There are many different types of security companies that do alarm monitoring. Depending on what type of alarm monitoring company you are getting a quote from, security monitoring rates can vary dramatically. Alarm monitoring rates can start as low as .95 per month while some go up to $39.95 per month or more for the same service. So "Why the big difference in price points?" you may ask. It all has to do with the business plan the alarm dealer is following and the level of involvement in the servicing of the alarm that they provide after the sale. There are 3 basic types of alarm monitoring companies.

• The most common alarm monitoring programs offered are 3 or 5 year agreements starting around per month. These companies are usually associated with national dealer programs such as Brinks, ADT, Protection One, Monitronics, and Central Security Group. These dealers are often able to offer free installations and incentives to encourage you to subscribe to their monitoring service. A benefit in regards to these type programs is that the national company is there to back up the local security dealer in terms of service. A few of the national dealer programs are more interested in building their account base than they are in doing a good job of monitoring your home or business. Be sure to do your due diligence before signing with any security provider.

• Another type of alarm company is the independent security dealer. These companies hold their own paper and tend to be much smaller. Since they are not getting paid up front for their contracts like the security companies that are associated with the national dealer programs, you will generally have some sort of installation charge initially, but then a bit smaller monthly rate going forward. It is not uncommon for the independent security dealers to offer a short term agreement since you are covering some of the cost by paying an installation fee. Although most of these small independent security dealers are very good with their service, you have to be careful that you are not signing up with a company that has inexperienced techs.

• Web based companies are the third type of security monitoring company that you will find. These web based companies offer a very attractive rate, but have no service department should your alarm ever have a problem.Should the need arise for service for your security system, you will be instructed by the web based company to go through the phonebook and find another alarm company that is willing to service your alarm. Licensed and insured security companies are not likely to service your alarm equipment if you are not being monitored by them due to the liability that it could present. As if not having anyone available to service the alarm weren't bad enough, most of these web based companies are not UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed. If your alarm monitoring company is not UL listed, you may lose your available insurance discounts for having a monitored alarm system.

One of the best ways to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable alarm monitoring company is to check your local Better Business Bureau. Reviews of alarm monitoring companies that you see on line are often unreliable since most are written by salespeople that work for different companies. The security business can be vicious in some areas. One of the best ways to research a company is to look for the security company's sign in a neighbors yard and ask them what they think of the service. Your neighbor will give you an honest and unbiased opinion.

If you happen to be looking for alarm monitoring in Houston, then please check out Texstar Alarm Systems. We have been in business since 2000 and are a member of the Better Business Bureau. Texstar Alarms can usually come up with a program that best meets your needs.