How to Convert From Brinks Security

Consider what your actual security and home protection needs are and if they are currently being met by the service package you have. The cost for the basic alarm hook up and monitoring with Brink's is around $30.00 a month, but this might not cover all your needs. For instance, you will still need to have a carbon dioxide detector, radon detector, and definitely a smoke or heat detector. All of these run extra with the Brink's system, and of course, if you install devices yourself, they usually only sound an alarm audible only to those inside the dwelling. A connection to any other system might be problematic---if it is possible at all.

Consider any extras you don't currently have. With the basic Brink's package, you don't have a nanny cam or internal surveillance monitor, and if this is what you want, than you may consider adding it. These can be installed relatively easily and monitored by the homeowner any time they are away from home and have access to the Internet. In addition, you might need additional security if you have outside storage units or sheds, a pool, or expensive articles which are routinely left outside of the home, such as gardening or sports equipment.

Go through your property carefully. Take the time to go through your home and property looking for those areas that might be trouble spots, such as places that are not properly lit. Find online sources like Buyerzone.com to see how to spot home security scams. For instance, be leery of free systems, as many scammers often sign you up for free systems but make you sign a lengthy and expensive service contract for two to five years to recoup the cost.

Review any signed contracts regarding your Brink's system and home insurance policies. Evaluate your signed contract carefully. If it is a month-to-month, you need only give them notice of your intent to make a change. However, if you have a contract for several months in advance, you need to check to see if there will be fees or penalties to cancel your services.

You also need to check your homeowner insurance or any other insurance you might have on the home, since while it might not name Brink's specifically, it could have a stipulation requiring you to have a comparable service.

Prepare for the new service. With any service, you will need to have a functioning land-line phone for the security system to plug into, even though some services are also using Internet connections to keep surveillance on the interior of the home. Most other services, such as ADT, can actually use the same connections as Brink's and will only need to change the control panel, the end points of the wiring, and then reprogram the system with new passwords, codes, and telephone numbers.

Set up a consultation and conduct further comparisons. Schedule a consultation with the new company before deciding on the change. Ask any questions you might have regarding the trouble spots you have found, the cost of their packages for smoke and heat, radon, or carbon dioxide detection, and whether or not they have the features you need to be in compliance with for your insurance company.

Go over the costs of all the packages, and carefully compare them with the Brink's Security System. Visit sites such as Homesecurity.com, ADT.com, and Securitychoice.com for comparisons. Depending on your needs, you will likely find a suitable security package.