What this free checklist is
Our downloadable checklist, keepwatchly-security-vetting-checklist.pdf, is a simple tool you can use when talking to security companies about alarms, cameras, monitoring, smart locks, or business security.
It is not legal, insurance, or security advice. KeepWatchly is a free matching service. We do not sell, install, monitor, or service security systems. We help you understand options, compare typical costs, and get matched, at no cost, with licensed, insured security companies near you.
The checklist is meant to help you slow down and verify the basics before signing a contract. That matters because some sales situations move fast, especially door-to-door or phone sales. If you want help finding companies to compare, you can get matched for free.
What the checklist helps you verify
Use the checklist to confirm the things that often get missed in a rushed sales conversation:
- License and registration: Ask for the company license number and check it yourself with your state or local authority. Some states also license or register alarm-company solicitation and installation.
- Insurance: Confirm the company is insured and ask what coverage they carry.
- Who does the work: Ask whether installation is done by employees or subcontractors.
- Equipment and service details: Make sure you understand what equipment is included, what is optional, and whether professional monitoring is part of the plan.
- Typical price ranges: For many properties, alarm equipment may run about $200-$600+, professional installation about $100-$400 one time, professional monitoring about $15-$60 per month, cameras about $50-$300 each plus any cloud fee, and smart locks or access control about $120-$500 per door. These are typical estimates, not quotes. Real price depends on the system, the size and layout of the property, professional monitoring, installation, and your area.
- Contract terms: Check contract length, auto-renewal, monthly fees, service calls, warranties, cancellation terms, and any early-termination fees.
For a broader review of what to compare, see how to vet a security company.
How to use it before you sign
Bring the checklist to every sales call, site visit, or video appointment. Then use the same process with each company.
- Start with your needs. Write down what you want to protect: front door, windows, back entrance, cash area, stock room, cameras, remote access, or 24/7 monitoring.
- Ask the same questions to every company. This makes offers easier to compare.
- Write down every fee. Include equipment, installation, monthly monitoring, cloud storage, repair visits, permit fees if applicable, and cancellation costs.
- Read the full contract before signing. Pay close attention to the monitoring agreement, contract length, auto-renewal language, monthly fee, and cancellation or early-termination terms.
- Do not sign on the spot under pressure. This is especially important with door-to-door and phone sales.
If a company wants to contact you after you ask for information, remember: consent to be contacted, including by autodialer, prerecorded or artificial voice, and SMS, is not a condition of any purchase, and you can opt out anytime.
If you are comparing monitoring plans, review monitoring basics.
Good questions to ask every company
These questions can help you get clear answers in plain English:
- Are you licensed, insured, and properly registered for this work in my state or city?
- What exactly is included in the base price, and what costs extra?
- Is this a month-to-month plan or a long-term contract?
- Does the agreement auto-renew?
- What happens if I move, close my business, or want to cancel early?
- Who owns the equipment after installation?
- Are there cloud storage fees, app fees, or service-call charges?
- Who monitors the system, and what is the monthly cost?
- Will you give me the full contract to review before I sign?
No system, monitoring plan, or guard service can guarantee prevention of crime, loss, injury, or property damage. A good company should say that honestly and explain the limits of the service without hype.
Download and use it with your quotes
Download keepwatchly-security-vetting-checklist.pdf and keep it next to your notes when you compare companies.
A smart approach is simple:
- get 2 to 4 written offers
- use the checklist on each one
- verify license and insurance yourself
- compare the full contract, not just the monthly price
- choose who to hire only after you understand the cancellation terms
If you are still collecting options, KeepWatchly can help you compare local providers. Matching is free to the homeowner or business. Participating security companies pay a flat fee to take part. You stay in control. You compare offers, you choose who to hire, and you confirm the contract terms before signing.
Download the free checklist, use it with every security company you talk to, verify the license and insurance yourself, and do not sign until you understand the full contract, monthly cost, auto-renewal, and cancellation terms.
Always hire licensed, insured, registered security companies — and verify the license yourself.
Common questions
Is this checklist free?
Yes. The checklist is free to download and use. KeepWatchly is a free matching service for homeowners and small businesses. We do not charge you to help you compare options.
Can this checklist tell me which company is best?
No. It is a comparison tool, not a rating or approval list. It helps you ask the same questions, verify license and insurance, and review contract terms carefully so you can make your own decision.
Should I use this checklist for home and business security?
Yes. It can help with both. The exact setup may differ by property, but the basics still matter: verify the company is licensed and insured, confirm what is included, understand typical cost ranges, and read the full contract before you sign.