Storing precious metals at home comes with several significant risks.

The most serious is the threat of theft, which could also endanger the safety or lives of family members if burglars target your metals. Additionally, precious metals are vulnerable to fire or natural disasters unless stored in a fireproof safe, which still may not offer full protection in extreme conditions.

Vault storage eliminates these risks by offering secure, insured, and professionally monitored facilities that protect both your investment and your family's safety.

Yes, you can insure your precious metals if stored at home.

Many homeowners’ insurance policies can be extended to cover valuable items like precious metals. However, this coverage may be limited and might require additional premiums or special riders.

It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to ensure adequate coverage.

A high-quality safe is essential to protect your investment.

Look for safes that are fireproof and waterproof to protect your metals in the event of a fire or flood. They should also be torch-drill resistant to prevent easy access by burglars, and heavy or bolted down to deter theft.

Choosing a certified safe provides peace of mind that your metals are secure against common home risks.

Yes, it is legal.

There are no restrictions on owning or storing precious metals at home. However, if the metals are held in a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), they cannot be stored at home and must be kept with an approved custodian or bullion vault to comply with Australian regulations.

Vault storage provides several key benefits, including state-of-the-art security measures like surveillance, seismic detection, and restricted access control to protect your precious metals from theft or damage.

Metals stored in a vault are usually insured, offering additional protection against loss or theft. Access to your metals is tightly controlled, ensuring that only authorized individuals can handle them.

Most importantly, vault storage offers peace of mind, knowing your investment is housed in a highly secure facility, safeguarding it from the risks of theft, fire, or other hazards that come with home storage.

Yes, most vaulting services charge storage fees, which can vary depending on the value and volume of your metals.

These fees typically cover security, insurance, and other operational costs associated with maintaining a high-security facility.

The fees are usually billed annually or monthly and may be based on the weight of your holdings or the level of security required.

Allocated storage means that your precious metals are individually identified and segregated from other customers' holdings, ensuring that you own the specific metals stored.

Unallocated storage, on the other hand, means your metals are pooled with other customers' assets, and you own a share of the pool rather than specific items.

Allocated storage offers more security and certainty, while unallocated storage may come with lower fees but involves a higher degree of risk.

Yes, you can store precious metals in multiple vaults or locations, which may be useful if you prefer to diversify your storage for added security or ease of access.

Some investors choose to store portions of their holdings in different vaults, depending on their risk preferences and the geographical location of the vaults.

Reputable vault providers are regulated and insured, which provides an added layer of security for your precious metals.

In the unlikely event that a vault provider goes out of business, your metals are usually safeguarded by insurance and regulatory protections. If your precious metals are held in allocated accounts, they are typically considered your property, separate from the vault provider's assets.

It's crucial to review the terms of your storage agreement and consult with legal professionals to understand your rights and the protections in place for your assets under such circumstances.

Most vaulting services offer insurance coverage as part of their storage service. However, it’s essential to verify the terms of the insurance, including the coverage limits, exclusions, and the types of risks covered (e.g., theft, natural disasters, etc.).

You may also be able to purchase additional insurance for high-value items or increase your coverage limits based on the value of your holdings.

If your precious metals are stored in a vault, access is typically controlled and requires advanced notice or appointment.

Vault services usually allow you to retrieve your metals or make deposits by scheduling a visit or sending instructions for withdrawal. Additionally, some vaults offer custodial services, enabling you to make deposit and withdrawal requests that can be actioned on your behalf.

If your precious metals are stored in a vault and you wish to sell them, you can typically instruct the vaulting service to transfer the metals to a dealer or have them delivered to you for sale.

We offer buyback services for precious metals stored in vaults or at home. If you wish to sell, simply contact our team, and we will guide you through the process and offer competitive buyback rates based on the current market conditions.

To prevent your precious metals from tarnishing or corroding due to exposure to air and moisture, store them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Adding silica gel packets or desiccants inside the storage container can help absorb moisture and prevent oxidation.

For additional protection, ensure that your storage area is cool, dry, and free from humidity.

To prevent scratching and physical damage, always handle your precious metals with care, ideally using gloves.

For coins and bars, use individual capsules or pouches made from soft materials to avoid contact with hard surfaces. Avoid storing your metals loosely or stacking them directly on top of one another.

If using a safe, consider placing your metals in padded boxes or containers to prevent shifting or potential damage during access.

Yes, extreme temperatures can affect precious metals over time.

Very high temperatures can cause metal expansion or potential warping, while extremely low temperatures can increase the risk of brittleness.

For the best long-term storage, keep your precious metals in a climate-controlled environment with consistent temperatures. Avoid storing them in places with significant temperature fluctuations, such as attics or basements.

To prevent tarnishing of silver and other metals, store them in airtight containers and avoid exposure to air and moisture.

For silver, using anti-tarnish strips or placing them in cloth bags or containers specifically designed for silver storage can help.

Additionally, regular inspection of your precious metals for signs of tarnishing and cleaning them with appropriate solutions when necessary can help maintain their appearance.

Storing your precious metals in their original packaging can offer added protection, especially if the packaging is designed to prevent dust, dirt, and moisture.

However, if the original packaging is not airtight or doesn’t offer sufficient protection, you may want to repackage your metals in secure, airtight containers.

For coins, original packaging can also help maintain their collector value, but ensure it is properly sealed and protected from environmental factors.