What To Look For When Assessing A Home Security Systems Company
Choosing to have a security system in your home means that the safety of those living in your home, along with your possessions is even more important to you than it may have been. But if you've never installed a home security system in your home before, you may become quickly overwhelmed by the many options that are out there.
You may think that there are only one or two companies which can do the job for you. You may have seen their advertisements on TV. But just because a company has a large advertising budget, doesn’t mean that it's the best home security solution for you.
There are certain characteristics that every security company should have, which are listed below. The more of them the company you're considering has, the higher the likelihood that the company will be able to meet your needs.
Underwriter's Laboratory Approval
A UL or ULC designation means that a security company has met the very high standards set forth by the Underwriter's Laboratory. A company with this approval means that your family will have even more protection.
Free Relocation
One aspect that should definitely be considered is whether or not the security company offers free relocation. This means that should you move, the company will also move your home alarm system at no charge. Of course, this is dependent on whether or not you've kept up with your home monitoring payments.
Is The Company Local?
This may seem like a simple thing to ensure, but locally owned and operated businesses tend to have more invested in the services they provide to their community. The same is true of your security company. It may not be protecting the whole country, but it may provide you with a level of attention and service that is unique.
Company History
The history of a company is also important. If the company you're considering seems to be everywhere, such as on stickers in windows or with signs up all around town, then chances are it's been in business for a long time. Of course, you can always go online to do more research on the company to see exactly how long it's been around.
Length And Scope Of Service
Many homeowners who are looking to choose a home security company overlook their service hours and just what they service.
A company which doesn't offer 24 hour service can mean that you don't get the help you need should your alarm malfunction or break down on a weekend.
And a company that deals with its sales and installation in-house, but then contracts their monitoring to a third party can mean difficulty when troubleshooting and a longer wait for repairs.
Insurance And References
Most security companies that are worth their salt will have errors and omissions insurance to cover them in the event that something goes wrong during installation or response to your alarm. Ask to not only see proof of their coverage, but request a copy of the policy as well.
And if you thought a letter of reference was just for a job interview, think again; most reputable security companies will have no problem providing you with all of the good things their customers have had to say. Of course, if you can't get testimonial information, a company that's registered with the BBB is sure to have comments, both good and bad, from previous and current customers.
Additional Protection
Another characteristic of a quality home security systems providers is the ability to provide additional protection in the form of things like carbon monoxide and fire monitoring. This can offer you many benefits in case of an emergency.
Of course, you can't expect that any company will be perfect. But keeping the above characteristics in mind can ensure that the company you are considering will offer your family the highest level and quality of protection available.
Choosing to have a security system in your home means that the safety of those living in your home, along with your possessions is even more important to you than it may have been. But if you've never installed a home security system in your home before, you may become quickly overwhelmed by the many options that are out there.
You may think that there are only one or two companies which can do the job for you. You may have seen their advertisements on TV. But just because a company has a large advertising budget, doesn’t mean that it's the best home security solution for you.
There are certain characteristics that every security company should have, which are listed below. The more of them the company you're considering has, the higher the likelihood that the company will be able to meet your needs.
Underwriter's Laboratory Approval
A UL or ULC designation means that a security company has met the very high standards set forth by the Underwriter's Laboratory. A company with this approval means that your family will have even more protection.
Free Relocation
One aspect that should definitely be considered is whether or not the security company offers free relocation. This means that should you move, the company will also move your home alarm system at no charge. Of course, this is dependent on whether or not you've kept up with your home monitoring payments.
Is The Company Local?
This may seem like a simple thing to ensure, but locally owned and operated businesses tend to have more invested in the services they provide to their community. The same is true of your security company. It may not be protecting the whole country, but it may provide you with a level of attention and service that is unique.
Company History
The history of a company is also important. If the company you're considering seems to be everywhere, such as on stickers in windows or with signs up all around town, then chances are it's been in business for a long time. Of course, you can always go online to do more research on the company to see exactly how long it's been around.
Length And Scope Of Service
Many homeowners who are looking to choose a home security company overlook their service hours and just what they service.
A company which doesn't offer 24 hour service can mean that you don't get the help you need should your alarm malfunction or break down on a weekend.
And a company that deals with its sales and installation in-house, but then contracts their monitoring to a third party can mean difficulty when troubleshooting and a longer wait for repairs.
Insurance And References
Most security companies that are worth their salt will have errors and omissions insurance to cover them in the event that something goes wrong during installation or response to your alarm. Ask to not only see proof of their coverage, but request a copy of the policy as well.
And if you thought a letter of reference was just for a job interview, think again; most reputable security companies will have no problem providing you with all of the good things their customers have had to say. Of course, if you can't get testimonial information, a company that's registered with the BBB is sure to have comments, both good and bad, from previous and current customers.
Additional Protection
Another characteristic of a quality home security systems providers is the ability to provide additional protection in the form of things like carbon monoxide and fire monitoring. This can offer you many benefits in case of an emergency.
Of course, you can't expect that any company will be perfect. But keeping the above characteristics in mind can ensure that the company you are considering will offer your family the highest level and quality of protection available.