Overview
A safe deposit box is an individually secured container, typically a metal box, that is stored in the safe or vault of a federally insured financial institution.
Safe deposit boxes are rented to Capital City Bank (CCB) depository clients only; however, CCB does not ask current non-account holders who have safe deposit boxes with us to close their box/boxes. When rented, the first year's annual rent and key deposit are due. Clients receive 2 keys that fit only their safe deposit box. Rates and terms are different based on office location, box availability and market. See Safe Deposit Box Locations and Sizes for a complete list of offices that offer safe deposit boxes.
Minors, under the age of 18, can not open a safe deposit box individually or be an authorized signer on a joint safe deposit box.
Ammunition, explosives, and perishable goods are not permitted in safe deposit boxes. Firearms without ammunition are permitted
Bank Liability
Due to the privacy of box contents, safe deposit box rentals expose the bank to liability for an undetermined amount. Due to this exposure, the bank considers the safe deposit box area a potential high risk. The potential for unlimited liability requires sound and prudent management of the safe deposit box operations. Strict adherence to safe deposit box procedures is mandatory for associates assisting clients with their box.
Associates should not know what a client has in their safe deposit box; however if you inadvertently become aware of any illegal contents, you must notify your manager immediately. Ammunition, explosives and perishable items may not be kept in a safe deposit box.
Safe Deposit Box - Major Risks
Capital City Bank has no idea of the extent of potential liability until a client makes a claim. Although the bank has insurance against such claims, CCB does not want to be subject to a potentially lengthy and costly trial or to have associates portrayed as negligent in the media.
The major risks of the safe deposit area are:
- Claims for property losses from individual safe deposit boxes
- Unauthorized access by someone other than a renter resulting in a claim
- Negligence in a variety of situations such as burglary or property destruction by fire or other disasters
- Ensure that our detailed, written safe deposit box procedures comply with state law and are followed in all transactions involving the safe deposit area. This is the responsibility of each and every associate who works in the safe deposit area. Associates must complete safe deposit box training before assisting a client with their safe deposit box.
- Ensure that our physical facilities meet the federal guidelines as outlined in the Bank Protection Act. This is the responsibility of the Security Officer and bank management.
These are our two main defenses to use in a lawsuit in which a client claims the disappearance or theft of a valuable item or document from their safe deposit box. The courts may have the basis to rule in the client’s favor if the client’s attorney can discredit Capital City Bank or a CCB associate by demonstrating a weakness in our procedures, and/or any instances when exceptions were made and our procedures were not followed.
The bank may be held liable if it does not demonstrate expected reasonable care in regard to the safe deposit box area. This demonstrates the importance of understanding and adhering to our established procedures. Associates’ diligence and professional conduct will both protect clients’ property and the liability of the bank.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 and states that individuals cannot be discriminated against based on any physical or mental disability. Congress wanted to give the disabled full and equal enjoyment of all services, facilities, and other advantages available to the non-disabled. The ADA thus added disability to the other things previously defined as a prohibited basis for discrimination by Regulation B, such as race, age, or gender.
The safe deposit box area is affected if the disability prevents the client from gaining access according to our standard procedures. We cannot deny a safe deposit box rental to any client because of a disability.
When working with disabled clients and safe deposit box access, do the following:
- Make every effort to accommodate clients with disabilities.
- Two associates (dual control) are required to be present when assisting disabled clients with accessing their box or with the contents of their box. This protects you should any item be declared missing.
- Both dual control associates must always sign the Vault Entrance Log in the applicable fields (associate 1 and associate 2) and initial the Client Access Card.
- Write the following information in the comments section of the Vault Entrance Log:
- Box number
- Last name of the box owner
Dual Control Required - Example 1
A client in a wheelchair or a client with claustrophobia may not be physically able to enter the vault. For these clients, attempt to select boxes that can be clearly seen from the door of the vault, so that the client can watch as two associates open the door and bring the box to them.
Dual Control Required - Example 2
A blind client may want an associate to accompany him/her into the vault to obtain the safe deposit box. The blind client may then need the associate to search the contents for a particular item. In this situation, ALWAYS HAVE TWO ASSOCIATES ASSIST THE CLIENT.