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Some important points to consider while comparison shopping:
Beware of "free" installations
"Something
for nothing" gimmicks are very common and often include sparse alarm
systems which won't properly protect your premises. These also
generally require monitoring contracts of 3 or 5 years at inflated
monthly fees.
Compare the monthly fees
Make sure you are comparing fairly -- the extra monthly amount can add up over the length of the contract.
Check the credentials
Security
companies should be licensed by the state in which they operate, and
sometimes individual counties require licensing as well. Also make
sure the company is adequately insured and that the technicians have
passed certification requirements. Also see that the monitoring
station is UL-Listed. A listing with Underwriters Laboratories is the
best assurance that the monitoring station meets very strict criteria,
and are subject to unannounced inspections.
Organization affiliations
Check on the company's affiliations with
associations
such as the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) and the
Maryland Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (MBFAA). |
