Home Security Systems Promote Peace Of Mind, Lower Insurance Costs

By Matthew Paolini

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Many people don't appreciate a home security system until it actually goes off. That's what my neighbor told me at three in the morning a week ago Wednesday. Torn from a deep sleep by the klaxon-like baying of Randy's burglar alarm - Randy's my neighbor - I wandered over to his house about 30 minutes after the police had gone. While the police hadn't made an arrest, Randy's home security system did the job, scaring away the burglar before he had entered the house.

If Randy's experience isn't enough to convince you that home security systems can pay for themselves many times over, consider the fact that insurance companies will significantly discount the cost of insurance premiums for a private home equipped with a security system or burglar alarm. My own insurance company gives me a 20 percent discount on my home owner's policy because I have a security system installed and monitored by a nationally certified company. The savings go a long way towards defraying the cost of my alarm system.

Home security systems come in several different flavors and are able to detect everything from forced entry to smoke, fire and even dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. A basic installation includes a keypad, motion detectors and a link to a monitoring center that sends the police or fire brigade if the alarm is triggered. Costs for a basic system usually run about one hundred dollars for installation and then a monthly monitoring fee that normally ranges between thirty and forty dollars.

Locating the right firm to install your home security system needn't be a tedious job. You'll probably discover that friends and relatives who already have their own security system will be happy to make a recommendation. If you don't know someone who already has a system, pay a visit to the website of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFFA). They'll be happy to supply information about home security systems and recommend companies in your area that install home security systems and provide monitoring services.

Depending on where you live, your list of companies will most likely include such nationally known names as ADT and Brink's Home Security, along with many local companies. Try to narrow the list to three to five companies located in your area. Use criteria like membership in the NBFAA, as well as participation in the industry's Installation Quality (IQ) Certification Program. The IQ program helps consumers identify alarm companies that are pro-active with respect to quality and false alarm issues.

Once you've narrowed your list, call each company and make an appointment for a company representative to visit your home. Price isn't necessarily the most important issue in selecting the company to install and monitor your security system. Here's a easy to follow checklist with questions to ask and things to do:

How many years has the company been in business? Longer is better!

Will it monitor your home security system's operation twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year? Make sure they're working 24/7/365!

Does it have a backup power supply so it can protect your home even when the power goes down? A good company will continue to operate, even when the lights go out.

Does the company have an in-house training program and are employees well-trained so they are able to properly install, monitor and service your system in the event that repairs are necessary? Make sure the answer to this question is yes!

Finally, have the representative perform a walk-through of your home and explain in detail your security needs and options. Be sure to get a written list of recommendations and a written quote for the cost of the security system and monitoring services.

After meeting with several companies, compare equipment, services and pricing. Then, make the call and have your system installed. And don't forget to save money on premiums by telling your insurance company that you're the proud owner of a new home security system.

Chances are you'll never need your home security system, but you'll sleep better for having it, just like me and my neighbor Randy.

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About The Author
Matt Paolini is the Managing Editor of Citybook.com, the Internet's leading family-safe yellow pages directory. Locate a home security specialist or state chapter of the NBFAA by consulting Citybook's extensive online yellow pages.