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Prime Buyers Guide Home Security Systems & Home Alarm Companies

How to Find the Best Home Security and Alarm Company in Marin County

As a home or business owner, safety and security is paramount, whether it be for your family or your property. Whether you are looking for a motion detector or video surveillance cameras, there are a number of experienced, widely recommended security and alarm companies in the Marin County area who can install all manner of burglar alarms . The articles below can aide you in your search for a professional home security or burglar alarm company in the Marin County area. more »

Updated March 24, 2008

Top 10 Home Security Systems & Home Alarm Companies in Marin County

Warren Security Systems
(415) 456-7034
1305 Francisco Blvd E
San Rafael, CA 94901

Areas Served: Marin County incl. San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Ross, Tiburon, Belvedere

American Sentry Systems Inc
(415) 457-2622
1221 Andersen Drive, Suite E
San Rafael, CA 94901

Areas Served: Marin, Novato, Sausalito, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Tiburon, San Anselmo, Woodacre

Kline & Son Security
(415) 453-2355
120 Redwood Rd
San Anselmo, CA 94960

Areas Served: Mill Valley, San Rafael, Tiburon, Sausalito, Belvedere, Fairfax CA, San Anselmo

Redwood Security Systems
(415) 459-1122

San Rafael, CA 94901

Areas Served: Tiburon, San Rafael, Novato, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Kentfield

Armor Security Inc
(415) 383-1415

Tamalpais Valley, CA 94941

Areas Served: San Rafael CA, Larkpur, Woodacre, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Novato, Tiburon, Kentfield

Curtis Security
(415) 454-6862
22 Mariposa Ave
San Anselmo, CA 94960

Areas Served: Novato, San Rafael, Sausalito, Corte Madera, Tiburon, San Anselmo, Mill Valley

Jefferson Security Systems
(415) 459-2010
769 Center Blvd # 133
Fairfax, CA 94930

Areas Served: Mill Valley, San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo, Fairfax CA, Woodacre, Tiburon

Locksmith
(415) 375-3676
1250 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965

Areas Served: Novato, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tiburon, Fairfax

Bay View Security
(415) 897-2476
654 Hancock St
San Marin, CA 94945

Areas Served: San Rafael CA, Larkpur, Woodacre, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Novato, Tiburon, Kentfield

Golden Gate Security Systems
(415) 499-0969
PO Box 1722
Novato, CA 94948

Areas Served: San Rafael, Mill Valley, Sausalito, San Anselmo, Tiburon, Ross, Belvedere, Novato

How to Find the Best Home Security and Alarm Company in Marin County 

Marin County Home Security Professionals Offer the Latest in Security Technology
In Marin County, home security and alarm companies carry a variety of products from which to choose. There are a number of features to consider that may enhance or detract from the integrity of your home security system. If you simply wish to secure the entry of your home or business, qualified companies can install card readers, key pads, electric locks, or any number of other access control systems. Companies with the proper training can add to your system with more sophisticated features, including closed-circuit television (CCTV), wireless or hardwired video systems, hidden video or digital security cameras, video domes, time-lapse VCRs and other monitoring hardware. Licensed dealers usually carry needed individual components, such as wire cable, connectors, and weatherproof accessories. Some dealers also stock security items that fall outside of the real of anti-theft, including fire alarms.

Home Alarm Companies in Marin County Back their Products with Additional Services
Most burglar alarm companies in the Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael area offer standard security services, including the sale of customized security devices, as well as installation services, which require at least a C7 contractor license. The best security companies in Marin County keep their clients confident in their services by offering a number of safety features with their installation and sales. In addition to the sales of security and monitoring equipment, burglar and security alarm companies can often offer complete building security for commercial, residential, governmental, and medical properties. These may include 24 hour on-call maintenance for new or existing systems, or round-the-clock surveillance from a central unit operated by the company. The best alarm companies hire only NICET certified technicians for security system installation and maintenance, and offer money-back guarantees against theft, service problems, or relocation. Some companies can also offer patrol service, which requires a Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license. This particular licensing can be checked through the California Department of Consumer Affairs. 

Use  Discretion When Choosing a Marin County Home Security Dealer
It takes more than a generic application fee to run a home security business.
In the State of California, individuals who wish to operate such a business are required to obtain Alarm Company Operator (ACO) licensing. For the safety of the consumer, this licensing can only be attained after a criminal history review is conducted by the Department of Justice and the FBI. The home security industry is also strictly regulated by agencies like the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) and the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). Screen potential security companies against these crucial criteria. The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Consumer Resources for Home Security and Alarms in Marin County" should help with this task. We've taken the time to screen a number of the alarm companies in San Rafael. By company merit, customer satisfaction, and credentials, we've ranked the top ten home security and alarm companies in Marin County as the following: Warren Security Systems, American Sentry Systems Inc, Kline & Son Security, Redwood Security Systems, Armor Security Inc, Curtis Security, Jefferson Security Systems, Locksmith, Bay View Security, Golden Gate Security Systems.
Updated March 24, 2008
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Choosing the Best Home Security and Burglar Alarm Company in Marin County 

Before you commit to a Marin County home security business, screen several companies carefully to learn about any work history, community reputation, and pricing standards. Start by calling a handful of early contenders and posing them the following questions.

How long have you been in business?

Do you have any local references that I may contact?

Will you provide a written estimate?

