Home Security Companies | What are the different Types?

Nation-Wide (Corporate):
These are the alarm companies that most of you have heard of. ADT and Monitronics, for example, operate nation-wide with regional offices in larger population centers. These regional offices will have their own monitoring centers, sales and service staff, and customer service reps, meaning that one company is responsible for sales, service and monitoring. They are usually UL or ULC approved.

Nation-Wide (Subdealers):
These same companies often have subdealer or authorized dealer programs for "independent" alarm companies who have their own sales staff and installers. Essentially, these firms will install your system and "sell" your account to the corporation for a previously arranged amount. The corporate entity is then responsible for service and/or monitoring. Subdealers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from a single person working out of his garage with very few clients, to nation-wide with thousands of clients (e.g. Quortek is a very large nation-wide authorized dealer for ADT). There can be some confusion with consumers (and sometimes the alarm companies themselves!) as to who is responsible for technical issues: the subdealer or the corporation? Monitoring is usually UL or ULC approved.

Nation-Wide (Subdealers Of Subdealers):
We've got to be kidding, right? Subdealers of subdealers? Yes, this happens. One of the bigger examples of this phenomenon is Defender Direct's home security division Protect Your Home (protectyourhome.com). This company is one of ADT's largest authorized dealers, providing service nation-wide. Here's how it works:
1. Protect Your Home sells you a system; 2. One of their subdealers installs it; 3. Protect Your Home sells your account to ADT; 4. ADT monitors it. This situation is similar to Nation-Wide (Subdealers) above, but now you're dealing with three companies instead of two.

Nation-Wide (Monitoring Only):
Some home security companies provide monitoring and/or equipment only. They usually provide service for the "do it yourself" crowd, who purchase equipment from ebay or homesecuritystore.com and install it themselves. While the consumer is responsible for the equipment installation and programming (usually done over the phone), these types of security companies usually offer a lower monthly monitoring rate and no long term contract. Those who wish to operate their security system over an internet connection would most likely choose this option. Some examples include NextAlarm, SmartHome, and X-10.Com. Their monitoring may or may not be UL or ULC approved; be sure to ask.

Local (Subdealer):
See "Nation-Wide (Subdealers)" above.

Local (Independent):
These companies are locally owned and operated with their own sales staff, technicians, and monitoring station. Although there can be exceptions, there is a good chance you will receive better service from a local company who must establish and maintain their reputation in the community. Independent local companies are more likely to accomodate special requests, and you may be able to negotiate a shorter contract length in regards to the monitoring service. Many consumers find additional peace of mind knowing the monitoring staff is familiar with their local area. Definitely ask if the equipment and monitoring is UL or ULC approved.

What Does This Site Recommend?
In keeping with our unbiased policy, we can't recommend any specific alarm company. But we do recommend the following: 1) If you decide on a nation-wide company, go with the corporate entity as opposed to an independent dealer. Keep in mind this may not be possible if you live in a remote area. 2) If you decide to go local, make sure the company is independent and the monitoring station is UL or ULC approved.