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Purchasing Home Security/Alarms
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The following security information is available from the Better Business Bureau:
Before buying an alarm system, the Better Business Bureau advises homeowners to ask both the salesperson and the installer for their security license. Every salesperson and installer of a security-alarm system is required under the Private Investigators and Securities Agencies Act to produce, upon request, a security employee license. Only those who sell over-the-counter 'install-it-yourself' gadgets (places like Radio Shack) do not require a license.
If you are thinking of buying a home security system, here are some tips:
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- Get at least 3 estimates and compare the equipment - part for part, sensor for sensor. Determine whether estimates are for purchases, rentals or leases to purchase.
- Ask where the monitoring station is and who is doing the monitoring. Many alarm companies will subcontract their alarm monitoring to a third party. If you do not have a contract with this third party, your legal recourse may be limited should a problem occur.
- Ask what the duration of the monitoring contract is and if it includes service charges.
- Ask for the credentials of the sales representative.
- Be wary of "door knockers" and door to door alarm system salesmen.
- Be wary of salespeople who do not look at your entire home security, but instead concentrate solely
on selling you a basic alarm system. Remember, you are buying home security and not just a series of
electronic devices.
- Find out what the alarm company's policy is on verification. Does the company phone the residence
when it receives an alarm?
- Find out what the warranty period is and what it covers.
- Find out if the supplier carries liability insurance ($1 million is the minimum, $5 million is better).
- Find out if the equipment is approved by the Underwriters' Laboratory of Canada, the Canadian Standards Association and the Federal Department of Communication.
- Get a detailed list of what equipment is being installed.
- Check references.
- Make sure the system comes with proper documentation and instructions.
- Ask who is actually installing the system. In some companies, the person selling the system may subcontract the labour to a different company. Know who you are dealing with.
- Don't allow the system to be connected into your phone line unless you have a telephone company approved installation of a special alarm jack.
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Questions for alarm companies:
- May I see proof that your company has all applicable provincial and municipal licenses?
- Will you provide me with a written estimate?
- Will you provide me with a contract once the system is purchased?
- Is there a written warranty on the equipment and labour?
- Will the system be monitored and, if so, what is the cost and who will do it?
- May I see proof that your company carries errors and omissions insurance?
- How long have you been in the security alarm business?
- Do you adhere to a false-dispatch reduction program?
- Do you offer price protection for pre-paid monitoring?
- Will I own my system or lease it?
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