How long should it take to complete installation or service?

How do you price parts and labor?

Can you customize a security system to my particular property?

Do you offer any kind of warranty for parts or labor?

What type of licensing and/or certifications do you and your employees hold (e.g., NICET, NFBAA)?

Do you provide maintenance on preexisting systems?


With the companies that pass this stage, research the current status by contacting agencies like the Better Business Bureau, Diamond Certified, and California State licensing agencies.

Arrange for visits from different company representatives. These meetings should yield a written quote.

Compare your quotes and hire the optimal Marin County home security and alarm company. Ensure that your hired security company provides you with a written and signed contract that details pricing, warranty agreements and operation instructions.

Updated March 24, 2008
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Key Consumer Resources for Home Security and Alarm Companies in Marin County 

Associations & Licensing

AHA American Homeowners Association (www.ahahome.com)

ANSI American National Standards Institute (www.ansi.org)

BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)

CAA California Alarm Association (www.caaonline.org)

CSLB Contractor State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov)

CSAA Central Station Alarm Association (www.csaaul.org)

DCA State of California Department of Consumer Services (www.dca.ca.gov)

Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)

EBAA East Bay Alarm Association (www.ebaaonline.org)

NASCO National Association of Security Companies (www.www.nasco.org)

NBFAA National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (www.alarm.org)

NICET National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (www.nicet.org)

NSA National Sheriff's Association (www.sheriffs.org)

SIA Security Industry Association (www.siaonline.org)

SIAC Security Industry Alarm Coalition (www.siacinc.org)

 

Print Media & Web Resources

Access Control & Security Systems Magazine

Call Center Magazine

Electronic House Magazine

Protection, Automation and Control (PAC) World Magazine

Security Dealer Magazine

Security Distributing and Marketing Magazine

Security Management Magazine

Security Systems News

Security Technology & Design Magazine

Security Trade Association Trade Digest

 
www.accentalarms.com/forum/default.asp

www.alarmsystemreviews.com

www.crimedoctor.com

www.diyalarmforum.com

www.ehow.com

 
The Prime Buyer's Report provides information on the top 10 home security dealers and installation companies in Marin County by zip code:

94901, 94903, 94904, 94912, 94913, 94914, 94915, 94920, 94924, 94925, 94929, 94930, 94933, 94937, 94938, 94939, 94940, 94941, 94942, 94945, 94946, 94947, 94948, 94949, 94950, 94956, 94957, 94960, 94963, 94964, 94965, 94966, 94970, 94971, 94973, 94974, 94976, 94977, 94978 and 94979

The Prime Buyer's Report also provides information on the top 10 home security sales and installation companies in Marin County by city:

Bel Marin Keyes, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Black Point, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Dillon Beach, Dogtown, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Ignacio, Inverness, Kent Woodlands, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Marin City, Marinwood, Marshall, Mill Valley, Mission Rafael, Muir Beach, Muir Woods, Nicasio, Novato, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Marin, San Quentin, San Rafael, Santa Venetia, Sausalito, Stinson Beach, Strawberry Point, Tamal, Tamalpais Valley, Terra Linda, Tiburon, Tomales and Woodacre
Updated March 24, 2008
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Tips for Dealing with Home Security and Alarm Companies in Marin County 

Look for Referrals
For more ideas about qualified home security companies, ask reliable sources, such as your property insurance agent, or consult respected agencies for member lists, such as the National Fire and Burglar Alarm Association.

Insist on Documentation
Until your agreement with a home security company is in writing and signed, it is not official. So make sure that your representative provides a written contract that details all aspects of the intended work, including time estimates, labor details and pricing.

Verify the Appropriate Credentials
If you intend to hire a home security company for any installation work, make sure they have the appropriate licensure for the tasks you require. Most installation procedures require contractor licensing (e.g., CCTV setup requires a low voltage systems contractor license; installation of metal window guards or electronic access control systems requires a lock and security equipment contractor license). For more information on the stipulated tasks of each contractor license type, visit the Web site for the Contractor State License Board. Additionally, other regulatory agencies require home security companies to meet their standards. Verify that your chosen business is up to date with ACO licensing and, if relevant, Private Patrol Operator (PPO) licensing. 

Educate Yourself
Use some of the resources listed in "Key Consumer Resources for Home Security and Alarms in Marin County" to familiarize yourself with alarm types and the terminology of the industry. 

Protect Yourself
Because so much is at stake, the security system industry is strictly monitored and regulated. As a consumer, there are certain statues you should become familiar with before entering into an agreement with a vendor or contractor. Find these details at the Web site for the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs. 

Inquire About System Compatibility
Certain systems still allow for features like "local-programming lockout" and "proprietary" servicing. These features allow alarm companies to make residential alarm systems inaccessible to competing alarm maintenance companies. Fortunately, some manufacturers of these systems do not include this feature.
Updated March 24, 2008
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Burglar Alarm and Security Companies in Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael offer the best brands 

GE Security, WiLife, DSC, Honeywell, Visonic, Optex, Rokonet, Linear Security, Elk Products, Winland Electronics, Sensaphone, Cyrex, Sky Link, Reporter, Winn, SVAT, Dakota Alert, iGuard, Caddx Security Equipment, Amseco, ATW, Napco, Sentrol, USP, Network Video Technologies, Vicon Industries, and Video Comm.
Updated March 24, 2008
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Diamond Certified