Cheaper Alarm System?

[Fast_Eddie26]

Currently, I have ADT and it seems be entirely too expensive. I called and had them reduce the bill down to 37 from 47 a month.

I have heard of some other ones, but they require you to do the install.

I know it guess me a discount on my home owners, so it's not a bad idea to have the house alarm. What services do others use out there?

[kork13]

I use a locally-owned monitoring service. It's a relatively simple, no-frills service without any fancy features or capabilities, though they do offer cellular monitoring, which prevented me from having to get an otherwise unwanted phone line. Even with the extra charge for cellular monitoring ($10/mo), I only pay $28/mo for my alarm system monitoring. So I'd recommend seeing what local options are available. Most larger cities will have a variety of options. If you don't know where to start, just drive through a few neighborhoods around you and see what signs they've got posted in their front yard.

Also, as long as you have an alarm system already installed, other companies will be able to interface with it. If they say they can't, 95% chance they're selling you a line.

A couple different national options I've heard about are Vivint, Front Point, and Guardian, so you can look into those as well.

[snafu]

What is the crime rate in your specific community? When I attended a seminar of home security put on by the police department the speakers made it clear that B & E perpetrators look for 'easy' targets. When asked about security monitoring, the officers had a hard time keeping a straight face. While they agreed having a sign and door sticker to discourage burglars was good, the criminals all set a timer and leave within a 15 minute time frame since it's likely that monitors or police will take 15 minutes to get to the break-in.

There have been so many false alarms in our city there is now a fine if police are called in error. The police said to install the best deadbolt you can afford, drop locks on patio doors, and good locks on windows. Clear out shrubbery that culprits could hide behind near basement windows and get to know neighbors who can look-out for bad things. They mentioned that big boxes from electronics and expensive toys should never be left at the curb as criminals target certain areas and keep track of things like that taking pictures with their phones for future reference.

Should there be a seminar in your city, they are very worth time time and effort.

[Frugalmommy :)]

We use "simply safe". It was pretty easy to set up ourselves.

[ua_guy]

+1 on local alarm monitoring services. Check out who's doing what in your area.

I also agree with the above post on creating a "safe" house. There are so many cheap/easy ways to make you an undesirable target for thieves. The alarm is really just icing on the cake.

[Boomer]

Options

I am involved in running an alarm monitoring center that monitors the alarms at our company's locations so I have some insight into the alarm business.

For the most part, most alarm systems can be converted to any other monitoring company, however there are some cases where proprietary equipment was installed. Also, make sure that you own the system and did not "lease" it.

Do some internet searches and you can find monitoring companies that will do monitoring for about $10 a month. Check to se that the are UL listed which indicates that they meet regulatory guidelines and keep monitoring contracts to a year rather than longer.

I just had an alarm installed in my own house this year, bought the system outright and did a separate monitoring contract.

Also,, make sure that you let your homeowners insurance company know as there are considerable discounts. I saved about $300 a year on my premium.

[Sean_DeSilva]

I read into this and from what I remember, having an actual alarm doesn't decrease theft any more than having an alarm sign that you bought off of eBay. the very best theft deterrent is the beware of dog sign, because there's no negotiating with those noisy animals to stay quiet!