Where do you keep your important documents?

sparky0138

What sites are you all using to upload your documents to the cloud? I've considered this in the past but I'm more worried about hacking than burglars.

I've scanned and then shredded most documents (only kept the important stuff) and currently have them stored as duplicates on 2 hard drives.

JoeCrystal

Sea_Shell said:

On the subject of security, can you disable Google Drive on your phone, whilst still retaining access via a home laptop or PC?

Should you just download a copy of those documents you may need whilst out and about (car ins cert)?

I've realised that having all these documents available on my phone is not necessary or very secure, if someone were to force me to unlock my phone.   

I'm trying not to wear a tin-foil-hat here, but the world is not becoming a safer place anytime soon!!

I did some googling. Give this a try

To disable Google Drive on your Android, would be to go to "settings" (for the entire device), then go to "apps & notifications" then click on "Google Drive" then click on "disable.

Andy_L

Sea_Shell said:

Things like your House Deeds (if you hold them)
Passports
Counterpart driving licences
V5s
Wills / POAs
Birth/Marriage Certificates
Insurance policy schedules/certificates

Basically, the things that are replaceable, but which would be a PITA to replace if lost/destroyed.

House deeds:  just a piece of paper. The land registry's database is the definitive source of who owns it. Personally I intend framing it & sticking it on the wall when the mortgage is paid off (assuming you actually get one these days?)

Counterpart Driving licence: doesn't exist anymore. No longer issued - anyone who needs to check it does so on the DVLA online portal

Will: Stored with HM courts & tribunal service. Basic (ie not certified) copies of the will will do until you get it back since probate will take longer (ETA: although I vaguely recall you need the original for probate)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/store-a-will-with-the-probate-service/how-to-store-a-will-with-the-probate-service. 

Insurance docs: On the providers website & google drive

Passport: in a drawer. If they are lost in a house fire them I'm hardly likely to be going overseas. If you've already got on then a replacement is easy to get

V5: in a drawer. anyone who needs to check it does so on the DVLA online portal & its easy to get a physical replacement if you want to sell it
 "Apply for a duplicate V5C online. You must be the registered keeper on the V5C to apply online.

You’ll usually receive your V5C within 5 working days."
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-log-book

Ciprico

When my parents moved house we tried to sell their safe but couldn't. Local safe shop weren't interested, nor was anyone on eBay.

So if you want a safe, with a bit of searching you can get one pretty much for the cost of transport. (Same if you want a piano!)

I can't see a fireproof bag working. If you're unlucky enough to suffer a house fire I can't see a bag preventing paper from turning to charcoal...A steel and concrete safe only offers a few hours intense fire protection.

Plus you can put other items in a safe.

Scanning is all very well but you still have to keep the originals somewhere...


So we paid 2 men and a van to move my parents safe to our house....

Consumer3

In a cabinet at home, with labelled folders.

Having gone through a few recent family members passing, I’ve also got a ‘if we get hit by a bus’ folder! 

My OH thinks I’m a bit nuts but he will not remember what accounts I have and who does our current home insurance for example. He would glean a certain amount from direct debit info but not everything. 

Just if something happens to us both then family members (I’ve let them know there is a folder), can at least see which institutions to approach. I’ve not put any account numbers. 

I know this doesn’t cover fire but better than having nothing in place.  I’ve also used Google Drive as photos back-up and done the digital legacy bit with Apple etc. 

DullGreyGuy

Ciprico said:

When my parents moved house we tried to sell their safe but couldn't. Local safe shop weren't interested, nor was anyone on eBay.

So if you want a safe, with a bit of searching you can get one pretty much for the cost of transport. (Same if you want a piano!)

I can't see a fireproof bag working. If you're unlucky enough to suffer a house fire I can't see a bag preventing paper from turning to charcoal...A steel and concrete safe only offers a few hours intense fire protection.

Plus you can put other items in a safe.

Scanning is all very well but you still have to keep the originals somewhere...


So we paid 2 men and a van to move my parents safe to our house....

The problem with a secondhand safe is that there is at least one other person that may have a key, and if you bought it off eBay they also have your address!

We just left the last one in place, if the new owners use it or throw it is up to them. Some things just don't have a secondhand value and somethings are surprisingly valuable secondhand 

bownyboy

Consumer3 said:

 I’ve also got a ‘if we get hit by a bus’ folder! 

My OH thinks I’m a bit nuts but he will not remember what accounts I have and who does our current home insurance for example. He would glean a certain amount from direct debit info but not everything. 

Just if something happens to us both then family members (I’ve let them know there is a folder), can at least see which institutions to approach. I’ve not put any account numbers.

We have this too! Shared file with all our accounts listed also printed out in safe. Such a good idea espicially after dealing with deseased family members who didn't do this and trying to figure out where everything is.