Local or National Home Security Company

Making the big decision to get a home security system is the first step toward protecting your home and family. Then comes the big challenge of sorting through security system providers and models.

The truth is, you’re not going to know which is best right away. Unless you’re a security system expert, you’ll need to do some calling and asking around. It’s always a good idea to ask friends and neighbors who have security systems how satisfied they are and if their systems have made a difference.

It’s especially important to find out what happened when their alarm went off and how their security system company responded. After all, that’s the moment of truth.

But besides these good, common sense measures, you might also want to examine the differences between large, national providers and regional or local ones.

Large national providers such as Protect America (www.protectamerica.com), GE Home Security (www.gesecurity.com) or ADT (www.adt.com) have the advantage of having large, state-of-the-art emergency response centers with well-trained, professional staff. Because these companies deal with thousands of emergencies – ADT claims over 50,000 last year – they have solid experience in emergency management.

At the same time, you’ll find that customer service usually goes through large call centers and you won’t have as personalized an experience once your installation is complete.

Perhaps more importantly, many of these companies are sales driven and make most of their money from the ongoing revenues of security system monitoring. They have a strong drive to offer you an affordable security system so that you’ll sign-on and start paying monthly fees. Now, there’s nothing wrong with paying for monitoring – because that’s one of the big benefits of a good security system and company.

At the same time, you also want to make sure you’re getting the best product to adequately protect you and your family.

A smaller, local security system company has a strong interest in protecting its reputation. These companies are more likely to spend more time and offer more advising. And especially if they’re a family-owned business, they probably have long-term staff that truly develop expertise in the field. Most local security system companies have a vested interest in a solid reputation and happy customers in their communities.

If you are considering a local provider, look for how long it’s been in business and who it’s ownership is. Companies kept in private hands with long histories like Georgia-based Owen Security Systems (http://www.owensecurity.com/about-owen-security-solutions/) are likely to do better by you.

The best way to sort through this important decision is to get multiple quotes and consultations from a number of security system companies. See what answers you get and who makes the most sense to you.

Photo via Mr. T in DC