Insurance

Monitored or Unmonitored security systems - Which one best suits you? There are huge advantages and a few disadvantages to both. Before deciding if you would rather have your home security system monitored or not, take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Advantages to Monitored Home Security Systems

(1) Home alarm monitoring companies are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round. They have a special phone lines, staff and computers that watch over your home security system and call the appropriate authorities when detects an intruder. With an unmonitored system you are at the mercy of whoever is at home or nearby neighbors to call the police when and if they hear the alarm.

(2) Monitored systems allow you to not worry and enjoy yourself wherever you are. Whether you are traveling, at home or work, or own a vacation home that you leave vacant for a period of time, you can rest assured that your alarm system is in place and that the local police will be contacted if the system detects a break in.

(3) There is no time delay. When there is a break in and the alarm goes off, a monitored system contacts police and authorities right away. With the unmonitored system there is no guarantee that the police will ever be notified.

(4) Homeowner's insurance discounts. A homes with a monitored security systems are far less likely to be burglarized than a homes without. Insurance companies know this and most companies will reduce your insurance premiums if you have your system monitored. The savings can be 5%- 20% depending on the type of system installed. In some cases the amount you save on insurance premiums can be equal to the cost per month to have your home monitored.

(5) Your are not alone. When a break in takes place you give the decision making over to experienced and competent monitoring team and the police. It's their job to make security and safety decisions so you and your loved ones don't have to.

Advantages to Unmonitored Home Security Systems

(1) No costs or fees. Keep in mind that there is a monthly fee for monitoring services. You should expect to pay between $20-$50 a month for monitoring. If you choose to have your system unmonitored you can save thousands of dollars over the years.

(2) Monitored systems sometimes fail to work. If you choose the land line, the line can be cut by the intruder before they enter your home.

(3) No false alarms to the police and fire departments. Unfortunately, false alarms are all too common with monitored systems. Police departments are getting more and more frustrated and in some cases they will charge the home owner if they have to make an unnecessary trip to your home. Check with your local police about their false alarm policies before having your system monitored.

(4) No binding or costly long term contracts. If you choose to have your system monitored, keep in mind that most monitoring companies will require you sign a contract for several years. If for any reason you become unhappy with the company you may end up stuck in a contract because it can be difficult to get out of a contract which can be.

Deciding if you would like your security alarm system monitored or unmonitored is a big decision and we hope you have made the best decision for the safety of you and your family. There are many things to consider when choosing a monitoring company. Please visit our website for tips on choosing an alarm monitoring company.