Licensing

Home security companies that provide service to customers in multiple states must pass each state’s qualification process to operate.  As you search for an alarm system to secure your home and family, it’s extremely important for you to research what’s necessary for home security companies in your state, to make sure that your alarm service provider is properly licensed.
 
THREE TYPES OF HOME SECURITY LICENSING

Generally, states can be broken down into three home security licensing types: 

1. Strict: States with extensive licensing requirements that are mandatory for all alarm companies.
2. Exemption: Some states allow security companies to be exempted from state licensing if their business operation meets certain criteria, i.e. the company has a self-installed DIY product and a remotely-supported solution, as FrontPoint provides.
3. None: Several states have no licensing requirements, but this category is getting smaller all the time.

When comparing several home security companies, the first thing to do is make sure that the providers you are considering meet your state's licensing requirements. One request you can make is to ask the company for its license number.  To help ensure you are purchasing a legitimate product and service, it is recommended that you only consider companies that have established their credentials with your state and met any licensing requirements.  

Once you know that the companies you are considering meet your state’s requirements, you can compare based on product, service, pricing, and other features.  Watch for FrontPoint’s upcoming podcast, “How to Pick an Alarm Company” for more information about how to compare and choose an alarm company.

HOME SECURITY STATE APPLICATION PROCESS

As part of state licensing requirements, legitimate alarm companies also must adhere to each state’s license application process.  Like licensing, the application process varies by state, from short paper applications, to extensive written applications that include background and testing requirements. Here is just a small sampling of what FrontPoint Chief Operating Officer Peter Rogers has completed:

• Extensive  background checks, including fingerprinting at the state and federal  level
• Technical exams, focusing  on alarm technology and implementation
• Reference checking and in-person appearances before state licensing  boards

Unfortunately, there are hundreds of home security providers in operation today that do not have proper licensing in place.  Some think they’re too small to bother with the extensive applications. Others simply wait until they're caught.  In many states, there are penalties for operating a security company without being properly licensed, including criminal and civil fines and even jail time.
 
If an alarm company doesn’t have proper licensing in place, it could mean:

• Employees are not fully trained in equipment and monitoring services – so your system may not function as advertised, or the response to an alarm event may be lacking.
• Without background checks, some employees may have criminal records – which may mean your alarm pass code could fall into questionable hands.

FrontPoint is committed to meeting all state licensing requirements, and has worked directly with every state in the U.S. to ensure compliance.  As you search for the best home security system for you, be sure to always ask, ‘are you licensed to do business in my state?’  The answer should always be ‘yes’.

For more information about how to choose a home security company, watch for FrontPoint’s upcoming podcast, ‘How to Pick an Alarm Company’.

Click here to contact FrontPoint for a home security quote, or to inquire about home security.