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Jan 21, 2009 -- Tips on shopping for an alarm-monitoring system
With the recent rise in crime, Clark wants to take a moment to revisit his advice about burglar alarms.
Nothing makes you feel more invaded than coming home to a break-in. Burglar alarm salespeople often read local police reports and may show up with an emotional sales pitch seeking to capitalize on your fear and anxiety.
Of course, it's better to search for an alarm-monitoring company before you need them. Clark recommends looking in the YellowPages and starting to call companies from the back of the listings -- not the ones at the front with the big ads.
First off, ask if they require a contract. You never want to sign a long-term contract. If you do, you open yourself to the danger of hidden rollover provisions.
Your second question should be about their monthly monitoring fees. You want something in the mid-to-high teens -- no more than $20/month.
Then you have equipment installation costs. You can usually get a preliminary quote over the phone by counting the number of doors and windows you have to protect. Consider adding an internal motion sensor as well. Initial equipment installation costs can be anywhere between $600 and $800 for a typical home.
Finally, make sure your monitoring station is UL approved.
Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.
I am a Monitronics Dealer. Like ADT and Brinks we are a dealer part of a bigger system. It sounds like those of you working with secureall security came across a bad dealership, but not all dealers are bad. We've been in the industry for over 10 years and our goal is to helpt he consumer. Its unfortunate that an image has to be painted of us as money hungry companies looking to prey on the consumer. Yes, we are business that needs to make money, but we are also in a business designed to protect people and most of us have that intention in our hearts. Regarding equipment prices and monitoring. Anyone who pays less than $20 a month for monitoring but shells out money for equipment is getting ripped off. Yes, the equipment has to be paid for somewhere which is why rates are higher when the system is free but a lower rate while a consumer pays for equipment is the same thing as when a consumer doesn't pay for something in the end your still paying for something. Do the math, read the contract, follow your gut. As far as contracts go. Monitronics does not roll over your contract and will work with consumers who are having problems and need to cancel. Consumers need to take the next step and call to find out. Signing a contract is part of getting the free system just like your cell phone. Anyone who wants to pay upfront for the system and all the cost will gladly be able to not sign a contract. Its truly up to the consumer to know what to ask for and decide what works best for them.
Alarm Monitoring
We offer wireless alarm monitoring at $14.99 and regular, landline, alarm monitoring at $9.99. We are www.acialarms.com and can be reached at 404-644-4850.
Wireless Monitoring
In this day and age, there must be some wireless monitoring options. I am exploring FrontPoint which offers just this type of wireless monitoring,even to my IPhone! I am surprised the big companies are not there yet!
Monitoring
If you already have an alarm system installed, what are the options to have it monitored without a phone line?
Never BAD advise
I really do not think Clark has gave any of us bad advice. The advice is to save money, not to spread the high payments over a long period of time. Most alarm systems are made in Mexico and you can buy all the components for just about 100 dollars which is typically what Brinks and others will charge you for hooking you up. Monitoring should be less than 20 dollars, 10 dollars is just about right. I have been with Brinks for about 6 years and I hate the company, if anything breaks there is a $75 service charge just to come out to the house, sure they apply that to the fix, but they will get you for the bad sensor which is another 50 - 60 dollars.
Shopping for a new monitoring company now, that is what brought me to Clark’s site. I have decided to do the repairs myself and have found some companies that provide the monitoring for less than 10 dollars. Can’t beat that.
Warning
Hello everyone please DO NOT use this company (Secure All Security) they are unprofessional company. I use there service and was very unhappy. Come to find out that Secure All Security. Was not monitoring my system and the monitoring company had the wrong address and the installer wire the system wrong. So please beware of this company. They do not return calls. I made a bad choice and I find this company in the phone book. FYI be careful when using companies out of the phone book.
Clark, I'm sorry, but you gave BAD security system advice
Clark, I normally love the show, but it doesn't seem like you know much about security systems or companies. You're giving your listeners unsound, unrealistic advice that will ultimately result in them NOT getting a security system, and being UNprotected. First off, you claim initial equipment installation costs can run from $600 to $800. That MAY be true for a very small, basic system, but not everyone has even that much money to spend. Let's say you do, though, happen to find a security system for $600 with $20/month monitoring. Over 3 years, you pay 36.67/month average. If you don't have $600 to spend, though, does that mean you shouldn't get a security system? I think that's ridiculous. I got a system with Brink's, ZERO up-front cost, 30.99/month, 3 year contract. I spend LESS over 3 years this way, I didn't have to come up with $600 out of my pocket, AND this is the only security company that is endorsed by J.D. Power and Associates. You should know the weight that carries. The service has been top notch, response time is great. I have no complaints. And the contract guarantees that the price won't increase for 3 years. Your bad advice in this area makes me question other advice you've given that I have listened to.
