Thinking about switching alarm monitoring companies? Here are some things to consider.

Are you tired of paying high monthly fees and getting lackluster customer service from your alarm system monitoring company?

You deserve better.

Ask anyone who’s shopped around at multiple alarm companies and they’ll offer the same advice: Take your time and find a reputable company. Although it may take a bit more work initially, the effort you put in to find a good provider can be well worth your time.

We encourage you to shop around and ask the right questions. Because you’re looking for a company you can trust with the safety and security of your family and property over the long term, spending a few extra minutes now to understand your options upfront will save you a lot of headache and disappointment down the line.

This blog post will guide you through the process of switching alarm monitoring companies.

What do I do about my current monitoring company?

If you currently have a monitored system, you should review your current monitoring contract, taking note of the expiration date (12 months is the industry standard) and terms of renewal. Also, determine if you might be subject to any early contract cancellation fees or penalties.

How do I find the best alarm monitoring company?

Here are some easy steps to find a reputable provider:

• Call the company. Does a friendly voice answer the phone immediately, or does an automated system push you around without giving you an option to speak to a live person?
• Ask questions. How long has the company been in business? What certifications does the central station have? Does it handle its own monitoring or outsource it? Will you be able to contact the central station easily if the need arises? Find out how much will you have to pay per month and how long the monitoring contract lasts. Are there any fees in addition to the upfront equipment costs and monitoring subscription?

How does a system takeover work?

A system takeover means you keep the equipment you already own rather than buy a completely new system. If you’ve decided to switch alarm monitoring companies, you need to determine whether you can reuse your current security equipment or whether you’ll need a new system. If your system is compatible with the new technology, your new alarm monitoring company will simply take over monitoring for a minimal upfront cost. The good news is, in most cases, it’s fairly straightforward to use your existing security system and simply switch over to a new alarm monitoring company. However, if your current system is proprietary to the company that sold it to you, it might be necessary to replace your equipment in order to switch.

The security professionals at Essentia will take the time to get a good sense of your situation. We’ll send one of our trained technicians to your home to go over the layout of your property and assess your current equipment. If you’d like to incorporate some additional functionality to your system, we’ll work with you to make sure you end up with the features and benefits most helpful to you.

We understand that finding the right alarm monitoring company is an important decision, and we strive to offer superior service, top-of-the-line equipment, and more reliable monitoring—at a reasonable price. Want to learn more about the Essentia experience before you make your choice? Contact us at 299-0246 and we’ll be glad to fully answer any questions you have.