Home Security Systems Cut Insurance Premiums
If what happened to Randy isn't enough to convince you that home security systems can be a smart investment in the future of your home and family, consider the fact that insurance companies will substantially discount insurance premiums for a 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 many different flavors and are able to detect events ranging from forced entry to smoke, fire and even high levels of carbon monoxide. A basic installation comprises a keypad, motion detectors and a link to a monitoring center that sends the police or fire department if the alarm is triggered. Costs for a basic system usually run roughly one hundred dollars for installation and then a monthly monitoring fee that usually ranges between thirty and forty dollars.
Finding the right company to install your home security system doesn't have to be a chore. 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 provide a list of recommended companies in your neighborhood that install home security systems and provide monitoring services.
Depending on your location, 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 gives consumers a yardstick for identifying alarm companies that are active in quality and false alarm issues.
Once you've narrowed your choices, give each company a call and arrange a meeting with a company representative in your home. Price isn't necessarily the most important issue in selecting the company to install and monitor your security system. Here's a quick 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 monitor 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 correctly install, monitor and troubleshoot your system should repairs be necessary? Make sure the answer to this question is yes!
Finally, have the representative survey your home and thoroughly explain your security needs and options. Make sure you 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've installed an alarm system.
Chances are you'll never need your home security system, but you'll sleep better if you have it, just like me and my neighbor Randy.
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