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Is an Alarm Monitoring Service Worth Paying For?

Is an Alarm Monitoring Service Worth Paying For?


Standard burglar alarm

Imagine the scenario. You are out at work, your family is out at their daily activities, and your house is unattended, making it a tempting target for burglars. Their entry triggers your loud burglar alarm, and although many of your neighbors ignore it, one reports it. Two hours later the police attend, but by then the burglars are long gone, and your precious belongings with them, not to mention the damage. It’s an increasingly common happening, which is why more people are turning to home security services, but is it really worth the money?

Standard burglar alarm

The simplest and cheapest security solution is a burglar alarm system that sounds when your home is entered, It is relatively cheap to install and will probably deter casual burglars. There are no ongoing fees, but this system relies on others to report it, as in the scenario above. These types of burglar alarms are often ignored, as they can sometimes give false alarms, and police will not prioritize attendance. You are responsible for ensuring the alarm system is maintained and serviced.

Automatic alert system

Some systems have an automatic alert feature, so you are contacted automatically by a text message or automated phone call if the alarm goes off. Naturally, this is likely to be more effective than a simple alarm, and allows you to take quick action if you get an alert. This can be more expensive than a simple alarm to install, and there may be a monthly fee to pay anyway. And if you’re out of town, you may rush home to arrive half an hour after the emergency event only to discover that there’s a false alarm in the best case. In the worst case, you’re traveling when you receive an alarm notification signaling a burglary going on in your home while there’s nothing you can do.

Monitored alarm system

However, imagine what happens when you have a monitored security system. The moment the alarm is triggered, a trained security operator calls your home via the two-way communication and asks for a password. If it’s a false alarm, the problem is solved. If the call isn’t answered, or the password isn’t given, both you and the police are contacted immediately while the security operator monitoring everything can provide detailed information on the event. You don’t have to worry about contacting emergency services, and the police will attend more quickly because they know this is a genuine burglary. Burglars are also deterred when they see a decal by a recognized home security company in your yard.

Installation fees can be as low as a few hundred dollars, with ongoing fees starting at around $15 per month- only a small investment compared with the cost and anguish of a burglary. Insurance premiums can be up to 20% less if you have a monitored system, and the contract usually includes servicing and maintenance. Modern systems can be integrated with fire and gas alarms too, giving extra protection for your home. So, when you are considering your options for home security, take time to think about all the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.


Best home security systems of 2025

Editors' choice

Vivint

Editor's rating:
24/7 monitoring
60-month interest-free financing
Wide variety of equipment
Home automation
Simple home security

Frontpoint Security

Editor's rating:
100% cellular/wireless equipment
Easy to set up and world class support
Reliable monitoring service
30-day risk-free trial
Smart home features

ADT

Editor's rating:
Polished mobile apps
Extensive home automation
High-quality equipment
Alexa integration
Professional monitoring

Deep Sentinel 

Editor's rating:
Fast response time
Easy setup
1080p HD camera
24/7 live monitoring
Flexible pricing

abode

Editor's rating:
Comprehensive device list
No contracts or mandatory monitoring fee
Wide range of customization possibilities
Amazon Echo compatible
Self-monitoring

Blink Home Security

Editor's rating:
Smart cameras and video doorbell
Amazon Echo compatible
Refurbished products available
Self-monitoring without contracts

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