1. Brand Quality: Obviously you want a company that is going to do as it advertises. Be sure that you research the brands and seek advice from others about their companies and experiences. There are many companies on both the national and local level that you could consider. One example of a national brand was Brinks alarm systems which was bought out in 2010. Local companies can also suit your needs just as well and provide a personal touch and often a lower price.
2. Cost: Obviously one of the biggest considerations is the cost of the product. You want a product that will be there to protect you but not cost an arm or leg to have. Be sure to examine the many package options offered by monitoring companies. Also, locking into a contract can often provide a lower price.
3. Their equipment: Select a company that uses good quality equipment and will be serviceable for a long time. Systems that look cheap are usually cheap. Many monitoring companies will install free or discounted equipment for locking into a contract.
4. Will they protect you for everything: Make sure your company will monitor your home for burglaries, fires, medical issues and carbon monoxide at the very least. Protecting yourself and your family is not a time to be cheap so be sure to keep yourself covered. I have heard people say they do not need carbon monoxide monitoring but the truth is, you never know when it will be an issue and it is not easily detectable.
Be sure to find the best company to suit your needs. The factors above should help you narrow down what to look for at a minimum in a monitoring company.
