Here are a few safeguards..
Buy insurance for the contents of the boxes even though reimbursement levels
are low. And most negotiable items, such as car titles, securities, bank notes,
loan notes, gold, coins, and cash, are not covered.
Alternative: Store stocks and bonds or loan notes at the brokerage house where
they were purchased.
These firms have a legal and financial responsibility to guard securities stored
with them.
Another option: Open a custody account with a bank. The bank holds securities
and other assets in its vault.
It collects and credits all dividends, but does not manage the assets. The bank
will replace any asset in the vault that is lost, stolen, or harmed. Charges
are generally based on the size of the account and the composition of the holdings.