Compare Top Providers
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General Security |
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SimpliSafe Security |
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Pro. monitoring starts at |
$45.99/mo. | Request a quote | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
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Installation |
Professional | Professional | Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY |
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Contract |
36 months | Typically 60 months | 42-60 mos. or pay for equipment in full | None | None |
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Smart home compatibility |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Video surveillance |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Warranty |
Option to extend limited warranty | Not specified | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty |
About Richmond, VA
Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, is a great place to live and visit for those who love history. There is plenty to see and do with impressive museums to explore and family outings such as the Metro Richmond Zoo and the Kings Dominion theme park. According to the World Population Review,Richmond is home to over 232,000 residentsand is the fourth largest city in Virginia by population. Historically, VA has had quite high crime rates. While this has fallen in recent years, it still has rates above national and state averages. To help you stay safe in Richmond, we are sharing some of the best home security providers in your area.
Richmond Crime Statistics
Statistics from theFBI’s 2018 Crime in the U.S.report show that there were 8,807 incidents of property crime in Richmond.Neighborhood Scoutestimates that the chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 24 in Richmond, compared to 1 in 60 across Virginia. Their data also shows that the national medium of property crime is 24 crimes per 1,000 residents, but for Richmond, it’s 41.31.
Here is a breakdown of some of the main offenses reported in Richmond:
- 6,518 incidents of larceny-theft
- 1,121 incidents of burglary
- 1,168 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 428 incidents of robbery
- 633 incidents of aggravated assault
Richmond Spotlight: General Security — Local Security Provider
General Securityhas over 30 years of experience in home security. It serves areas spanning from New York down to Florida. General Security still manages to offer a personalized service with customizable security packages. There is no one-size-fits-all package as all homes and businesses will have different needs and budgets.
General Security offers basic packages which can be upgraded in any way you want. You can upgrade to include fire safety packages or professional video surveillance equipment.
With state-of-the-art technology, you can also have your system set up on your smartphone, tablet or PC so you can manage it all with ease. This allows you to remotely monitor your property, no matter where you are. General Security even offers a smart home alarm system which includes door and window sensors as well as automated lights and locks. If an alarm is triggered, this will send you a notification on your devices or notify the authorities where necessary.
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Best for Customizable Packages
Our take
General Security boasts 30 years of experience providing security solutions for homeowners and businesses. The company offers different packages with various smart home components, like smart thermostats and light controls, as well as DIY security options. This fast-growing security company specializes in cutting-edge, creatively designed security and home automation systems, including unique services like visual verification, intercom systems, video monitoring, card access, home energy management systems, and fire safety.
Recommended Package: Systems are customizable so you must call to explore options
Pros
- 30 years of experience in security
- A wealth of smart home technologies
- The ability to customize your security packages
Cons
- Typical contract length is 5 years
- Limited service area
- Pricing and warranty information unavailable online
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Best for Money-Back Guarantee
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT是个公认的名字在家里安全business thanks to its top-notch equipment, award-winning monitoring centers and commitment to customer service. For people who feel like you get what you pay for, it’s hard to beat ADT.
ADT prefers to provide a brief consultation before quoting a custom package. Contact ADT to get started.
★Recommended Plan
ADT’s Video Lite Planis nothing minor — you’ll get motion detection, smart home capabilities, and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $599. Professional monitoring starts at $54.99 per month.Pros
- 6-month money-back guarantee
- $500 theft protection guarantee
- High-quality equipment
Cons
- Must pay for an extended warranty
- Lengthy contracts
- More expensive than competitors
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Best for Smart Homes
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint really shines when it comes to equipment. Perhaps no other provider has such an extensive catalog, which makes it an excellent provider for those who plan to install new equipment over time.
★Recommended Plan
Vivint’sSmart Home Service is our recommended plan because it unlocks a larger selection of smart home devices, as well as video monitoring.
Pros
- Month-to-month contract option if equipment is purchased up front
- Backup battery included with the Sky Control panel
- Extensive equipment features, including Vivint Car Guard
Cons
- Long contract if equipment is financed
- Installation can take 3-4 hours
- Short (120-day) equipment warranty and service guarantee (unless you purchase Premium)
- Short (3-day) trial period
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Our Take on SimpliSafe Home Security
Keep those pesky burglars away with a SimpliSafe security system. Choose from a range of packages and equipment, and get inexpensive professional monitoring.
★Recommended Plan
We recommend The Barrington if you’re interested in SimpliSafe. This package combines intrusion detection and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $388.93. Professional monitoring starts at $14.99 per month.Self-monitoring is free.Pros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
- Free self-monitoring
Cons
- Mobile alerts not available in the basic monitoring plan
- No selection of smart home devices
- Smart home capabilities not available in basic monitoring plan
- Research SimpliSafe
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Best for Customer Service
Frontpoint Home Security
我们的评级7.6Starting at$44.99/moOur Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint recently changed its billing model to month-to-month contracts, which we believe shows that the company strives to stay on top of industry trends and cares about customer service. We also appreciate that Frontpoint’s equipment is compatible with the major smart home hubs.