Bad Alarm Systems
Tanya, I agree with you Monitronics installed my system May/June 2009 and I just got out of my contract today Sept. 11, 2009. Their service is truly lousy, they don't respond to alarms and when you call them, suddenly their voice comes over the intercom. It actually took them 7-8 minutes to respond one time and they only responded then because I called initially. I have had a myriad of problems with them, nasty attitudes, motion detector not working, and inappropriate comments from a service technician, etc., etc. etc. I would advise anyone approached by Monitronics to run and run fast in the opposite direction. Security Network is Monitronics monitoring company.
Alarm Companies
I have read through everybody’s comments & Clarks view’s on Security Company’s. I have been in the security business for 10 years now. Started as just as young man with no real guidance and landed a job with a local security company. After a few years, I finally decided to open my own. I understand the games that companies can play- but not all have twisted minds. Just remember the basics: When someone sets a piece of paper in front of you and say’s “Sign Here” – Make sure you know what you’re signing. If you don’t read it – then whose fault is that? Depending on how you decide to purchase something often dictates what the monitoring rate will be. If you are buying into one of the “FREE” gimmick security systems, then your monthly fee will probably be higher. If you buy it out right, then lower. Typically, it’s higher because the “FREE” needs to be paid for somewhere- it’s not what it “says”. Also, when you’re reading the paperwork- make sure you’re purchasing the equipment that is being installed, not renting/leasing. Many times the Sales Associate says one thing & it’s something completely different- you go through and pay all this money for someone else to own the property. Expect to pay from $300-$1500 average on equipment & installation depending on how big your home or office is and what your planning to protect. The bigger the system, the more the price is going to be- & the “FREE” gives you a false since of security from lack of true protection on entrance points within your home. From experience, security is such a big liability- I don’t blame companies for having a “contract”- but you have to know what you’re signing & buying. Do your homework on multiple companies before purchasing anything- they all truly offer something different when it comes down to it. If anybody has any questions- even if your business is not with us- I will be glad to help: bigdog@mysecuritydog.com
Bad alarm companies
Don't ever put your safety in the hands of Monitronics! After two years of paying for the service, my alarm went off one day at 3am...after the police arrived, I realized that Monitronics never called me. I then called them and was told, "we never recieved any kind of signal from your home...in fact, we don't show any signal to your home at all". I was extremely upset, as I have paid over $1200 in fees only to find that my home was never monitored. They did not offer to compensate me in any way and even went as far as to blame me for the issue stating, "you don't do an alarm check every month, so we can't be responseable!!" I cancelled my service immediately. They are the worst!!
I have been in this business for 15 yrs
You want a monitored alarm w/ cell backup. If your phone line is cut it won't interfere w/ the signal. Clark recommends you not sign a contract, but if you buy a system outright it costs over $1000 if you want a system w/ quality. You can buy a burglar & fire alarm for under 900-1000 that's monitored for 3 yrs altogether. In addition to that you can get homeowners discounts every yr if it's monitored. I save $75 a yr in insurance so in 3 yrs I'm getting $225 back from the 1000 i invested. Most companies will lower your monthly rate once the contract expires anyway.
Home Security Systems
Clark, do you recommend any particular company? Tks. Mary
Alarm Monitoring
My national Alarm Company just jacked up my rate and I'm sick of them, so I'm shopping for a new Monitoring Company. Advice/Ratings of MONITORING Companies is not to be found, at least easily. If you could do this it would be a great service to your fans, Clark
no contract
The security company I use now does provide security monitoring services with no contract. You just have to do a little research. Google. My previous company did an automatic renewal of 1 year on my contract after the intial 3 year deal which made me extremely upset. I got out after the extension and now am saving quite a bit monthly.
Alarm Company
I agree with the previous poster Clark. A little help needed here. And I do not want to sign a contract.
This is all very well, Clark...
But how about recommending some companies that actually DO all this stuff so we are not thrashing around in the dark? Is that so hard? :-)
Home Security Systems
As a 911 dispatcher, I feel it's important for people to find out how YOUR local law and fire jurisdiction responds to alarm calls from the alarm companys. Our law jurisdictions respond only if there is a car available to go within the first 20 minutes of the receipt of the alarm from the alarm company. If there are no units available to respond within the first 20 minutes after WE get the call, the call is CANCELED! Fire alarms are of course responded to immediately. Many jurisdictions also require an alarm permit fee to be paid annually. If we get 6 false alarms on an account within a year; there is no reponse to any alarm after the 6th false alarm. There are many NON RESPONSE TAGS on addresses with excess false alarms.
monitoring fee discount
clark just saved me money! after reading this article on home alarm system, i called my monitoring company whom i have been with for 7 years and told them my fee was too high, they offered me a much lower price (25% discount) for exactly the same service. All I did was call and let them know that they're price was too high! Thanks clark. now i am going to scan your website every day.
