How to Choose a Home Security Service

A home security service is designed to protect your family and your home from a home invasion, so it pays to select a company after careful consideration. The following are some helpful tips to make the entire process that much easier.

Word-of-mouth is often the best indicator of quality service and reputation. Seek out referrals from people you know – friends, family, neighbors, or your insurance agent. Call the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and your state's associations to find out which companies are members. Trustworthy companies usually have memberships in these organizations.
Verify the licensing of your potential picks by contacting your state's licensing and consumer protection agencies, as well as the Better Business Bureau and the local police department. You can also find out from these agencies whether or not the companies have a history of consumer complaints.
Conduct interviews with the companies in which you're most interested, but protect your own privacy when you first make contact – don't leave your name, address, or phone number.

During the interview process, ask each company the following:

How long they have been in business? (A minimum 5-year history is best).
Do they have a license for low-voltage electrical projects? Certain states also require an alarm-contractor's license, so ask about this as well, if applicable. Ask for license numbers so you can check up on their claims.
Are they bonded and insured? This is important because if property is damaged during installation, you need to be protected.
When they hire employees, do they carry out extensive background checks? The best companies in the business always do this.
Do they sell or lease the hardware for the security systems? Most homeowners would rather pay more in the beginning in order to own the entire system for the life of its use. Just make sure the equipment is compatible with other security services so that if you switch companies at a later date, the money you spent won't go to waste.

A home security system deters burglars and can provide the utmost in security for your family. Install one in your home and restless nights will be a thing of the past.

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