What to Ask a Security Company Before You Sign
Start with what the company actually monitors
Ask whether the company monitors your system 24/7 or only during certain hours. Some companies monitor around the clock; others stop monitoring at night or on weekends. If you want monitoring, confirm that a live person or automated system will respond when your alarm triggers, and ask what happens next — do they call you first, call the police, or both?
Find out what types of sensors the company can monitor. Most systems watch doors and windows, but some also monitor motion, glass break, water damage, smoke, carbon monoxide, or temperature. Ask which of these matter for your home and whether the company charges extra to monitor each type.
Request the company's response time — how long between an alarm trigger and when they contact authorities. Response times vary widely, and a slower response might matter if you live far from a police station.
Key Takeaways
- Ask whether monitoring is 24/7 and what the company does when your alarm triggers — calling you, calling police, or both.
- Find out the upfront equipment cost, the monthly monitoring fee, and whether you own the equipment or rent it, because this affects your total cost over time.
- Confirm the contract length, early termination fees, and whether you can pause monitoring if you move or travel.
- Ask about false alarm fees from your local police department, because some jurisdictions charge homeowners when police respond to alarms that turn out to be false.
- Request references from current customers in your area and ask about their experience with installation, customer service, and billing.
Understand the equipment and installation costs
Ask for the total equipment cost upfront. Some companies charge $300 to $1,500 for a basic system; others charge nothing if you sign a long contract. Clarify whether you own the equipment or whether you are renting it as part of your monthly fee. If you rent, ask what happens to the equipment if you cancel — some companies require you to return it, others let you keep it.
Find out whether the company charges for installation and whether that cost is separate from the equipment cost. Some companies install for free; others charge $100 to $300. Ask whether you can install the system yourself to avoid the installation fee, and whether doing so affects your warranty or monitoring service.
Request a breakdown of the monthly monitoring fee. Most companies charge $20 to $60 per month depending on what they monitor and whether you want professional monitoring or just alerts to your phone. Ask whether the fee increases after the first year or contract period.
Know what you are committing to in the contract
Ask for the contract length — typically 12, 24, or 36 months. Shorter contracts give you more flexibility but often cost more per month. Longer contracts lock in a lower monthly rate but charge steep fees if you cancel early.
Request the early termination fee in writing. This is the amount you owe if you cancel before the contract ends. Fees range from a few hundred dollars to the full remaining balance of your contract, so this number matters. Ask whether the fee applies if you move, travel for an extended period, or switch to a different company.
Find out whether you can pause monitoring temporarily without canceling the contract. Some companies allow you to freeze your account for a month or two if you travel; others require you to keep paying or face termination fees.
Ask about false alarm charges and police response
Contact your local police department and ask whether they charge homeowners for false alarms. Many cities and counties do — fees range from $50 to $300 per false alarm after a certain number of free responses per year. This is not a fee the security company charges; it comes directly from your city or county. The security company cannot prevent this charge, but knowing about it helps you understand the real cost of the system.
Ask the security company what they do to reduce false alarms. Some companies use two-stage verification — they call you to confirm an alarm before calling police. Others require you to enter a code at the keypad to disarm the system, which reduces accidental triggers. Ask whether the company offers any training or support to help you avoid false alarms.
Confirm what happens if the internet or power goes out
Ask whether the system works if your internet goes down. Many modern systems rely on internet to send alerts to the company and to your phone, so a lost connection means lost monitoring. Some systems have cellular backup that switches on automatically if your internet fails; others do not. If cellular backup matters to you, confirm that the company offers it and ask whether it costs extra.
Find out whether the system has battery backup for the control panel and sensors. If the power goes out, battery backup keeps the system running for several hours, which gives you time to restore power or contact the company. Ask how long the battery lasts and whether the company alerts you when the battery is low.
Request references and check the company's track record
Ask for the names and phone numbers of current customers in your area who have had the system for at least a year. Call them and ask about their experience with installation, whether the system works as promised, how responsive customer service is, and whether they have had any billing surprises. References from people in your neighborhood are more useful than national reviews because they deal with the same local police response times and false alarm policies.
Search for complaints about the company online, but focus on patterns rather than single complaints. One person unhappy about a bill is normal; dozens of people reporting the same installation problem or billing issue is a red flag. Check the Better Business Bureau and your state's attorney general office for unresolved complaints.
Ask about cancellation and what happens after
Find out what the company does with your personal information and system data after you cancel. Ask whether they delete your information or keep it, and whether you can request deletion. Some companies keep data for a set period; others keep it indefinitely.
Ask whether you can transfer your contract to a new owner if you sell your home. Some companies allow this; others require the new owner to sign a new contract. If you are buying a home with an existing system, this question matters because you may inherit the contract along with the equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a contract, or can I pay month to month?
Most security companies require a contract, but some offer month-to-month plans at a higher monthly rate. Month-to-month costs more but gives you the option to cancel without penalty. Ask the company whether they offer this option and what the monthly rate would be compared to a 12-month contract.
Can I use a security system without professional monitoring?
Yes. Many systems send alerts to your phone when a sensor triggers, and you can call police yourself. This costs less than professional monitoring but requires you to be available and respond quickly. Ask the company what the cost difference is between self-monitoring and professional monitoring.
What if I move before my contract ends?
Most contracts include an early termination fee if you cancel, even if you are moving. Some companies waive the fee if you provide proof of relocation. Ask the company about their relocation policy and what documentation they need before you sign.
Can the security company raise my monthly rate during the contract?
This depends on the contract. Some contracts lock in the rate for the full term; others allow the company to raise rates after the first year. Read the contract carefully or ask the company to confirm in writing whether your rate is fixed for the entire contract period.
What should I do if I get a false alarm charge from the police?
Contact your city or county police department and ask about their false alarm policy and appeal process. Some jurisdictions allow you to dispute a charge if it was your first false alarm or if you can show the alarm was caused by a system malfunction rather than user error. Keep records of all alarms and the company's response.