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At one point or another, we’ve all noticed that everything seems to be getting more expensive, but doesn’t seem to be getting any better for it. Cable, cellular, medical bills, and even alarm monitoring may start off at enticing low rates, but in a year or two, your “savings” are nothing more than a distant memory. What many homeowners and businesspeople don’t realize is that, in much the same way you’d jump ship over a high cable bill, or try another mobile carrier if your bill is getting too high, you’re also not technically locked in to your alarm monitoring. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can switch to better alarm monitoring with Vigilante Security, the answer is yes — and we’re going to show you how.

Know Your Contract

The first thing you want to do before you make a single phone call is dust off your current alarm monitoring contract and read it closely. You’re probably locked in for a set period of time (36 months is common), and you’ll incur penalties for cancellation before then. If that’s the case, you’ll have to do the math to see whether the cancellation fees offset the savings you’d get elsewhere (or whether your current company has underperformed or otherwise frustrated you to an extent that the cost would be worthwhile regardless).

Know Your Equipment

There’s no single standard for alarm equipment, so there are many different types out there. Some providers use proprietary equipment that will only work with their monitoring, knowing this will make it harder to switch. Others use common equipment, but make the lease of that equipment contingent on a monitoring contract for the same reason; if the contract is cancelled, they may well take their equipment with them. And if your equipment is old and outdated, or if you suspect it may not have been installed correctly, it’s a good idea to update your system along with your monitoring.

Research Your Alternatives

Let’s say you’ve determined that switching providers is in your best interest. Now what? Find an alarm company serving Southeast Michigan. A local company is more accessible and accountable. The reviews you find online will often be for local individuals and businesses, meaning you can occasionally follow up with them to see how much they trust their security company. Call around to compare prices, get a feel for their customer service, and see what advice or assistance they’re willing to offer as you make the change.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

Your insurance may require a monitored alarm system, or you may just be taking advantage of the insurance premiums saved on a homeowner’s policy or your business’s general liability policy by having one. In either case, you don’t want trouble because your agent thinks there’s been an interruption in service. Keep them in the loop. On one hand, they may require documentation regarding your new monitoring, especially if you’re having an updated security system installed at the same time. On the other hand, the good news is that you may be able to leverage additional savings.

Contact Your Current Provider

Once you’ve done your due diligence, it’s time to get in touch with your current alarm monitoring company and lay your cards on the table. They’ll often require a written notification of your intent to cancel. Send this via certified mail so there are no excuses or “lost” letters. If you’re close to the renewal date, let them know you will continue with them on a month-to-month basis as you transition to a new provider.

Don’t Just Shop on Price

Up to this point, we’ve discussed cost as a reason to switch companies. It’s not the only reason, however, and also shouldn’t be the only thing you look for as you shop for new alarm monitoring in Michigan.

Read the new contract as closely as you read the old one. See what’s included in the monitoring, and for how long. Ask to see certifications. Ask about hidden costs. See if the equipment installed is proprietary or can be ported to another company if you’re not satisfied with your new monitoring service. And if you live in Wayne County, Macomb County, or elsewhere in Southeast Michigan, contact Vigilante Security for help with better alarm monitoring.