Cincinnati Police
District 2
Crime Prevention:
Purchasing an Alarm System
The following information is provided for informational services only. It is in no way intended to be an endorsement for any type of alarm, alarm system or alarm company
The following information is provided by the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.
Selecting a Company
Avoid problems, begin by asking
questions. Does the company do such things as perform police background checks on its
installers and employees. Do they have work mans compensation coverage for the people who
will be working on your home? If you are uncertain, ask for documentation of coverage. Ask
for names and phone numbers of references and check them out. How long have they been in
business? Where is their business located? Where is their monitoring station located? May
you visit the facility (if local)? There should be no reason for a reputable installer to
not have good answers for these questions.
Contact you local Better Business
Bureau and check for unresolved complaints. Does the company subscribe to the Customer
Care Program of The Better Business Bureau (arbitration)?
Remember that it is your
responsibility to research a company. If in doubt, contact the Crime Prevention Unit of
your local police agency.
You Get What You Pay For
Low dollar entry level systems are not
necessarily bad. Many inexpensive systems offer a minimal number of drops and generally
only one siren. Often the customer will not own their system, but rather lease it. If they
move the process begins all over again. It is also easy to "over buy", to
purchase more protection than is needed. You must determine what level of protection you
require, and can afford.
Costs for insulation will vary. Some
factors might include distance to the alarm company, local line rates for installation,
the amount of wiring needed, and the construction of your home. Primary costs affecting
your system will relate to the installation itself and the monthly monitoring fee.
Save On Insurance?
Many insurance carriers will offer
their customers a discount on their homeowners policy. Check with your agent on this in
advance.
What Type System Should I Purchase?
Obviously, no system is foolproof.
Don't believe any sales person who tells you there is. When an alarm company
representative comes to your home he/she should make a complete inspection of your home.
Updated on March 23, 1998
Created on August 12th, 1997