The Truth about "Free" Security Systems

Maybe one of these companies has visited your home with an offer of a "free" or "almost free" alarm system or you have seen the advertisements on tv. What is wrong with this picture? First of all, no one "gives" you a free system! No one! These "big companies" spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on their powerful television ads and your dollars are used to pay for them. It doesn't add up! They aren't paying for these ads buy giving away "free" security systems! The so called "free" system is typically an standard Ademco/Honeywell system that includes a main control panel, a single keypad to operate the system, 3 door or window surface contacts, an interior siren and a motion detector. A good basic system. Next, your monitoring contract is ALWAYS tied into a 3-5 year monitoring contract at an inflated rate that automatically renews.

Lastly, you will probably need some extra contacts, a second motion detector and at least 1 smoke and fire sensor these will be marked up by the "Free" alarm system company by atleast 80 to 90% .

Now for the "scary" part! The "big companies" will not tell you that your system requires an "installer's code" to be set in the system. They will only tell you about the "user's code". The "user's code" allows you to program your secret numbered codes for the members of your family having access to the system. The "installer's code", on the other hand, is required to re-program zones or add devices. Without it, you cannot make changes to your system More importantly, without having the "installer's code", you CANNOT switch monitoring companies! This allows the "big boys" to hold your system hostage. Just try and get them to give it to you when you want to cancel the contract. They usually don't and won't give it up.

Most regular security companies will charge $300-$400 for what the “free” companies offer for no charge. After that, devices tend to be the same price, or slightly lower with the non-“free” companies. So for an extra $300-$400 upfront, you get a system that is a lot less vulnerable, is more reliable, lasts longer, is installed by the better technicians, and gives you the freedom to shop around for better service and/or a lower monitoring rate without the long term contracts.

Cheers,

The Maryland Bureau of Protection