Choosing an Alarm Company

There are several steps that you should take when choosing a home security system monitoring company. It is basically like shopping for anything else. You need to do your homework so that you are prepared for what you will find. You need to come up with a 'short list' of candidates. Then, you just need to use your own common sense, personal tastes and given budget in order to choose the security company that is best for your needs.

Some people prefer to contact the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association. You can ask them to provide you with a copy of their brochure which is titled "Safe and Sound: Your Guide to Home Security". You can also ask the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association for a list of member companies that are located in your area.

Doing your own research, like you are right now, you can scour the internet until you come up with a list of national home security monitoring companies. Fortunately, we have given you a headstart in that arena by listing those companies on this website.

What to Look For: What to do...

You can 'drive by' each of the home security alarm monitoring company websites and 'kick the tires' so that you can get a feel for their operations. If you like what you see then you can add them to your 'short list' for further review. After you have narrowed down your list, you can then make an appointment with your top picks and they will send a representative out to your house in order to do a site survey, introduce you to their home security monitoring company and answer any questions you may have.

You should ask them how long they have been in business, if they are 'UL' (Underwriters Laboratory) listed, and if they are listed with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). It is also a plus if they are a member of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association. Be sure to inquire about their home security monitoring station. Is it open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year? It might seem obvious to you that they should always be open but you never know.

Ask if the monitoring center has built-in redundancies for its power, computer and phone lines. Do they have a backup monitoring center? Other considerations include warranties, cancellation policies, maintenance plans and length of contract. If possible, it might even be advisable to actually visit their security monitoring center so that you can witness their operations first hand. Also note that it is advisable to ask the home security representative if their company screens employees before they are hired. This can go a long way in the trust factor.

Getting a Quote

First, be sure that your quote is in writing and is very detailed. Some home security alarm companies just want to offer the lowest quote so that they can get their foot in the door. Then they will nickel and dime you until you would have been better off going with the most expensive quote you received. It may seem obvious, but make sure that the details of your installation costs and monthly monitoring fees are detailed in writing. Be sure that the representative signs the estimate that he or she gives you.

The advantage of having a sales representative come to your home is that each home is unique and each home security monitoring company is unique. Getting an in-person price quote allows you to get a better feel for the company and it also lets the company get a better feel for your home and your unique security needs. In the end, you should go with the alarm company that you feel the most comfortable with.