Good post
Caser's post is all TRUE. Good advice
THE BEST SYSTEM ALL AORUND
I am i nthe military and had to deploy a few months ago. Soon after buying our home, we decided to shop for an alarm system. With small kids and on deployment, I knew it was imperative that I protect my family in the best way before I depart. I researched the topic and the systems to ensure I was aware of the options out in the market. I established certain criteria and set my price range based on the average of all of the local and national carriers. Here's my suggestions: - Go with a HANRD WIRING system. Wireless is more risky though it provides more flexibility. - Set up meetings with the top three you select and have them come on the same day and see each other as you set your meetings with each, 40 minutes apart. This will make it real for them that you are shopping around and they can see the competition. - Ask questions about everything and anything yo udon't understand. - Call the local police and fire department to find out about the reputation of these companies. Some will not be reliable and have what is called a "high false call/alarm" rate or a delayed response time. - Spend your money on motion and door alarms. Don't get crazy and buy all the other gadgets they offer. A motion is worht 10 "glass breaks" in that room or area. Trust me on this one. - Remember the golden rule of thieves and burglars: "Use the path of least resistance" Start to arm that place first and "work your way up" literally. bad guys like basements, and backyards. - Don't assume that bad guys only come at night. They know you are counting on that so they will hit in the day time, when everyone is gone and you are at work. They don't want to be there when you are there. Remember "Path of least resistance". - Finally, negotiate the rates and don't be scared of yearly contracts. Specially if you will be there for a few years. Just keep your negotiating skills sharp. It's all about the bottomline for them. They can reduce certain charges and some fees. NEGOTIATE!
Do-It-Yourself Installation
I'm surprised Clark didn't mention do-it-yourself installation. I got a security system two years ago and paid nearly $1000 for the equipment. My friend then bought a nearly identical WIRELESS system (no drilling thru walls to install) and paid $400 for it. Wireless was more a more expensive option for us, so we didn't do it. The alarm co's make their money on LABOR costs - do it yourself!
to Posey
I don't know why you stated never reach an alarm company by an 800 number. All major alarm companys, including my very small company, has a toll free number for convenience of the customer. This statement is just not valid.
Make sure your alarm is NOT connected to a VoIP (voice over Inernet Provider) The reason being is that the transmission is digital instead of analog. The receivers at the monitoring station take into account of the Db loss of an analog alarm transmission. Since there is no loss with VoIP, the transmission is not readable once the recievers applify the signal at the central station. Plus, the VoIP provider will change the codex on how voice transmissions are converted back to analog at the receiving end. This also will interfere with the transmission. Finnally, unless you have a UPS backup, when you loose power or your internet goes out, you loose your alarm connection to your central station.
A backup service is recommended for redundancy.
Valid point BUT
I have been in the alarm business for 28 years. Owned my company for 10. In the East Coast NY/CT area, $20.00 is below average.
Stay away from companies that will jack up your monitoring if you have fire, low temp sensors, panic buttons, or high water alerts. The companies pay the SAME fee to the monitoring service regarless what you have.
Stay away from the free alarm because this is no such thing. They will lock you in a long term, high price contract and you will pay for the alarm many time over.
Dogs cannot dial 911. I had a customer that had a beautiful German Shepard that got shot and died as soon as the scum bags broke into the home. This is a false sense of security. Unless you have Lassie that will alert you that your furnace has shut off, or a fire in the basement, dogs are no subsitute for an alarm system.
Just my 2 cents
Alarm Systems
I have the best alarm system that anyone could have-two dogs. Hell one of them will even growl at you if you sit on his couch too long and he ain't no poodle, just a good ole hound. But the girl dog is the one I worry about, some one thrown her out when she was about 8,9 month old and blundered up on me and grandma starving out here in the woods. After a trip to the vet,some home cooking, grand kids. plenty of water, and a food bowl that never empty, She develop into a little protective dog and she just might eat your butt up if you mess around her home, that is if I don't get you first. Old country saying "A good dog will let you know when someone or something is around when it shouldn't." Keep your alarm systems and your fear, I might go fishing with the dogs when it gets a little warmer, but beware, the dogs know if you belong around my house!!!
Burg/fire-3
Different code for husband, wife, kids, guests, NO cheating on this. If someone goes AWOL, burg co can download panel and tell when AWOL last turned burg on or off. HOPEFULLY you never this feature.
Burg/fire alarms-2
Temp sensors w/or w/o rate of rise ok for attic, etc NEVER for people occupied area. Never $99 systems or sys where co owns sys and you pay/mo, if sys fails you pay big$, still have to pay monthly fee.
Burg/fire alarms
Be absolutely sure your monitoring serv is NEVER reached via an 800#-too unreliable-ask for # and verify! Fire alarm may be more important than burg. For crital apps- have cell phone backup.