★Recommended Plan
Our recommendedFrontpointplan is the Safe Home Starter equipment package combined with the Ultimate monitoring plan, which will give you access to a smartphone app for monitoring your security devices.
Pros
- No lengthy contracts
- Excellent customer service
- Variety of equipment to choose from
Cons
- Monitoring fees are relatively expensive
- Short (30 days) trial period
- No professional installation option
Additional Local Home Security Providers for Richmond
If you are looking at local home security providers, these are some of the top choices in Richmond:
- Dynamark Security Centers: Dynamark offers customized home security systems with professional installation and 24-hour monitoring.
- Richmond Alarm Company: RAC offers personalized security packages with a range of equipment options such as video surveillance, locksmith services and smart home technology.
- Petersburg Alarm Company: Petersburg Alarm Company provides great home security options including burglar alarms, cameras and access control systems.
- ECB Security Systems: ECB provides 24-hour monitoring services for a low monthly cost as well as burglar alarms and video surveillance for homes or businesses.
Surrounding Areas for Richmond
Security providers in Richmond may also offer home security for the following Richmond neighborhoods:
- Windsor Farms, VA
- Bon Air, VA
- Penn Acres, VA
- Wyndham, VA
- Midlothian, VA
- Lakeside, VA
- Ginter Park, VA
- Oregon Hill, VA
- Woodland Heights, VA
- Fulton Hill, VA
Common Home Security Equipment and Features
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Control panel/hub
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Motion sensor
As one of the sentinels in your home, the motion sensor captures unusual activity, and your system lets you know. Some providers have motion sensors that are designed to be pet-friendly, avoiding pets under 80 pounds to help prevent false alarms. Learn more aboutmotion sensors herein our post.
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Door/window sensor
Door/window sensors are sentinels for your entry points. Most have a discreet profile so they’re not easily seen, but once an entry point is breached, your control panel sounds an alarm to let the intruder know they’ve been caught. Learn more about the door/window sensors offered byFrontpoint,Protect America, andSimpliSafe.
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Indoor security camera
If you want to be able to monitor the interior of your home, communicate with family members, and check in on pets, then choosing an indoor security camera is a great option. Most indoor cameras feature HD video, come with night vision, and have two-way communication. Learn more about indoor security camera options offered bySimpliSafe,Vivint, andAbode.
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Outdoor security camera
Keep tabs on your property no matter your location with an outdoor security cameras. Most outdoor cameras have weatherproof features, night vision, and some even have deterrence features. Learn more about theoutdoor security camera optionsoffered byADT,Vivint, andFrontpoint.
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Video doorbell camera
检查你的家门口前无需leave work with a video doorbell camera. Most video doorbells have built-in two-way communication and night vision. Learn more about the video doorbells offered byGuardian Protection,Vivint, andSimpliSafe.
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Smart thermostat
With a smart thermostat, you can potentially improve your home’s energy efficiency. Most smart thermostats allow you to program them, creating a schedule for when your home’s heating and cooling system turns on. Some will also automatically adjust themselves based on certain conditions. Learn more about the smart thermostats offered byVivint,Frontpoint, andADT.
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Smart lock
Go keyless with a smart lock, designed so you can easily lock or unlock your door via app. Some smart locks have a keycode feature, allowing you to set unique PINs for family members and or professionals who may need to access your home. Learn more about the smart locks offered byGuardian Protection,Protect America, andScout.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Can’t decide? Compare top providers side-by-side: ADT vs. SimpliSafe, Vivint vs. Frontpoint, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions for Richmond
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With high property crime and theft rates in Richmond, it’s important to have your home fully protected. A home security system with burglar alarms,motion sensorsandsecurity camerascan help to deter criminals, keeping you safe.
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Most modern home security systems will offer integration with smart home devices these days, but this may cost more. General Security, Richmond Alarm Company, andnational providerssuch asADT,Vivint,SimpliSafe, andFrontpointoffer smart home compatibility.
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Many local security companies will require contracts of various lengths. General Security usually has a five-year contract requirement. As a national provider, ADT requires a contract for their service as well.
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Most local security companies offer security cameras, including General Security, Petersburg Alarm Company, ECB Security Systems and Dynamark Security Centers, but this usually costs extra. National providers such as ADT offer video security with their Video Lite package. Vivint Home Security includes it with its Smart Home Service Plan.bob88 like Frontpoint and SimpliSafe have camera options as well.
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Most security companies offer professional installation of equipment such as video cameras. General Security can either install security equipment at your home or you can choose to do it yourself with itsDIY options. However, some companies such as ADT and Vivint will offer professional installation only.
