Monitored or Unmonitored - Which is Best?

Before you decide if your want your security system Monitored or Unmonitored, take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages to having home security alarm monitoring.

Advantages to Monitoring
(1) Home alarm monitoring companies are available 24/7/365. They have a staff, special phone lines and computers that watch over your home security system and call the appropriate authorities when an intruder is detected. With an unmonitored system you are at the mercy of whoever is at home or nearby neighbors to call the police when and if they hear the alarm.

(2) Monitored systems allow you to relax and enjoy yourself wherever you are. Whether you are at home or work, traveling, or own a vacation home that you leave vacant for a period of time, you can rest assured that your alarm system is in place and that the local police will be contacted if the system detects a break in.

(3) There is no delay. When there is a break in and the alarm goes off, if there is no one at your home a monitored system contacts police and authorities right away. With the unmonitored system there is no guarantee that the police will ever be notified.

(4) Homeowner's insurance discounts. A home with a monitored security system is far less likely to be burglarized than a home without a system. Insurance companies know this and most companies offer to reduce your insurance premiums when you have your system monitored. The savings can be 5%- 20% depending on the type of system installed. In some cases the amount you save on insurance premiums can be equal to the cost per month to have your home monitored.

(5) When a break in takes place you give the decision making over to experienced and competent monitoring team and the police. It's their job to make security and safety decisions so you and your loved ones don't have to.

Disadvantages to Monitoring

(1) As you decide between having your system monitored or unmonitored keep in mind that there is a monthly fee for monitoring services. You should expect to pay between $20-$50 a month for monitoring. If you choose to have your system unmonitored you can save thousands of dollars over the years.

(2) The monitored system needs to have it's own telephone line to notify emergency personnel because it can't call for help if the phone line is in use. Also, if your phone line gets cut by an intruder before entering your home, the monitoring system is of no use.

(3) Unfortunately, false alarms are all too common with monitored systems. Police departments are getting more and more frustrated and in some cases they will charge the home owner if they have to make an unnecessary trip to your home. Check with your local police about their false alarm policies before having your system monitored.

(4) Most monitoring companies will have you sign a contract for several years. If for any reason you become unhappy with the company it can be difficult to get out of a contract.

Deciding if you would like your security alarm system monitored or unmonitored is a big decision and we hope you have made the best decision for the safety of you and your family. For tips on choosing a monitoring company click here for Choosing a Monitoring Company.

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