Our homeowner's insurance gives us a major discount if we're with a monitored alarm company, so we're looking to pick one up (after finally firing ADT/Broadview). But since they're basically worthless at preventing home invasions, we want it to be as cheap as possible, and not lock ourselves into a contract that we'll be stuck with until we're elderly.
So, who doesn't suck?
My suggestion is to look for a local Mom and Pop company. Verify that they have proper licenses and insurance. ALL of the big companies are mainly motivated by the recurring revenue. (the monthlies) Usually the little guys will be more flexible on the contracts, but you will have to sign one. I don't really suggest that you do your own install if the insurance company is involved. Probably best to go with a wireless system. Quicker install, less mess, and you can take it with you when you move. Oh, make sure that the contract says that YOU own the equipment. That is one of ADT's tricks. I did this for 25 years, picked up a few tricks along the way. PM me if you want more info, always glad to help.
Most people in my area are swearing by Comcraptastic's security systems........IDK, where I live a single dusk to dawn light pretty much does the same job.
Thanks, cwh, I was hoping you'd chime in.
Looks like nothing in our area is less than $30/mo, and the insurance discount isn't worth that.
I'm still planning to put together a fairly extensive wireless system myself. Hopefully that can be used to satisfy the insurance company and we can go back to the discounted rate.
I use a local monitoring company as well, and have been happy with them. I like the fact their office is literally three blocks from my house and the person answering the phone knows the neighborhood, instead of someone sitting in a call center on the other side of the country.
Besides security monitoring, remember they typically also monitor your smoke alarms; if anything, that's more important.
friend of mine just put this in his new house: http://simplisafe.com/
you can buy the pieces individually or in a package plus whatever else you want, month-to-month service so you're not locked into a contract, and you can access through your smartphone to check on things. i think it also has the capability to add home automation and security cams if you want.
neat thing about it is the communications go through a central box that is hidden, so a perp can't just bust in and smash the keypad on the wall before it sends the alarm to the company.
i have vivint which is basically the same equipment as adt or comcast with their own monitoring company. they have been good so far, customer service has been good as well.
A GOOD, PROVEN record of good customer service is the big thing. Too many companies are just happy to have you tied into the contract and feel service is not very important. ADT and Broadview are among the worst for this attitude. Comcast is quite new at this, so no real track record. Don't know how it will play out. But, I still much prefer the little, local, companies.
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