Safes are graded to indicate their resistance to attack and the level of protection they provide for cash and valuables particularly for those with significant assets that may require specialist insurance solutions. These ratings are crucial for insurance purposes, as they determine how much coverage insurers will offer for items stored in a certified safe. While both Ireland and the UK use European standards, there are differences in how ratings are applied and recognised – and in how individual insurers interpret them.
Irish Safe Ratings (ISRG)
In Ireland, ratings are overseen by the Irish Safes Ratings Group (ISRG), established in 2016 and are commonly referenced when arranging bespoke cover for valuable collections and jewellery. These ratings follow European standards (EN 1143-1 for safes, EN 14450 for secure cabinets) but differ in an important respect: they explicitly factor in whether a monitored intruder alarm is present, significantly increasing the insured value. Note that Irish grades use Roman numerals (0, I, II, III…) rather than Arabic numerals, and are not directly equivalent to their UK counterparts on a grade-for-grade basis.
Grade | Cash (No Alarm) | Cash (With Alarm) | Valuables (With Alarm) |
0 | €3,750 | €7,500 | €37,500 |
I | €6,250 | €12,500 | €62,500 |
II | €12,500 | €25,000 | €125,000 |
III | €12,500 | €50,000 | €250,000 |
IV | €12,500 | €90,000 | €450,000 |
V | €12,500 | €150,000 | €750,000 |
VI | €12,500 | €200,000 | €1,000,000 |
UK Eurograde Ratings
In the UK, safes are graded under the Eurograde system, certified by independent bodies such as LPCB, VdS, and ECB-S. Ratings range from Grade 0 to Grade 7, with each grade linked to a cash rating and a valuables rating (valuables are typically insured at 10× the cash rating). While alarms are generally expected in higher-grade installations, UK published ratings do not list separate figures for alarmed and unalarmed premises — though individual insurers and underwriters may apply their own uplift factors depending on the security environment and their appetite.
Grade | Cash Rating | Valuables Rating | Notes |
0 | £6,000 | £60,000 | |
1 | £10,000 | £100,000 | |
2 | £17,500 | £175,000 | |
3 | £35,000 | £350,000 | |
4 | £60,000 | £600,000 | |
5 | £100,000 | £1,000,000 | |
6 | £150,000 | £1,500,000 | |
7 | £250,000 | £2,500,000 | |
S1 | £2,000 | £20,000 | Secure Cabinet |
S2 | £4,000 | £40,000 | Secure Cabinet |
Key Differences
Currency & Values: UK ratings are expressed in pounds sterling; Irish ratings use euros. The cash-to-valuables ratios differ slightly between the two systems.
Alarm Integration: Irish ratings explicitly factor in monitored alarm status, with significantly higher limits available where an alarm is fitted. UK published grades do not separate these figures, though insurers and underwriters may apply their own uplift for alarmed premises.
Grade Notation: UK grades use Arabic numerals (0–7); Irish grades use Roman numerals (0, I–VI). These are not interchangeable on a like-for-like basis.
Certification Bodies: Both countries rely on European certification standards, but Ireland’s ISRG provides nationally recognised insurance ratings with local relevance.
Insurance Practice: Insurers in both jurisdictions may vary in how they interpret ratings and apply their own underwriting appetite. It is essential to confirm coverage terms with your insurer or broker before purchase.
Practical Guidance
- Always choose a certified safe tested under EN standards (EN 1143-1 or EN 14450).
- In Ireland, ensure the safe is ISRG-recognised for insurance purposes.
- Consider installing a monitored alarm system to maximise your coverage limits.
- Consider whether your needs may grow over time when selecting a grade — it may be worth selecting a higher grade to allow for future flexibility.
- Speak to your insurance broker before purchasing a safe to confirm the appropriate grade for your specific coverage requirements, particularly where high-value contents or collections are involved.
Conclusion
Both Ireland and the UK use rigorous grading systems to ensure safes provide reliable protection for cash and valuables. While the UK Eurograde system is widely recognised internationally, Ireland’s ISRG ratings add important local insurance relevance, particularly through the integration of monitored alarm status. Understanding these differences – and how your insurer interprets them – is key to making an informed decision when securing your assets, especially where complex or high-value insurance arrangements are in place. Always consult your broker to ensure the safe you choose is appropriate for your policy and coverage needs.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general guidance and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Dolmen Insurance Brokers Ltd accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or changes in legislation. Insurance policies and cover requirements may vary based on individual business needs and circumstances. This blog does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Readers should consult a qualified insurance broker or advisor to obtain advice specific to their situation. Dolmen Insurance Brokers Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
