Re: Help after break-in Brinks system

["Crash Gordon" <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Except you can't takeover a Brinks system, so he'd  have to buy new
equipment...panel & keypad(s) at least. The new company will have to spend
time figuring out the Brinks wiring as well.

I've never heard of any company basing the price of radio backup upon how
many keypads you have installed...seems weird.




<mikelewis1971@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1150142008.543079.234540@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
|
| mdbasinger@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
| > Hello,
| > I had a break-in last week. I have a Brinks system (about 10 years
| > old). The burglers cut the phone lines so my system didn't alert Brinks
| > or the police. The alarm sounded etc. but Brinks said because they
| > don't get a signal they don't know when the intrustion happened.
| >
| > I checked with them about a "line-cut" feature, but they said my system
| > is too old. Is this a good feature to have? How about the radio
| > frequency backup. The rf feature would cost $100 per keypad and I think
| > $7.00 extra per month.
| >
| > I have been a long time customer and thought I would get a break but no
| > such luck. I am surprised that most people I have told of the break in
| > have assumed that an alarm system always calls the police, even if the
| > phone lines are cut. Is my system just so out-dated?
| >
| > Thanks
| > Mel
|
| Best advice.  Shop around for another Alarm Monitoring Provider.  There
| are many national programs out there that will install a new security
| system and include your existing equipment.  You can have them add the
| cell backup and because you're a new customer, they'll generally do it
| for a real low price.  The monitoring of the cell backup shouldn't be
| more than a few bucks extra a month and it is definitely worth getting.
| The main thing is, when you call a security company to ask for a
| quote, keep in mind, they really, really, really, want you're business
| and should bend over backwards to help you out as long as you have a
| decent credit score.  Best thing to do is call several different
| companies and let them know your shopping.  Tell them what you want and
| what you have.
|
| However, there is a kicker to going down this road.  You got to make
| sure you're no longer under contract with your current security
| provider.  Many companies have roll-over clauses in their contracts
| that lock you in for another full term of the contract if it is not
| cancelled within 90 days.  This means, if you don't cancel within this
| time, you're locked in for whatever length the contract stipulates.
| It's absolute bullshit if you ask me but its absolute legal bullshit so
| you gotta check your contract first.  Don't waste anyone's time if your
| locked in for another 2 or 3 years, to pay that off to start with a new
| company would cost a small fortune.  If you can cancel and sign up with
| someone new, do it.  Make sure the company is reputable and stable and
| you should have a good experience.
|
| Oh and also check to see what sort of service plan they offer.  Some
| have plans that cover everything for the life of your monitoring
| contract and you are only responsible for a small $20 or $30 trip fee.
| And definitely make sure you add at least 1 monitored smoke detector
| but more if you can afford it.  Those things can absolutely save your
| life, absolutely.
|
|