Monitored Alarms vs. Nonnonitored Alarms

Types

• Monitored burglar alarm systems receive a signal sent over existing phone lines or by radio transmission to a central station from a control panel when a burglar alarm has been tripped. Nonmonitored burglar alarm systems do not send a signal anywhere. Only a local bell or siren is activated.

Benefits

• Monitored burglar alarm systems inform trained personnel that your alarm system has been activated. From there, the authorities are notified to respond. Nonmonitored burglar alarm systems do not cause the authorities to be dispatched to the scene of an alarm, whether real or false.

Detriments

• Monitored burglar alarm systems can lead to having the authorities dispatched to too many false alarms. In this case, the end user can face fines for false alarms. Nonmonitored burglar alarm systems may not prompt neighbors to call the authorities, which can result in substantial losses for the end user.

Fees

• Monitored burglar alarm systems can start as low as $8.95 a month for monitoring, but be sure services include a UL listed central station and monitoring 24/7. Nonmonitored burglar alarm systems cost nothing additional each month because there is no service. However, if you think you may want to upgrade to a monitored system in the future, be sure your burglar alarm system is equipped to do that.

Costs

• Monitored burglar alarm systems sometimes include free installation with a basic alarm package that generally consists of three perimeter detectors and one motion sensor. The only cost is for the monitoring each month. Nonmonitored burglar alarm systems can be installed by the end user, are wireless and can run as low as $100 for a basic alarm package.

Insurance

• Monitored burglar alarm systems can usually save end users as much as 20 percent on their homeowner's insurance. Nonmonitored burglar alarm systems usually offer no or little savings on homeowner's insurance. In either case, check with your insurance agent.