3 Types of Alarm Monitoring Companies
There are many different types of security companies that do alarm monitoring. The type of security company you are getting a quote from will have a great bearing on the rates and terms you are quoted. Alarm monitoring rates can start as low as $10 per month while some go up to $40 per month or more for the same basic service. So “Why is there such a difference in the monthly rates and terms being offered?” you may ask. It all has to do with the business model that the security dealer is following and the level of service that they provide after the sale. Alarm monitoring companies operate on 3 different business plans.
- The most popular alarm monitoring programs are offered for around per month with a 3 year monitoring agreement. These companies are usually associated with national dealer programs such as Brinks, ADT, Protection One, Monitronics, and Central Security Group. Free installations and activations, as well as other promotional items, are often offered by these security installing dealers as a means to get you to agree to their alarm monitoring service. A benefit in regards to these type programs is that the national company is there to back up the local security dealer in terms of service. Although most national companies do a good job of alarm monitoring, some are just interested in building their customer base. It is important to check out the national company before you agree to a long term agreement with them.
- The independent dealer is another type of alarm company that you will encounter. These companies hold their own paper and tend to be much smaller. Smaller independent dealers will usually have to charge an installation fee of some sort since they are not being paid up front by the larger national company for the contract. As a result, you will usually have a bit lower monthly rate, since you paid something up front to help defray the cost. Since you are paying some of the cost for the installation and activation up front, many times an independent alarm dealer can offer a shorter term agreement. Many of these smaller independent security dealers are more responsive in terms of service issues, while others can be really bad.
- The third type of monitoring company that you will find are the strictly web based companies. These companies offer a very low rate and very little else.Should the need arise for service for your security system, you will be instructed by the web based company to go through the phone book and find another alarm company that is willing to service your alarm. If you are not being monitored by an alarm company, it is highly unlikely that the alarm company would be willing to work on your security system due to the liability that it presents. In addition to the service issue, these companies are often not Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed. If your alarm monitoring company is not UL listed, you may lose your available insurance discounts for having a monitored alarm system.
It is wise to check with the local Better Business Bureau when considering an alarm monitoring service to ensure that the company has a satisfactory rating. Reviews of alarm monitoring companies that you see on line are often unreliable since most are written by salespeople that work for different companies. In some areas of the country, the security business is pretty cut throat. If you can find the sign of the company that you are considering in one of your neighbor’s yards, then ask them if they are pleased with the service. This is the best research you could possibly do. There you will be able to get an honest and unbiased review.
Lonnie Sallas is a 13 year veteran of the security business and President of Texstar Alarm Systems in Houston Texas. Texstar Alarm Systems is a 9+ year old company specializing in the best in Houston Alarm Monitoring. We offer flexible rates & terms and are a member of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston. Texstar Alarms also installs Honeywell and DSC security systems in Houston and surrounding areas. Give us a call for all your security, audio, and CCTV needs.
