Should I Monitor my Alarm?

Should I Monitor my Alarm?

As more homeowners and business owners add video cameras to enhance their security systems, the question of alarm monitoring comes up. There is a mistaken perception by some that because they can view the premises when they are away, there is no longer the need to monitor the alarm. There are several reasons why alarm monitoring is a good idea to fully protect your property.

The Pros of Monitoring

24/7 coverage. Professional alarm monitoring provides 24/7/365 coverage. Dispatchers are available around the clock to respond to your alarm. They then notify the police if needed. They are there while you are sleeping, in the shower or away on vacation.
Remote services. The app for your alarm system is part of the monitoring package. The alarm needs to be communicating to be able to have remote services. The app capability is typically not offered as a standalone service.
Speed of Response. If the alarm goes off because of an intruder, the monitoring company can contact you and then dispatch the police right away. If you rely on your own checking in with your video cameras, you will have to be alerted to the breach, pull up the cameras to view and then take action. This will likely take more time.
Panic. A panic button on your alarm is a direct link to dispatching the authorities. Where a normal alarm will trigger the monitoring company to call your call list first, a panic alarm results in an automatic dispatch.
Insurance Discount. Homeowners insurance policies offer a discount for a security (and sometimes fire alarm) system. However, the discount only applies if the alarm is monitored.
Service and maintenance. Alarm companies give priority on service requests to their own monitoring customers. They also often offer discounted pricing for a service call to those customers. Depending on what type of system you have, it may be hard to find a company that will provide service if they did not install or monitor the system.

What to Expect with Monitoring

Most of the time a security company can take over the monitoring on your system without any issues. Some companies use proprietary equipment or lockout codes to prevent another company from taking it over. In those cases, the system may require extra programming or some equipment may need to be replaced. Here’s what to expect when you get your alarm monitored.

Contract. Most companies require a monitoring contract. Because the model is typically to sell the equipment at cost or if they are taking over an existing system (at no charge), a multi-year contract allows the company to be profitable. If you are looking to change your monitoring company, check your contract to know when it expires, as many have an auto-renew clause.
Alarm permit. Almost all jurisdictions require that you have an alarm permit. In many cases, if your alarm goes off and the police are dispatched, they will fine you if there is no permit on file. Also, police may refuse to dispatch when requested if you do not have an active permit.
Contact info. Before monitoring can begin, you will need to provide details to the alarm company. To help the police of fire department easily find you in an emergency, you will provide neighborhood and cross street info in addition to your address. You will also provide a contact list and a password used to validate it is really you when the dispatcher calls.
Notifications. In addition to calling you when there is an alarm, the monitoring company will notify you about troubles on your system and issues with communication. You will want to call your alarm company to schedule service when you are informed of these problems.

We Can Help

Cultris Security Systems has been monitoring alarm systems for homeowners and businesses for 13 years. Call us at 281-506-8466 or contact us online for information on getting your system monitored as well.