Increasingly, people selecting an alarm company can become somewhat confused. With so many companies listed on the Internet and in phone directories, it’s hard to know where to start.

Then there are those enticing “free” alarm systems, which makes the selection process even tougher. Imagine getting an alarm system for free. How great is that – or is it?

Let’s take a closer look at what you get. These offers usually consists of a wireless keypad, one window sensor, one door sensor, one motion detector, one indoor siren and power supply.

Of course, you’ll receive a little promotional material, such as a yard sign and a few window stickers. This total package is referred to in the business as a “bare-bones” system.

But this is where the “free” part of the promotion comes to a grinding halt. There are extra charges for additional contacts, motion detectors, keypads or any extra hardware outside the bare-bones package.

Also, there will be extra charges for activation fees and, of course, the monitoring contract. Did I mention you will need to sign a long-term monitoring contract to receive your “free alarm” system?

And take particular notice of your dates on your contract, because often alarm companies will automatically renew the agreement without the homeowner’s knowledge.

Many of these systems are wireless because of the ease and speed of installation, as well as removal.

Yes, the alarm company could remove the system because you legally don’t own it until the monitoring contract has been fulfilled.

In disputes with these types of companies, you’ll often find yourself without protection because they can kill your alarm system in a matter of minutes with their software.

And once this happens, you’ll be left with nothing more than the hardware.

And you can forget about changing your alarm company unless you want to purchase a whole new system.

Often your “free alarm” is “locked out,” so no other alarm monitoring company can monitor the system.

In most cases, these barebones systems are “loss leaders” and strictly offered to attract new customers. The value of a bare-bones system could be around $300 to $400.

So if the homeowner went with a different company and spent the $300 to $400 up front, the individual would own the system outright and could change the monitoring company down the road without any hassles.

But why would you want to change monitoring companies? The answer is simple: Because monitoring prices are becoming more competitive.

And if you own your own alarm system, you can shop around for the best rates. Many folks don’t realize they don’t have to stay with the same monitoring service.

It’s no secret the money in the alarm industry is made through the monitoring. In fact, the value of an alarm business is built on monitored accounts.

Once you shop around and find out you’re paying too much for your alarm monitoring, I recommend you contact your alarm company for a better rate.

If you can’t agree upon a good rate, it may be time to switch to another company. The first step would be to check and make sure you’re not breaching your contract.

If you don’t know when your current service expires, call your alarm company and ask it to provide you with that information.

Your current alarm company may require you to submit your cancellation in writing. Often it asks that you notify it 30 days before the contract expires.

You will also need the installer’s code upon cancelling the contract.

This code will be used by your new alarm monitoring company to set up your system.

You may find your previous alarm company won’t give out the installer’s code because it may be protected under copyright or patents.

But keep in mind the manufacturer may own the rights to everything, but that doesn’t extend to individual information to operate the alarm.

Frank Fourchalk is a licensed B.C. security consultant whose company specializes in home and condo security. Email frank@yourhomesecurity.ca