Home security is on everybody's minds these days.
Crime rates aren't really going down and thieves seem to becoming bolder by the minute.
The world isn't always safe place, unfortunately, and there are shady elements lurking in the wings just waiting to pounce.
Alright, so it may not be so drastic as that, but safety and home security still are big topics that concern everybody everywhere.
People are also worried about costs.
They want to keep safe, but they do not want to break the bank in doing so.
In times like these, especially, when the economy is in bad shape, many homeowners want to keep a hold of every extra dollar they can get their hands on.
Yet there are many affordable ways to keep your home safe and secure without sacrificing your hard earned cash.
Before making the commitment to anyone home security provider, do your homework.
Get quotes and use your Google skills to find out the good and the bad about any home security company that may potentially protect your home and family.
Ask neighbors, ask friends, ask your insurance company.
Question them about their experiences and their own recommendations.
Before you sign up for any long term commitment with a monitoring company you should consider several things.
First you should ask your home security company if they are actually an authorized dealer, or if they are a marketing representative.
Marketing companies don't really represent the actual company so once you narrow down your list ask to have a company rep come by your place to show them how their home alarm system works and to go into depth about the quality and effectiveness of their service.
Don't forget to ask for a quote for a basic home alarm.
These usually consist of window and door motion detectors, a control panel, keypad, an alarm and warning decals.
Some security companies use proprietary security company which excludes monitoring from other companies, meaning you could be left high and dry if you don't like their service.
Be aware that even if a company offers free installation, you still will be charged significant monthly fees to make up the cost for the equipment and service.
Ask how much it would be to purchase the system versus renting it.
You shouldn't pay unnecessary additional charges.
Some companies will see it fit to charge you a small additional fee for medical or fire monitoring.
This isn't really necessary as you can program these options into your alarm and the extra monitoring doesn't really do anything for you.
Do be sure to get any quotes in writing.
Have everything written out, including length of contract and terms of renewal.
Know what happens should you decide to terminate the contract; ask how much notice you have to give, if any, and what fees are associated with canceling your contract as well.
Ask if your fees are likely to increase and by how much.
Ask if you can lock in your fees for the entirety of your contract.
Find out about a company's customer service and how long it takes to get your home alarm system serviced.
Remember to be smart and don't spend money where you don't have to.