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Choosing a home security company can be a daunting task.  With the well known and highly respected companies like ADT, Brinks, and Guardian, it can be difficult to decide which company to choose.

Here is a list of questions you need to answer for each company or system you are considering.

How long have you been in business?   Correct answer:  ideally, you want a company that’s been in business at least 5 years.  Longer is better, however, you also want to make sure they are using the latest technology and not outdated equipment. 

What technology do you have available?  If they list thermal imaging, motion detectors, or wireless devises such as cameras that can easily be added to your system, you know they are using the latest technology.

Is your staff certified with the appropriate licenses?   Installers should be licensed low-voltage electrical contractors.  Guards should have firearms training.  Are the guards ex-police officers or former airport guards, etc?  Do they do background checks on their employees before hiring them – reputable companies do.

Is your company bonded and insured?  This is important in the event that something gets damaged on your property during installation.

Is your equipment compatible with other security companies?  You want to have compatible equipment in the event that you need to change monitoring companies. 

Am I leasing the equipment or do I own it once it is installed?  If you are leasing it, you may have to buy the equipment if for some reason you need to change monitoring companies or you may be stuck with payments through the term of the lease if you move before your lease is up.

Is home security your primary focus?

Do you operate your own home security monitoring center with emergency back-up facilities?  If the company relies on another company’s monitoring center, you want to make certain you will be given priority response just as on of their customers would.

Do you install service and monitor the security system?

Do you have 24-hour, emergency repair services?

Does your system have fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors?

Do your installers use clearly marked company trucks and show proper ID?

What is the installation fee and or upfront fees?

Is your system wireless or do you offer wireless?

Is a keypad control included?

How many door/entry contacts are included?

Is a motion detector included?

Do you include a keychain remote?

Is 2-way voice included?

Do you offer cellular backup?

Can I enable automatic paging?  This feature is nice if you want to program it so that you are paged whenever the alarm goes off, or your child arrives home.

Does the system have automatic light activation?  This turns lights on when the alarm is tripped.  You can also use it from the car or a phone to tell the system to turn lights on so they will be on when you arrive home.

Does the system have remote operation, programming, and diagnosis?  Obviously, it can be helpful to change the settings if needed when away from home

Do you offer driveway and stress sensors as part of your system?  These let you know when a car pulls into the driveway.

What is your warranty?

How long is a contract?

What is your charge for monthly monitoring?  Ask this question last.  It is best to focus on features and quality of the company rather than price.  You are, after all, depending on them to protect your most valuable possessions including your family.

After you have the answers to your questions, check with your state and local agencies to make sure that the company’s licensing is in order.  It is always a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau as well.

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