How To Choose A Security Company

Protect Your FamilyIf you are in the market for a new security system and monitoring company, the biggest factor on your mind is your family’s well-being. Therefore, you want to make sure you are placing their safety and the security of your home into trustworthy and capable hands. These tips will help you choose the best security company.
 
Know What You Want
It’s important that before you go shopping for your next security system or monitoring company you know what you want. Are you most concerned with burglary or fire? Or do you need a medical monitoring device for your loved one? Do you have a phone line you can use or do you want wireless monitoring? By doing your homework ahead of time, you can ensure you are prepared to find a company that fits your needs.
 
Check Their Credentials
Think of the process like you are interviewing candidates for a job. You want to find the best fit for your situation. You also want to make sure the security company you choose has the proper credentials to help you if/when you need it. Here are a few things to look for.
  • Monitoring Station – Is the monitoring station company-owned, or do they outsource it? Is the station CSAA and U.L. Certified? A station with these certifications has to meet stringent security and monitoring standards and is regularly tested to ensure compliance. 
  • Reputation – Look around your community. What security signs do you see in your neighbors’ lawns? Ask them about their experience with those companies. Ask friends and family who they use and if they would recommend their security company. Check the Better Business Bureau to see the security company’s grade.
  • History – How long has the company been in business? Just as a long, detailed employment history looks good on a job application, if the company has been in business awhile, it usually means they are doing something right.
Go Beyond Price
Price is an important factor when considering a security monitoring company. But a company’s advertised price can sometimes be deceiving. Find out what is included by asking some of these questions. They will help you more accurately compare different companies’ offerings. 
  • Are there additional charges to add other types of monitoring or request wireless monitoring? 
  • Do you have to sign a contract to get the price?
  • Is there an activation fee?
  • Do you own the security system once it is installed, or is it simply “on loan”?
  • If you choose to switch security companies in the future, can another company monitor your system?
  • What kind of warranty is included with your security system?
  • Do you have to pay first and last month’s monitoring up front?
  • How easily can additional components, such as motion detectors, smoke alarms and glass sensors, be added later on?
  • Can you use remote services to check the status of your security system on your smartphone or computer, even when you aren’t home?
Asking the right questions and knowing what you want ahead of time will go a long ways toward helping you select the security company that’s right for you. 
 
Ackerman Security is a reliable, professional and affordable home security monitoring company serving the Atlanta, North Georgia and Metro DC areas since 1967. At Ackerman, 70% of our business is monitoring existing systems, so we know what it takes to keep your home secure.
 
We encourage you to compare us with the competition using our comparison chart. 
 
Contact us today for more information or to request a free consultation.

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