US Alarm Companies

Getting an alarm system in your home is an important decision. Home security companies help take the guesswork out of securing a home to its fullest potential. Like other businesses—home security companies are not all the same. There are some really great home security companies out there, but there are also some shady ones too. If you are in the process of choosing a new home security company to provide security services for your home, there are several questions you can ask when interviewing potential home security companies that can help weed out the good from the bad.

Ask potential home security companies how long they have been in business for.

Most of the bigger home security companies have been around for many years. A company that has been around for a while should have reviews and feedback available online or from existing and previous customers. However, you shouldn’t dismiss the use of a newer home security company just because they have not been around for too long. If they have credentials and can provide references, why not give a closer look into this home security company?

Does the home security company have the proper insurance and licensing to do business in your area?

Many home security companies carry the right coverage and have all their licensing up to date, but some do not. It is important to make sure your chosen home security company has both. Even if it can save you money on an alarm installation, never use an uninsured or unlicensed alarm company to do work in your home. Using the services of an unlicensed and uninsured home security company is just asking for trouble later on down the road.

Will the home security company provide a written estimate or proposal for work to be done?

When you are shopping around for a new home security system, you should get a minimum of 3 estimates from potential home security companies. Having a written detailed estimate in front of you can make it easier to compare prices and different services being offered by the individual home security companies.

After I sign the contract, who installs my new home security system?

Some home security companies do their own alarm installations, while others strictly use subcontractors to install alarm systems for them. If you want to know who is going to be installing your home security system—just ask. Almost all home security companies are upfront and will tell you who will be coming out to install your new system..

Who will provide the maintenance and service after the security system is installed in my home?

Batteries get low, wires can sometimes come loose, and general maintenance needs to be performed for home security systems to work to their fullest capabilities. Ask any potential home security companies if they perform maintenance and can provide service if needed. Also inquire about pricing for the average alarm service call and ask if the company provides any warranties or maintenance agreements.

Does the company have their own monitoring center, or do they subcontract their alarm monitoring to a third-party alarm monitoring company?

You want to know who is monitoring your alarm system and what number to call if you should accidentally trip your alarm. Some home security companies do not have their own monitoring center and use one or even several monitoring centers to monitor their customer’s alarm systems. Other home security companies not only own their own monitoring centers, but they also operate them with their own professionally trained staff.

Deciding on which alarm system to get is a task of its own. But choosing between the many different home security companies can be harder.

Here are the top 10 questions you should ask when interviewing potential home security companies:

Who will be coming out to install my new alarm system.

Oftentimes a representative will come out from one home security company, and an alarm installer will show up from another. This is standard practice for alarm companies that use sub-contractors for their alarm installations. Although some home security companies use subcontractors to do their installations, many don’t. Either way, it is always a good idea to ask.

Does the home security company have their own monitoring center?

Alarm monitoring centers can be quite costly to run and operate. This is why some home security companies subcontract their alarm monitoring to other companies that do have their own monitoring centers. If you want the company that installed your alarm to do the monitoring, you need to ask upfront if they have their own monitoring center or not.

Will the company that installed my alarm system be the one to provide the service too?

Some home security companies not only use their own personnel to sell alarms, but also install, monitor, service, and provide support to their customers. Ask your potential home security company if they use their own employees or if they subcontract their work out to other companies. This is an important question. Not only do you want to know who will be coming into your home to service your alarm—you want to know who will be watching out for your home at the monitoring center as well.

What happens if I cancel my phone service and I have no back-up cellular radio installed on my alarm system?

Home security companies offer cellular radios to use as a back-up form of alarm transmission, and as a primary form. However, if you have no phone service and no cellular radio installed with your alarm system—your alarm system will be considered local. There is no way to have your alarm monitored without either one of these.

Does the company offer leased alarm systems or do I own it after a certain amount of time?

There are pros and cons to both leasing and owning your new alarm system. Home security companies have different equipment and programs they offer to their customers. It is important to go over your options with a few home security companies to see what would be the best option for you.

Can I have an alarm system installed, but not have it monitored?

There may be many home security companies that will install your alarm system without monitoring it. However, alarm monitoring is a very critical part of your home’s security. Besides, opting for alarm monitoring could save you money on your new home security system.

Will I be provided with alarm yard signs and decals to put up around my home?

You may have seen all types of yard signs and decals around your neighborhood. Home security companies offer these to their customers to not only deter criminal activity ever further, but also to “mark” a home, so to speak. If an alarm signal is called in to the police, the dispatcher will usually ask for the alarm company name. When looking for your address, a police officer may be able to spot your home quicker by seeing the alarm company yard sign in front of it.

What type of alarm installations does the home security company offer?

Many home security companies are offering only wireless installations to their new customers. This is because wireless alarm systems are faster, easier, and sometimes more cost-effective than installing a wired alarm system. If you don’t want a wireless alarm system, don’t get one. There are still several home security companies that will offer you a hardwired alarm installation.

If I am not happy with the company after my installation, can another home security company take over my alarm monitoring?

Some home security companies install proprietary systems. This means the systems are exclusive to their company. Not only will other home security companies not be able to monitor your alarm system, you will not be able to add any upgrades to it through another company.

Will the company offer me something to show proof that I had an alarm system installed to give to my homeowners insurance company?

Yes, many home security companies offer what they call a homeowner’s insurance certificate. When you have an alarm system installed in your home, take advantage of the savings you may be able to get by having it. Home security companies will be more than happy to provide this certificate to you.