What You Should Ask Before Buying an Alarm System in Spokane Valley WA
A burglar alarm system can bring you a sense of security and peace of mind in Spokane Valley WA and is effective with proper installation, adequate training and regular maintenance. Poorly used, installed or maintained systems can cause significant problems for the consumer and law enforcement alike. Therefore, it is important for consumers to do their homework before buying an alarm system in Spokane Valley WA or installing it.
Do not buy out of fear! It is often our first reaction after being burglarized, to purchase an alarm system. Unfortunately, this is when you are most vulnerable. Take your time, and be sure you know what kind of system is right for you, what environmental factors need to be taken into consideration in Spokane Valley WA, and what your budget will allow in terms of buying or leasing a system, as well as monthly monitoring costs.
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Before Buying an Alarm System in Spokane Valley WA
Before purchasing an alarm system in Spokane Valley WA, contact your local police department and Business Bureau or Office of Consumer Affairs. Some police departments track the false alarm rates of alarm companies. False alarms are an indicator of the quality of the alarm installation and user education.
Consumer offices in Spokane Valley WA can usually tell you the nature of and how many complaints have been filed against an alarm company with whom you may be considering doing business. The consumer office should also be able to tell you if those filed complaints, if any, were satisfactorily resolved or not.
Your Spokane Valley WA Alarm System Company Should be Licensed
You may then take the information you learn from the above sources and make a much more informed decision about the company you select to install and monitor your alarm system in Spokane Valley WA. Inquire if your state requires alarm companies to be licensed, which is very likely.
Some police departments require local licensing, which may be in addition to any licensing required on a state level. If the alarm company or its employees are not licensed as required, they may not have submitted to background and fingerprint checks or even be qualified to install an alarm system. To protect your rights, be sure all required Spokane Valley WA licenses and permits have been obtained.
Alarm System Contracts in Spokane Valley WA
If your alarm system will be monitored, either by your installing company or by a third-party monitoring center in Spokane Valley WA, be sure to find out the length of the contract. Typically, monitoring contracts are between two to five years in length. What is your recourse if you are not satisfied with the services provided? Can you cancel the contract? What are your rights if your monitoring company is purchased or acquired by another alarm company? These are the types of questions you need to consider before you obligate yourself to a long-term contract. Most important, read and understand your entire contract before signing it.
In the selection of an alarm company and alarm system components, you should be a smart consumer. Comparison shop for things such as best price, features you want, most favorable monitoring terms and conditions, and for alarm companies that take false alarms seriously and have false alarm reduction plans in effect. Talk with at least two different alarm companies in Spokane Valley WA and get written estimates.
Home Security Systems Alarms - Your Guide to Home Security Systems and Alarms