Home Security Systems... Question

[Sir reel]

I've been informed by State Farm that they will not be offering homeowners insurance to me unless I have a Home Security System installed. It must be done by a licensed company and be monitered. This is the result of 2 claims with in a 3 year period. 1 was a couple of years ago where I had some equipment and batteries stollen from my boat sitting in the back yard and the most recent was in Feb when someone kicked in my front door and did a quick snatch and grab while we were gone. I've had State Farm as my homeowner coverage for 35-40 years covering 3 homes and these are the only 2 claims I've ever had. I haven't decided if I'm going to remain with them or move every thing to another company. However, If I decide to have a system installed, I'd appreciate some thoughts from the forum members. I really don't have much faith in these systems and have had experience (mostly bad) with my parents system down South. As a result, I would be looking for as low cost a system as possible both from an installation and monthly monitering perspective. What say ye... recommendations, pro's , con's, stay away from this company etc. Thanks.

[Dubble Trubble]

Go with Georgia-Florida Burglar Alarm there in Tally. I have been with them for years home and business. They have always called within 1 minute of an alarm.

Good folks.

I would stay away from the Big boys (National companies)

Just my opinion from experience.

Dubble

[Sir reel]

Afternoon Mr Dubble...

Any idea what the monthly monitering costs would be for a home?

[Dubble Trubble]

I pay them 25 a month. I do not lease a system. I had them install it and paid for it when I built the house.


300 bux a year makes me sleep good when I am away from home. Glock makes me sleep well at home.

Dubble

[Sir reel]

Thanks Dub.

That's one of the things I'm most interested in. It's a frustrating thing for me to begin with. The incident with the boat would not have changed at all with a security system. The kick the door down and hit n run would not have come to any different conclusion with a security system. By the time any phone contact (assuming the line wasn't cut) was made it would be all over anyway. Since the house is paid for, I've even toyed with the idea of being self insured and telling State Farm to take a hike.

[Dubble Trubble]

Buy a good time lapse video system, and have it covertly installed. Getting a good picture of the perps will help a lot.


I am also thinking about getting one of those outdoor web cams to be able to look over the house remotely. But they want several Ben Franklins for those things (the good ones)

Ask the alarm company. There are ways to get around the cut phone line. Any half wit burglar knows you can cut the line and the system will not be able to call in. Think wireless!

Dubble

[Chill-N-Grill]

I have Safetouch with 2 way communication, works great.

[What a mess]

I have a system, we never used it much, the folks three doors down were robbed, it is armed so am I, tresspassers will be shot survivors will be violated then prosecuted.

If you lease the system they will install it free but you pay more every month for ever. If you buy you will pay less for the monitoring monthly about 1/2.

The system does help the fact they see the companies decals makes it much more likley they will go down the road it will serve as a reason to leave you be.

[Jumptrout51]

Put a trail cam pointed at the boat and the doors,then self insure.

[bman]

Safe Touch- a number of clients have them and are happy.

[jadams92002]

I have Safetouch with 2 way communication, works great.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

BUD YOU WILL BE BETTER OFF GETTING RID OF STATE FARM, THEY HAVE ONLY BEEN BAD CHOICE WITH ME. I NOW HAVE FOR THE LAST 25 YRS, COTTON STATES, THEY HAVE BEEN GREAT AND COST ABOUT 1/3 LESS THAN WHAT I PAID STATE FARM. SINCE I HAD TO SHOOT A GUY TRYING TO STEAL SOME OF MY FARM EQUIPMENT, THE WORD HAS GOTTEN AROUND TO STAY CLEAR OF MY PLACE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET SHOT.
PA THE OLD MAN OF THE SEA SEMPER FI

[Harmsway]

SINCE I HAD TO SHOOT A GUY TRYING TO STEAL SOME OF MY FARM EQUIPMENT, THE WORD HAS GOTTEN AROUND TO STAY CLEAR OF MY PLACE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET SHOT.
PA THE OLD MAN OF THE SEA SEMPER FI

Sir Reel, I'll shoot you if you'll shoot me.

[fishinfool]

Our company has Safetouch. They have responded well the two times we have been broken into the past two years. The burglars didn't have time to take much before the police showed up less than 10 minutes from the time the alarm sounded. Keep in mind we are on W. Tennessee St. and not far from a TPD substation or the Sheriff's office. The thing that gets me about these thieves is, I have seen many times when there is a TPD patrol car in our parking lot while the officer is catching up on paperwork or watching traffic during our closed hours.
FF

[MudDucker]

My stepson has a security company here in Valdosta. The national companies systems are usually bare bones for the price you see on TV. Local guys support their systems more and the local economy better.