In the United States, a home is burglarized every 26 seconds. That statistic alone can convince most homeowners to purchase a home security service.
It’s a wise choice.
But you want to make it carefully. If you choose right, you can find a home security system you can keep for decades! To help with the selection, here are some tips on what you should know before signing a contract with a security services company.
Why Home Security Matters
Your home should feel like your safe place. And a home security system can—and should—bring peace of mind about security. Just the presence of a home security system makes you safer. Homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be broken into. Burglars simply don’t target houses that are protected when they can find an alarm-free home down the road.
And if someone tries to break in, your security system will alert you. Your home will be protected if you’re out running errands, inside the house cooking, or even asleep in the middle of the night. The right system will trigger alarms and immediate responses, sending thieves running away.
5 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Security Services Contract
So, you’re convinced that home security is worth investing in. Don’t sign that contract just yet. First, stop and ask yourself the following questions to determine if you’ve found the right vendor for your needs:
1. What is the length of the contract?
Since installing security systems is a relatively big effort, many security companies promote multi-year contracts. They might set a minimum contract length or incentivize customers with discounts for each additional year.
You want to understand the length of the contract you’re signing and the terms around early termination. If you were to cancel before the contract end date, what kind of penalties would you be looking at? After all, you don’t want to be trapped for years with a security services provider that you don’t like.
You also want to check the contract terms to ensure your contract doesn’t have an auto-renewal policy. If it does, ask if it can be removed. Otherwise, set a reminder in your calendar to ensure you’re reminded before the autorenewal goes through.
2. What is my total cost?
It’s far too often that you sign a contract and find out later there were hidden fees and additional charges you weren’t fully aware of. Before you sign anything, ask what the total price will be. Ask the vendor to provide a clear breakdown of all costs. Make sure the total includes the cost of installation and the cost of equipment.
Remember, the cheapest contract might be affordable for a reason, such as poor customer service. And the most expensive contract doesn’t necessarily equal more security.
3. What are the terms around equipment ownership?
Usually, when you sign on to a security services contract, you agree to rent or buy the security equipment. You’ll need to understand the specific terms around equipment rental or ownership, including:
- If you must purchase the equipment, ensure you can use it or sell it if you stop working with the security company.
- If you rent the equipment, understand all costs, including who pays for repairs.
- If you rent the equipment, understand the process for returning it. Are there fees for sending equipment back?
4. What are the company’s customer service promises?
You’re working with a security services provider because you want prompt, reliable protection. Make sure you understand the following:
- What is the response time to security alerts?
- What’s the response process around security alerts? Does the company immediately call you or trigger a law enforcement check?
- Does the company provide 24/7 support?
You want a company that can provide an appropriate response. So, you don’t necessarily want the police coming out every time you accidentally enter the wrong code, but you also don’t want a slow response from the company if there is an actual break-in.
5. Does the contract provide a free trial?
Many home security service providers offer new customers a 30—to 60-day free trial. This is a great way to test the vendor without committing to a year-long contract.
If your provider offers a free trial, understand the terms around it. Do you go into an automatic signup when the trial is over?
Other Important Considerations
In addition to the questions stated above, there are a few things to consider that are not related to your service contract:
- Moving: If your contract doesn’t specify the details, ask the vendor what happens if you move. Can you reinstall your equipment in the new home? Do you have to pay for the second installation? What happens if you move outside of their service area?
- Company Reputation: Many home security companies exist, but they aren’t all created equal. Always do your research into a company before signing a contract with it. Read customer reviews to see if past and current customers feel happy and safe.
- Company Experience: You may not want to entrust your home safety to a newly formed company. They may not have the systems and practices in place to provide proper safety and give you the peace of mind you want. Consider only signing with a home security vendor with at least five years of experience.
- Data Awareness: If your security system includes video recording, you may want to understand how long the company stores the videos and what it does with the data.
A Worthy Investment
Home security is a worthwhile purchase if you find the right company. No matter how certain you feel about your choice of vendor, always read the entire home security services contract before signing. Putting in the time now can help you avoid fees or unexpected surprises later on.
You might also be interested in: Smart Home Integration for Beginners
