike traditional bank safe deposit boxes, Vitessa Vault offers fully insured storage options, extended access hours, and a personalised, private service. Our facility is purpose-built for security, featuring a Grade 9 vault, on-site security personnel, biometric access controls, and Secure by Design accreditation. Banks typically do not insure box contents and are limited by restricted access and impersonal service models.

Vitessa Vault is conveniently located in the London Borough of Enfield, in Oakwood, North London, directly beside Oakwood Underground Station (Piccadilly Line). Our facility offers secure on-site parking directly outside, making visits easy and discreet.

We are positioned on the border of Hertfordshire, with excellent road links via the M25 and A406 North Circular, providing easy access from Enfield, Barnet, Southgate, Cockfosters, and surrounding Hertfordshire areas.

Address:
179–181 Bramley Road, Oakwood, London, N14 4XA

FAQs: Account Opening & Access

What do I need to open an account?

To open an account with Vitessa Vault, you’ll need:

  • Valid photo ID – a current passport or UK/EU driving licence

  • Proof of address dated within the last 3 months, such as:

    • Utility bill

    • Bank statement

    • Council tax bill

For security and compliance reasons, photocopies or digital copies are not accepted. All documents must be original and presented in person at the time of account opening.

Yes, we welcome walk-ins during our operating hours. However, we strongly recommend booking an appointment in advance to ensure dedicated staff availability, a smoother experience, and faster account setup.

Appointments allow us to give you our full attention and answer any questions you may have about our secure storage options.

Up to two named account holders can be registered with full access rights to a safety deposit box.
Additional authorised users can also be added if required. Each authorised person must complete individual identity verification and biometric registration to ensure the highest security standards are maintained.

We’re open 6 days a week during our business hours which are from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.

Vitessa Vault is fully wheelchair accessible. Our thoughtfully designed space allows clients using wheelchairs or other mobility aids to move seamlessly from reception directly to their individual safety deposit box.

FAQs: Security & Access

How secure is Vitessa Vault?

Security is central to everything we do at Vitessa Vault. Our facility operates a Grade 9 high-security vault, designed to meet and exceed recognised industry security standards for the protection of high-value and sensitive assets.

The vault is housed within a former NatWest bank branch, which has been further reinforced with additional concrete and steel to enhance physical security. Security measures include day and night on-site security guards, supported by 24/7 monitored alarms, comprehensive CCTV surveillance, and advanced biometric access control systems.

Access to the vault is further protected by a dual-key system, requiring both your personal key and our vault key to be present for access, ensuring no single individual can access a box independently.

Access to the vault is strictly controlled. Entry requires the simultaneous use of your personal key and our vault key, ensuring that no individual can access a safety deposit box independently.

All visitors must also complete biometric verification at the time of access. Once verified, you are escorted to a private viewing room, where you can examine your items discreetly and in complete privacy.

If you lose your key, please contact us immediately so we can secure your account and prevent access.

For security reasons, we do not keep spare copies of customer keys. Key replacement therefore requires the lock to be professionally replaced in your presence, after which a new lock and keys will be issued. Associated charges apply, and these will be explained in advance.

You can access your safety deposit box during our operating hours, six days a week, with free, unlimited visits included as part of your service.

For security reasons, access is not available outside of business hours. The vault is secured and automatically locked when the facility is closed, ensuring the highest level of protection at all times.

FAQs: Storage & Contents

What can I store in my safe deposit box?

You can store valuables including jewellery, precious metals, important documents (wills, property deeds, passports), family heirlooms, coins, stamps, cash, investment documents, and other valuable items. 

You cannot store firearms, ammunition, knives, chemicals, drugs, explosives, flammable items, or anything illegal. All contents must be legally obtained and cannot represent proceeds of crime or money laundering. 

No. We guarantee complete privacy and discretion. We never ask about or record the contents of your storage. Your privacy is absolute and is our priority.

Yes, we strongly recommend keeping copies of important documents stored elsewhere, and maintaining a detailed inventory with photographs and valuations for insurance purposes. 

FAQs: Insurance & Valuations

Are my stored items insured?

es. Every safe deposit box at Vitessa Vault includes £50,000 of complimentary insurance cover per year, provided in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Insurance cover applies from the point your safe deposit box rental begins and is arranged specifically for items stored within our secure vault environment. Cover can be increased up to £500,000 per safe deposit box, subject to underwriting.

Additional insurance above the complimentary £50,000 is available at an additional cost. Higher limits may also be considered on request, subject to underwriting approval.

Yes, we can arrange professional valuations through qualified gemologists and registered valuers for gold, jewellery, diamonds, coins, stamps, and other valuables. Discounted rates are available for account holders. We do this in partnership with Prestige Valuations. A valuer will be booked and will be able to carry out the valuation from the comfort of your own home our from our secure premises whatever you prefer. 

We recommend comprehensive “All Risk” insurance designed specifically for safe deposit box contents.

Insurance cover is arranged for items stored within your safe deposit box and applies in accordance with the policy terms and our Terms and Conditions. Cover is available up to £500,000 per safe deposit box, subject to underwriting.

All insurance arrangements are placed through experienced specialist brokers and underwriters and are designed for secure vault environments. Our team can guide you through the available options to ensure your level of cover accurately reflects the value of your stored items.

For higher-value holdings, we strongly recommend maintaining up-to-date inventories and professional valuations where appropriate.

FAQs: Costs & Pricing

How much does a safe deposit box cost?

Pricing varies based on size and storage type. We offer competitive rates for safe deposit boxes, vaulted safes, and document safe storage.

Key deposits are required for all our Safety Deposit boxes (fully refundable). This is £100 per safety deposit box. Additional charges may apply for key replacement, lock drilling if keys are lost, and premium insurance coverage.

We offer various pricing options and may provide discounts for longer-term rentals. See our pricing section.

FAQs: Specialised Storage

What are vaulted safes?

Vaulted safes are large, individually alarmed storage units perfect for high-volume storage, family sharing, or business use. Each has individual alarm systems with external monitoring and 24/7 police response. A £300 refundable key deposit is required. 

Our document safe storage service uses custom-made protective bags that are waterproof, tamper-proof, and fire-resistant up to 2000 degrees. Pricing starts at £299 for three years or £450 for five years, including all protective materials. 

This depends on your specific needs: 

  • Safe deposit boxes: Ideal for jewellery, documents, and smaller valuables 
  • Vaulted safes: Perfect for large collections, family storage, or business needs 
  • Document storage: Specialized protection for important papers and records

FAQs: Emergency & Legal

What happens if I become incapacitated?

Joint account holders can continue accessing storage. You can also appoint a deputy who must be present during appointment and given a key. The deputy’s access ceases upon notification of death or incapacity. 

Joint account holders retain full access. For sole renters, access is granted to surviving spouses, parents, adult children, or named executors with proper legal documentation. Court orders may be required in some cases. 

Access requires a valid court order. We will only grant access to law enforcement with proper legal authorization. 

FAQs: Contact & Support

How do I get more information?

Contact our centre directly to discuss your storage needs, check availability, or arrange a consultation. Our experienced team can help you choose the right storage solution. 

Call us on 0203 8131570, or email us at info@vitessavault.co.uk

Yes, prospective clients can view our reception area and learn about our security measures. Full vault tours are not provided for security reasons. 

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