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Evaluating
Security Companies
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It's Worth It to Do Some
Homework
Take the time to do your homework before
choosing a security company to install and/or
monitor your alarm system. You'll be
entrusting the safety of your home and family
to this company, and you want to be confident
about its qualifications and reputation.
Get referrals from friends, neighbors, and
your insurance agent. Contact the National
Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
(301-585-1855) and state associations for the
names of members in your area. Most reputable
companies will belong to one or both. Use
this link to find and visit your state
association's local website.
Check out the companies with your state's
licensing agencies, consumer-protection
agencies, the Better Business Bureau, and your
local police department to verify that they're
properly licensed and have no histories of
consumer complaints.
Interview the companies you're considering.
(On your first call, don't leave your name,
address, or phone number; a good firm will
understand your desire to protect your
privacy.) For each company, find out:
- How long have they
been in business in your area? To ensure
future service, look for companies with at
least a five-year history.
- Are they a licensed
low-voltage electrical contractor? If your
state also requires a separate
alarm-contractor's license, make sure they
have that, too. (Ask for the license numbers
to verify the information.)
- Are they bonded and
insured, in the event of damage to your
property during installation?
- Do they conduct
background checks before hiring employees? The
most professional companies will.
- Do they sell or lease
the system hardware?
Though you'll pay more up front, when a
company sells you the equipment for your
system, you own it forever. As long as the
equipment is compatible with other security
companies (ask to make sure it is), you can
switch monitoring services in the future
without replacing the entire system.
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