Home Security Reviews

As with any service or product for your home, you will need to do research before choosing a home security company.

Of course, this is a decision that will have a huge impact on your home and your family’s safety, so it’s doubly important to know the company you’re choosing, and to understand what you’re getting when you sign up.

The two most well-known home security companies are ADT and Brinks. Both are national companies that hire local subcontractors to install the system. These subcontractors then sell the account to Brinks or ADT for the monitoring portion of the system. There are, of course, benefits and drawbacks to different types of hardware, but let’s focus on the installation companies.

If you choose not to call ADT or Brinks directly, you will be going with a local home security company of your choice. In this case, you should talk to friends, neighbors and coworkers to get their opinions on local companies (and on the national chains at the same time).

Many of them will have had experiences in this area, and it’s important to hear both the good and the bad. Be aware – most people are much more eager to talk about the bad experience, but a response of, “Oh, we used ABC Company, and they were just fine,” is also very telling. Even though your friend is not overly excited, they obviously have nothing bad to say.

Next, get references from the company itself. They should have no problem or hesitation in providing them. Make sure the company is UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) approved. Companies have to meet strict guidelines for this approval.

Finally, make sure the company carries E&O Insurance. Errors and Omissions Insurance provides coverage for any errors the company might make, which protects both you and the company. Ask them for a copy of the policy for your peace of mind.

While choosing a home security company may be a daunting task, simply start with a list and narrow it down. This is an important decision and not worth rushing. Be sure to read all contracts involved carefully and never, ever sign if you feel pressured to do so.