Home Security Systems Cut Insurance Premiums
Lower Insurance Costs, Peace Of Mind Are Benefits Of Home Security Systems
Until it actually goes off, most people don't appreciate their home security system or burglar alarm. That's the story I got from my next door neighbor at four in the morning a week ago this past Friday. The wake-the-dead noise of his home burglar alarm had ripped me from sleep about 30 minutes earlier and after the police had left, Randy - that's my neighbor - told me how glad he was to have a security system. Although the police arrived too late to make an arrest, it seems the flashing lights and loud siren of Randy's home security system had scared away the burglar and prevented him from entering my neighbor's house.
If what happened to Randy isn't enough to convince you that home security systems can be a smart investment in the future of your home and family, consider the fact that insurance companies will significantly discount insurance premiums for a home equipped with a security system or burglar alarm. My own insurance company gives me a 20 percent discount on my home owner's policy because I have a security system installed and monitored by a nationally certified company. The savings make a big difference in defraying the cost of my alarm system.
Home security systems come in several different flavors and are able to detect everything from forced entry to smoke, fire and even high levels of carbon monoxide. A basic installation consists of a keypad, motion detectors and a link to a monitoring center that contacts the police or fire department if the alarm is triggered. Fees for a basic system usually run about $100 for installation and then a monthly monitoring fee that normally ranges between thirty and forty dollars.
Finding the best company to provide your home security system doesn't have to be a chore. You'll usually have a number of friends and relatives who already have security systems installed and they'll be happy to make a personal recommendation. If you don't know someone who already has a system, pay a visit to the website of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFFA). They'll be happy to supply information about home security systems and recommend companies in your area that install and monitor burglar alarms and home security systems.
Depending on your location, your list of companies will probably include such nationally known names as ADT and Brink's Home Security, along with many local companies. Try to narrow the list to three to five companies located in your area. Use criteria like membership in the NBFAA, as well as participation in the industry's Installation Quality (IQ) Certification Program. The IQ program gives consumers a yardstick for identifying alarm companies that are pro-active with respect to quality and false alarm issues.
Once you've narrowed your choices, call each company and make an appointment for a company representative to visit your home. Price isn't always the most important issue in selecting the company to install and monitor your security system. Here's a easy to follow checklist with questions to ask and things to do:
How long has the the company been in business? Longer is better!
Will it monitor your home security system's operation twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year? Make sure they're working 24/7/365!
Does it have a backup generator system so it can monitor your home even when the power goes down? A good company will continue to operate, even when the lights go out.
Does the company have an in-house training program and are employees well-trained so they are able to properly install, monitor and troubleshoot your system should repairs be necessary? Make sure the answer to this question is yes!
Finally, have the representative survey your home and thoroughly explain your security needs and options. Make sure you get a written list of recommendations and a quote in writing for the cost of the security system and monitoring services.
Once you've met with the companies on your list, compare equipment, services and pricing. Then, make the call and have your system installed. And don't forget to save money on premiums by telling your insurance company that you've installed an alarm system.
You may never need your home security system, but you'll sleep better if you have it, just like me and my neighbor Randy.
About the Author
Matt Paolini is the Managing Editor of Citybook.com, the Internet's leading family-safe yellow pages directory. Locate a home security specialist or state chapter of the NBFAA by consulting Citybook's extensive online yellow pages
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