Your home is only as safe as your security system is good. What’s the point in buying a home security system and paying for the monitoring service if in the moment you need it, the system or the provider don’t do their jobs? As you go shop for your security system, how do you know if a provider is reliable?
The first place to start is with the company’s history. How long has it been around? You don’t want to take a chance on a new company becoming a fly-by-night. Another good question to consider is how big is the company? Is it large and national with a good reputation? Or if it’s a local or regional company, how extensive is its client base? How many security systems has the company installed and how many does it monitor?
Check companies’ background? Are they registered with the Better Business Bureau? If so, what does the BBB have on file for them?
Your state’s department of consumer affairs keeps records of companies with complaints lodged against them. Check with your state, or whichever state the company is headquartered.
One of the best source of a recommendation or warning is your local law enforcement agency. Police and sheriffs knows which security system providers respond quickly and whose systems catch the thieves. They also can tell you who has the highest rates of false alarms as well as any stories of security system companies which have ripped off people in your community.
Of course people in your community have voices of their own too. Ask around. Check with friends and neighbors to see who their security system providers are and how satisfied they are with their products and services. Let the happy customers guide you to your choice.
If you’re still in doubt or want a professional opinion, contact a security consltant credentialed by the International Association of Professional Security Consultants. Professional security consultants are paid by consumers, not by security system companies and are not supposed to guide you to any one system or provider.
Of course, common sense says to start with a few of the better known and reliable national companies. Companies like GE Home Securiity and Broadview Security – formerly Brinks – have longstanding, solid reputations.
Whatever you finally decide is right for your home, do a through job investigating. When its installation day, have no doubt that you’re with a quality security system provider.
