those of you with home alarm systems...

[rh71]

Trying to gauge for the right cost of monthly monitoring. ADT wants to charge $26/mo. and neighbors with other smaller companies go for anywhere between $12/mo - $18/mo. They're all 24/7 monitoring to a central station, I'm assuming...

What do you know about it and are they all the same... basically call your police station right away? Is $26/mo. too much?

 

[rh71]

anybody anybody ?

 

[rh71]

ok, now that all the homeowners have returned home from work...

 

My family has a small (not small, but certainly not national like ADT) monitoring company and while I'm not sure how much they're charging us, I know that all monitoring service is more or less the same. If they get an actual alarm signal (like a blaring siren) from your house, they'll wait to see if it's turned off within a short amt. of time (30 sec?), and if it IS turned off, they'll call to make sure you're okay and they'll ask you for a secret code to reset the alarm.

If it's not turned off they'll call the police and have them dispatched to your house. All alarm monitoring is 24/7 so that's really not a big deal. Does anyone else have something different to add?

 

[KK]

I'd say that 26 is too much to monitor. 12-18 sounds reasonable. Also try not to get struck with any type of contract. The smaller companies should offer that where as ADT minimum contract is something like 24 months. Don't wanna get struck in something if you don't have to. Heres what clark howard says. My thoughts are you just need one of those signs to stick in your yard.

KK

 

[boomerang]

I'm paying $17 a month. ADT is a big outfit and they probably feel they can charge more because of it. I'd go with the smaller outfit. Mine is 24/7, dials the central station. They know if either the police and/or fire deptartments are needed. They only contact the appropriate department.

Remember that the savings on your homeowners insurance will help offset the monthly fee. Make sure your insurance company fully understands the features of your alarm and gives you the corresponding discounts. I would suggest you read the fine print of your policy and make certain they are giving you all credits that you deserve. They will try to let some slide by, I guarantee it.

 

[rh71]

Thanks guys. Good reminder about the homeowners insurance considering the alarm. ADT covers up to $500 on the deductible should something happen with the alarm installed and working. I am getting more and more opinions that something like $15/mo. is more appropriate for a monitoring fee. It's basically whatever my parents feel more comfortable with... I'm leaving here in 2 months anyway. Hopefully the guy won't come around a 2nd time.