5 min read
How to choose a home security system
Every provider sells cameras and sensors. What actually differs is who watches the alarm, how quickly they respond, and what happens if you cancel.
Monitored or self-monitored
Professional monitoring costs roughly $20 to $50 a month and dispatches police or fire when an alarm triggers. Self-monitored systems send a phone alert and cost nothing monthly, but nobody responds if you miss it.
Watch the contract, not the equipment price
Free equipment is usually funded by a 36 to 60 month monitoring agreement. Ask for the total contract value, the early-termination formula and whether the equipment is yours at the end.
Cover the entry points that matter
Front and back doors, ground-floor windows, the garage interior door, and a camera covering the main approach. Add smoke, carbon monoxide and water sensors — these prevent the most expensive claims.
Frequently asked
Will it lower my insurance?
Many insurers discount 5% to 20% for professional monitoring. Request the certificate for your insurer.
Does it work if the internet goes out?
Systems with cellular backup do. Confirm that backup is included, not an add-on.