Chase Bank’s decision to close safe deposit box services in Del Mar, La Jolla, and other areas of San Diego County has left many long-time customers searching for secure alternatives. These closures reflect a broader national trend as major banks consolidate branches and reduce physical vault services.

This article explains why Chase is closing safe deposit boxes, what impacted clients should expect during the transition, and the realistic storage options available locally — including at-home safes, limited bank alternatives, and private vault facilities such as Refuge Vault. As availability continues to shrink across Southern California, understanding these options early can help ensure long-term protection, privacy, and peace of mind.

As major banks—including Chase—continue to eliminate safe deposit box services across Southern California, high-net-worth individuals are seeking a more secure, private, and reliable alternative. Refuge Vault provides purpose-built private vault storage in Del Mar, offering reinforced construction, biometric access, 24/7 monitoring, and unmatched discretion. Designed exclusively for asset protection, Refuge Vault serves clients throughout Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, and greater San Diego who demand permanence, privacy, and professional-grade security beyond traditional bank vaults.

If you recently received a notice from Chase that the safe deposit box vault at its Del Mar branch is closing, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. This shift may feel stressful, especially for customers who have depended on that vault for secure storage of important documents, heirlooms, or valuable items. In this post, I’ll walk you through why Chase might be doing this, what it means for you, and how to find alternative solutions in the San Diego area.

Choosing between a bank safe deposit box and a home safe may seem straightforward, but both options carry significant limitations when it comes to protecting high-value or irreplaceable assets. From restricted access and policy uncertainty at banks to theft, fire, and disaster risks at home, traditional storage methods often fall short of modern security expectations.

This article examines the real-world risks of bank safe deposit boxes and residential safes, and explains why purpose-built private vault facilities like Refuge Vault provide a more secure, private, and resilient alternative. Designed exclusively for asset protection, private vault storage offers reinforced construction, controlled access, discreet operations, and insurance flexibility—delivering a higher standard of long-term protection for valuables.

Earlier this year, Refuge Vault had broken ground on a 1,200-square-foot Del Mar project that now provides safe deposit boxes in a variety of sizes and secure storage rooms for affluent and high net worth individuals, but also for anyone that may need additional security for their apprised possessions, and non-replaceables. The private storage companies services are meant to replace those formally provided by banks.