Selecting a Security System

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Top 10 Tips for Selecting an Electronic Security System
Content provided by
National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) & State Farm Insurance

Contact the NBFAA or your state burglar and fire alarm association for a list of member companies in your area. The association's members agree to maintain a high level of conduct under its National Code of Ethics and render services at the highest level of quality.
Call several companies. Ask them if their employees are trained and/or certified by the NBFAA.
Ask the companies if they have appropriate state and/or local licenses, if required.
Ask the companies if they conduct any pre-employment screening.
Contact your local police department's Crime Prevention Department, state licensing agencies, Consumer Protection Agencies, and the Better Business Bureau.
Ask your insurance agent, friends, family or neighbors for referrals.
After you've narrowed the field to three or four alarm companies, ask for the name of the person who will call on you. Consider planning the appointment time when all members of your household are present.
When he/she visits, ask to see some company identification.
Ask each alarm company representative for an inspection, recommendation and a quote in writing. Use a checklist to compare different packages and price quotes.
To learn more about home security systems, call the NBFAA Marketing Department at (301) 585-1855 for a FREE consumer brochure. Or visit NBFAA on the Internet at www.alarm.org.

State Farm Insurance Provides These Suggestions:

Check with friends or neighbors for recommendations on reliable companies.
Find out how quickly the alarm company will install your system after purchase. See if the company sells systems faster than they can install them.
Determine how quickly they respond to requests for service after installation. Ask for references from some of their customers who have required service and call and talk to these people.
Ask about warranties.
Obtain quotes from at least three different companies.
Ask the alarm company what screening they do when hiring their alarm installers and salespeople. You want a company that screens for criminal backgrounds/records, etc.
Call your local police department and ask how long it takes them to respond to a home security system alarm. Don't be surprised if the estimated response time is as long as an hour. Also ask if there are any fines for false alarms.

Lastly, when comparing prices remember to compare detection coverage and features. The least expensive system could be all you need, or a waste of money. Not all alarms are created equal.

Here are some additional suggestions from the Arizona Burglar & Fire Alarm Association on how to select a security alarm company. (Most of this information would be applicable to other states that have similar registrars and licensing requirements.)

Contact several companies. Ask if they are members of the state Burglar & Fire Alarm Association. Most members in these associations agree to maintain a high level of conduct under state and national codes of ethics.
Ask each company if it is licensed through the state Registrar of Contractors. Call the Registrar to see if there are any unresolved outstanding complaints.
Contact the Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints have been filed against the companies.
Narrow the field to three or four companies. Arrange an appointment with each company when all members of your household will be present. Be sure to ask for the name of the person who will be calling on you, and verify his or her identification upon arrival.
Ask for an inspection, demonstration and a quotation in writing. Also, ask for and check references.
Study each contract to ensure you know exactly what you are getting. Consider the merits of leasing vs. buying.
NBFAA strongly advocates the development and enforcement of effective state licensing laws that require pre-employment background checks, among other measures.

Alarm Systems Monitored by ADT
With more than 125 years of experience, ADT is the nation's leading name in home security. In fact, ADT helps protect more homes and families than any other security company in America.