| Key Points (TL;DR) | |
|---|---|
| Which home security systems have the best response times? | The top three home security systems that have the best response times are Vivint, Cove, and Frontpoint. |
| What is the average default entry delay for home security systems? | Most home security systems have the default entry delay set to 30 seconds. |
| How fast do monitoring centers call homeowners after an alarm is triggered? | Monitoring centers should call homeowners in a matter of seconds after their alarm is triggered. |
| What is response time? | Response time is the period between when the monitoring center is notified and when they contact the authorities. |
| How long does it take for authorities to arrive after an alarm is triggered? | The average time from an alarmed being triggered to authorities arriving is seven minutes. |
| What are the types of home security monitoring services? | Cellular, broadband, and landline are types of monitoring services. |
You hear the same advertising pitch from home security companies.
It starts out with the company bragging about their industry-leading technology.
Next, they hit the heartstrings with the "protection provides peace of mind" message. And finally, they boast about having the fastest response times in the event of an emergency.
But you never really know until you compare each home security company against the rest.
Security system response time is an interesting metric in home security marketing strategies because it is not necessarily standard for every customer.
For instance, some events have a fast response time, under 15 seconds, while others have experienced a longer reaction time 30-minute wait times.
When a home security system is triggered, there is a process the monitoring center has to go through in order to send help. This process affects the company's reaction time.
First, security alarm systems are triggered if a code is not entered on the keypad by a certain amount of time after the door is opened. This amount of time must be taken into consideration when evaluating response times, because the monitoring center doesn’t receive a message until after the code is not entered.
For example, if the system’s entry delay is set to 30 seconds, a burglar can open the door and the alarm will not notify the monitoring center until after 30 seconds. The default entry delay time is 30 seconds for Vivint, Cove, Frontpoint, and ADT, but that time can be adjusted on each homeowner’s keypad.
Next, your system will send over the message notifying the monitoring center that something has set off the alarm.
Once the monitoring center has received the alert, the event will have to be matched with the corresponding account and the instructions will become available for the operator.
Next, the alert will be taken care of when an operator becomes available.
This is an important step for response times. Once the operator sees the event, they will follow a procedure to verify that the emergency is legitimate.
Once verified that the alarm is real, the operator dispatches authorities to your home.
It is also important to note that when most companies are advertising their response times, the only account for time spent between when the monitoring center is notified and then the appropriate authorities are contacted.
It does not take into account the police response time.
If a company has fast response times, that just means that they get the information passed on to the authorities in that area quickly, it doesn't mean you will receive help in that amount of time.
In fact, the national average for when a home security alarm is triggered and when the authorities actually show up sits around seven minutes.
So, which home security company really does have the fastest response time?
The answer is complicated and depends on a variety of factors. However, customer reviews report high satisfaction with response times from Vivint, Cove, and Frontpoint.
Customer Reviews on Vivint Response Time
- “The response time is almost immediate.”
- “The response time when an alarm sounds is very quick.”
- “When an alarm is triggered, their response time is immediate!”
Customer Reviews on Cove Response Time
- “The response time has been amazing when the alarm gets set off accidentally.”
- “I love their response time when the alarm goes off.”
- “The response time has been amazing when the alarm gets set off.”
Customer Reviews on Frontpoint Response Time
- “There is a quick response time if our alarm accidentally goes off and they contact us.”
- “If you want a very reliable system with very fast monitoring response time, get FrontPoint.”
- “Support has been fantastic and response time to alarms has been prompt.”
Customer Reviews on ADT Response Time
- “The response time is fast with ADT contacting us when the alarm is not disarmed in a certain amount of time.”
- “They are quick with response when your alarm goes off.”
- “It was monitored 24-7 and it was easy to arm and set. Good response times as well.”
Response times depend on where a person lives, how many monitoring centers a company has, and how many alerts operators are receiving during a period of time.
Companies such as ADT and Vivint have said that they average 15 second response times, but even that still depends on geographical areas.
And while home security companies can accurately provide an average response time, consumers need to be aware that the average time provided is not a guarantee.
Fortunately, there are ways for consumers to get a pretty good idea of how response times will impact them directly.
Before signing a contract with a home security company, consumers need to ask not only about the system, but also about the quality of the monitoring service.
When speaking with the sales representative, consumers should ask the following questions about the monitoring center:
How long does it take before I will receive a call from the monitoring center?
A good monitoring center will respond in a matter of seconds, but anything under a minute is considered good.
Consumers also need to stay on top of their monitoring company and conduct monthly tests to make sure everything is connected correctly.
Is your monitoring center UL Certified?
The top monitoring centers will be UL Certified.
This certification requires monitoring centers to go through an in-depth process conducted by an independent company to ensure total safety.
UL Certification proves that a monitoring center upholds a certain level of safety and follows strict procedures.
Does the company have their own monitoring center or do they outsource their monitoring?
This is important because it could affect the cost of your home security package.
Dealing directly with a company and monitoring center may be less of a headache.
How many monitoring centers does the company have nationwide?
The quantity of monitoring stations has an impact on the amount of volume a company can receive.
The more monitoring centers, the better trained operators are, the more likely a customer is to receive a rapid response.
Choosing a company with multiple monitors increases the likelihood that their performance in providing support quickly is high.
Since response times are directly correlated to when an operator can handle the case, the number of operators within the monitoring station are also significant factors.
How will my system be monitored?
There are three types of monitoring services: cellular, broadband, and landline.
The best home security companies will utilize each of these technologies to ensure better protection.
Cellular monitoring, or wireless as it is often referred to, uses a GSM cellular device that will directly contact the monitoring station in the event of an alarm.
Broadband monitoring uses your broadband modem/router and dispatches help when the alarm panel sets off an alarm.
Lastly, landline monitoring uses a standard telephone line.
Your panel will be directly connected to the monitoring station.
There is debate over which form of security monitoring is best, but in reality, having all three is the ideal set up.
How can I avoid false alarms?
After choosing a home security system, be sure to look for resources that your home security company has provided on how to avoid false alarms. Each company has its own list of tips and tricks to avoid setting off a false alarm.
Some advice includes knowing your panel passcode, making sure doors are closed before turning on the alarm, keeping heaters away from motion sensors, etc.
If you are worried about false alarms, a smart home security system could also help. Each smart home security system is different, but they provide ways to arm and disarm your system without needing to enter a passcode.
For example, Vivint customers can arm and disarm their smart home security system through the Vivint Smart Home app and Frontpoint customers can do the same through a keychain remote.
Contact your local authorities
Odds are the local police department has worked with the monitoring station your home will be protected by.
Ask them how the monitoring station works and if they are efficient when it comes to dispatching in the event of an emergency.
Response times should be a factor in deciding which home security companies will be the best for your situation.
Since there is not necessarily a way to pinpoint the fastest responding home security company for everyone, it is best to find out what those times would look like for where you live.
