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[Duck69]

  You may or may not know that insurance companies generally do not give you discounts for DIY or unmonitored (not monitored by a professional security company) security systems.
  So, If you want to get a discount on your home insurance, you have to have a monitored system.
If you install a monitored security system be sure to submit your certificate to your insurance company.

One BIG problem with monitored security systems is the expense involved. Initial cost of $300 and up, plus $40+ a month for monitoring and they usually want to lock you into a contract for 2 or 3 years. 

  All that you normally get for your money is:
1 Control Panel
2 Door/Window Sensors
1 Motion Detector
1 Keychain Remote
And last but not least a window sticker and a yard sign for you give them free advertising AND let criminals know what system you have so that they can disable it.

Hardly sufficient to protect an average home. So, now you have to buy more STUFF.
Mind you, not just any stuff. But, stuff that works with their equipment.

So, what is a body to do ?
Well here is what I have done. 
Recently I came across an article about  a company called SimpliSafe.
They offer 2 different security packages or you can build your own.
The 2 packages contain pretty much the same type and number of items as other basic packages do.
After looking into it I purchased a "build your custom System" package.

Here is the "Really Neat" parts of the system:
1) Additional door/window sensors & Panic Buttons are $9.99, Keychains & Motion Sensors are $14.99.
2) The system connects to the center wirelessly & by telephone.
3) The keychain remote is also a USB dongle that plugs into your computer to adjust setting and to add or remove modules from the system.
4) Monitoring Service is ONLY $14.99 a month.
5) And the BEST part --- No Contract !

Mind you, I still have my DS7000 and plan on keeping it.

I want to make it very clear that I am in no way affiliated with this company in any way other than as a customer and that I am passing this information on as a good will gesture aimed at helping my fellow X10'rs.

Jim

[Brian H]

Thank you for the heads up.
This will be a help to many.

[steven r]

I pay even less for my monitoring service but I pay annually in advance.

The lesson here is that it is that you do not need to get locked into an expensive contract and can still get an insurance discount with a DIY system. I believe I get 20% off for having my alarm monitored.

Also if you decide to go with a professionally installed system, do what I did and stay away from big name installers that tease you with their $99 specials. After you add the needed additional items and pay $40+ a month for the duration of your 3 year contract, you will of paid way more than the cost of having a good system installed.

[crowntown]

I don't think this is a great deal or anything special.  If you search around you can find basic monitoring for $5/month with no contract.  Although I've worked in the central station monitoring business for 7 years, I prefer to self-monitor by having the panel send signals to my cellphone.  I can also control my panel remotely over the phone.

Most major alarm panel manufacturers have an "all in one" unit now for around the same cost.  The control board, wireless transceiver, backup battery and keypad all in one unit.  You can also put together a pretty good professional panel for about the same amount if you look around places like Ebay.  In that regard I'd recommend the Honeywell(formerly Ademco) Vista series.

The biggest issue I see with this SimpliSafe product is that it only uses a RF network to send signals instead of a landline.  I have experience with several RF networks like AES and Alarmnet and they are dependable but coverage is limited sometimes.  In the case of SimpliSafe, they use the REFLEX (old SkyTel) narrowband PCS network.  I couldn't find anything on their website about the coverage which seems a bit suspect.  Maybe they upsell you another product in that case.  Anyway, from what I see the coverage is limited.

[Duck69]

First, I want to thank Brian H & Steven R for their comments.
Secondly, Crowntown, was probably not having a good day when he posted his reply as he missed/skipped-past a couple of things.
Thirdly, I didn't have a good day yesterday after my dentist visit & the Grandkids thought that I (of all people) was being grouchy.

A few of the points that I attempted to make were:
1)Insurance companies generally do not give you discounts for DIY or unmonitored (not monitored by a professional security company) security systems. Check with your Ins. company regarding requirements.
2) The system connects to the center wirelessly & by telephone
3) You don't need to get locked into an expensive contract
4) Can still get an insurance discount with a DIY system.
5) You do have other choices.

BTW. Speaking of up-selling; Extra magnets are free. Isn't that contrary ?

Otis, says hello to everyone.

[tom j]

My montoring only runs 8.99 a month, check out the home security store and look for monitoring, it's for do it yourselvers.

www.homesecuritystore.com


Tom j.