What to Look For in a Home Alarm Company

With so many alarm companies on the market today, it can be sometimes difficult to determine if a home alarm company is legit and if they will best serve your needs. To find a security company that will best protect your home and family, here is a list of 5 questions you should ask when comparing alarm companies.

1. Does the company install a proprietary system?
Some companies will claim their security system only works with their monitoring service. Some will also not allow you to change you pass code or switch to another monitoring company. To make sure you have access to all codes and programming features, always choose an alarm company that uses non-proprietary equipment.

2. Will the company do an on-site inspection free of charge?
A reputable company will always have an alarm specialist visit your home and do a risk assessment to determine your security needs and any challenges that need to be addressed. Never choose an alarm company that is not willing to visit your home and inspect your property.

3. Can I get a price quote in writing?
A good alarm company will give you a price quote which includes set-up, equipment, monthly monitoring fees and the warranty. Some companies will give you an alarm system for free for a low installation charge and 2-3 year monitoring agreement. Others have different packages according to how many points of protection are required and features desired. Determine if the estimate is for a straight purchase or rental and receive quotes from at least three different companies to compare pricing.

4. Who is doing the monitoring?
Most large companies, such as ADT, own and operate a comprehensive network of monitoring stations throughout the United States. But there are those that will subcontract to a third party. Always find out who the monitoring station is, if they are UL certified, and if they have redundant backup power in case of an emergency or power failure. If the monitoring is through a third-party, research the company online to find out if customers are satisfied with their response time.

5. What do others have to say?
Referrals and online reviews are one of the best ways to find the right alarm company. Find out what customers have to say about promptness of installation, customer service and problem resolution. If the majority of customers are not happy with a home alarm company, chances are, you won’t be happy with them either.

To find more information on a home alarm company, please visit: http://www.homealarmdirectory.com, a resource for security listings, reviews, articles and promotions.