Find the best Home Security System with BBB

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)– If new or current homeowners are having trouble determining the best home security company, Dayton’s Better Business Bureau has you covered! President & CEO John North joined Living Dayton on Thursday with easy steps Ohioans can take.

Common complaints the Better Business Bureau receives about home security companies:

• Less-than-ethical companies attempting to get them to switch their alarm service.
• often done by a door-to-door salesman claiming to be the consumer’s current provider and offering an “upgrade”
• or by saying their current alarm service is out of business or was sold to the door-to-door salesperson’s business.

Tips to find a credible home security company:

1. Carefully consider security requirements and budget.

• Consider recommendations from your homeowners insurance agency or renters insurance carrier.
• Check out companies with BBB at BBB.org.
• Contact at least three companies before making a selection.
• Find out if they are properly licensed in your jurisdiction and ask if the company runs a criminal background check on employees prior to hiring.
• Look up companies on the Electronic Security Association website to make sure they have pledged to uphold industry standards.
• Ask about all charges up front.
• Prices for home security systems vary based on the level of protection and type of technology used.
• Factor in the initial installation charge, as well as monthly monitoring fees.
• Consult with your insurance agent as some systems may qualify for a discount on homeowners insurance premiums.

2. Know the ins and outs of the contract.

• Length of the contract.
• Recourse if you are not satisfied with the services provided?
• Can you cancel the contract?
• What are your rights if the company is purchased or acquired by another alarm company?

3. Red flags to watch out for:

• High-pressure sales tactics. A reputable seller will give you time to think through the deal and will make an appointment to return at a later date.
• Deals that sound too good to be true. The adage holds true that you get what you pay for.
• Lack of company identification. Any legitimate salesperson will be able to provide you with positive identification for both themselves and their company.
• A poor rating with BBB. Always check with BBB first to see a business’s rating, how they’ve handled complaints, as well as customer reviews.

4. What happens if you change your mind after the sale?

• The Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel certain sales made at your home, workplace, or dormitory, or at a seller’s temporary location, like a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground, or restaurant.

For more information, click here or watch the segment above!

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