FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything users regularly ask — sorted by topic. If your question isn\'t here: Contact.
General
What is Vault Documentation for?
For anyone storing valuables in safe deposit boxes, home safes, or similar protected locations who needs a clear, photo-backed record — for insurance claims, estate planning, or personal organisation.
Who is behind the app?
The iOS app Vault Documentation is developed by independent developer Lukas Osterheider in Germany.
How much does the app cost?
Free trial, then $2.99/month or $19.99/year. No ad tracking, no data sales, clean billing via Apple.
Functionality
How many safes and items can I track?
There are no hard limits. Typical power users have 4–6 storage locations and several hundred items without noticeable performance issues.
What file types can I attach as receipts?
PDFs and all standard iOS image formats (JPG, PNG, HEIC). Multiple attachments per item.
Are PDF reports configurable?
Before each export you choose: single safe or all safes; with or without activity history; with or without password. Content: photo overview, receipt attachments, values, activity history.
Security & privacy
Is my data uploaded to a cloud?
iCloud Sync is optional and uses your personal Apple iCloud container when enabled. Inventory contents are never transmitted to third-party storage providers.
How is access protected?
The app is locked behind your device passcode and biometric unlock. It also locks automatically when it moves to the background.
What if I lose my iPhone or it's stolen?
The app is locked behind your device passcode and Face ID. If iCloud Sync is disabled, the data remains only on that device.
Are crash reports or analytics sent?
No. The app contains no analytics SDKs, no advertising trackers, no PII-leaking crash reporters.
Insurance & proof
Do app PDFs help as claim evidence?
Yes. PDF exports can help a lot by bundling photos, values, receipt attachments, and activity history into a structured evidence package. Whether those documents are sufficient depends on the specific insurer or storage provider and should be clarified with them.
Do I also need professional appraisals?
That depends on item value, insurer, and policy. If appraisals are required or useful, attach them as PDFs directly to the item.
How often should I update?
The records should reflect reality: document deposits, removals, value changes, and important new receipts when they actually happen. What matters is that the history remains plausible and traceable in retrospect. Exact expectations should be discussed with your insurer or storage provider.
Estate & heirs
How do heirs access the app data?
Recommendation: regularly (annually) export a password-protected master PDF and lodge it with your attorney or in an estate folder. Keep the password separate. Apple Legacy Contact additionally grants access to the iCloud account.
Does the app help with estate tax?
Yes. A pre-existing inventory list with values and photos can make appraisal significantly easier for you and the tax authority — and reduce the risk of post-hoc estimates.
Document what matters. Prove what you own.
Try Vault Documentation free, then $2.99/month or $19.99/year. Stored locally, optional iCloud Sync, with no ad tracking.