Best Home Security Monitoring Services of 2018 (Including …

Contracts Explain Fees & Cancellation PoliciesThe length of your contract determines your overall costs and cancellation fees. Most home monitoring services require one- to three-year contracts, though five-year contracts exist. The best contracts offer services on month-to-month basis without cancelation fees. In most cases, you can expect the contract to renew automatically on a month-to-month basis when the main term is up.

Perhaps the most tedious part of a home security monitoring contract is an early-cancellation policy that requires you to pay most or all of the balance remaining on your account. While a perfect cancellation policy has no fees, one requiring you to pay 80 percent or less of your balance is better than one requiring 100 percent payoff.

The final policy you should be aware of is the equipment return policy. These let you return your system without cancellation fees during a narrow window right after your contract starts. Depending on the company, equipment return policies end in as little as three days or as long as a year after installation.

Customer ServiceCustomer service is similar to Wi-Fi, where more bars mean a stronger signal. In customer service, more support channels and useful operating hours lead to a better signal.

We prefer companies that provide support over social media. This is a reliable channel since a public post or private message on a companys Facebook or Twitter page often gets a quick response. Other effective support channels include live chat and phone, though phone support is less ideal. Email is the slowest support channel.

Psychological Barriers, Not Physical OnesUnfortunately, home security monitoring services can't physically stop intruders from entering your home. However, they can be a reliable psychological deterrent by leveraging an intruder's fear of getting caught. In fact, a Cromwell-Olson-Avary study, as cited by Alarm.org, said nine out of 10 criminals avoid homes with an alarm system. This is a main reason security monitoring companies include yard signs and window decals with your system, as a visible warning. If the intruder ignores these, a loud siren provides more incentive to leave.

24/7 Home Security MonitoringHome security monitoring services watch your home 24/7. For example, if an alarm triggers, the monitoring company contacts you to see if you're okay. If there's no reply, or you ask for assistance, the company contacts the appropriate emergency services.

Security Devices IncludedYou can expect a basic security system to have at least three devices: a control panel, entry sensors for doors and windows, and motion detectors. Most equipment runs on batteries and wirelessly connects to the control panel. The control panel requires a power cable most of the time but often has a battery backup to keep it working during power outages. Companies might include extra devices as an incentive, but it's not always free.

Smartphone AppsThe best security monitoring services provide cellular or internet monitoring and a mobile app that lets you arm, disarm and control your system with a smartphone. The mobile app may also let you control other device you get for your system such as a thermostat, lights, smart locks and security cameras; however, these features usually require an upgrade to a higher-priced plan.

WarrantyWarranties usually last as long your contract and can be used to replace defective sensors at no cost. However, some companies charge for shipping the new sensor or the service call to your home. In fact, most service calls require a fee at the time of service or a small monthly fee in addition to your monitoring fee. Most warranties require you use a test mode once a month to look for faulty sensors and dead batteries. These warranties do not cover the cost of new batteries.

Alarm PermitsMost cities require you to register your security system, even if you install it yourself. The FTC recommends you contact your city's police and fire departments to find out the regulations where you live. By registering for a permit, you agree to pay for false alarms that burden emergency responders. You can also ask your monitoring company for information about permits.

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Best Home Security Monitoring Services of 2018 (Including ...