[Dennis Kalma]

I bought a complete system about 7 years ago...about $3k, I paid for the thing directly as now I own it, can using the service I want and I got what I want.

I have all the sensors, high water, freeze, carbon monoxide, fire, motions all over the place, window/door opening including the ones with fine wires in the screen so I can secure the system when I am away. I have keypads at every door, panic alarms where needed, the system has radio backup and will phone in a call if the wired system does not do the trick. No wireless anywhere as I do not trust wireless at all.

Anyway, the insurance savings pretty well pays for the monitoring. Everyone feels a little safer, but it is not a panacea. Main thing is when i am away for an extended trip, the insurance is not so fussy about having the house checked as it is monitored up the wazoo.

Oh yeah, I also have stuff like garage door open sensors on a different partition so I can secure that (all my tools, Porsche) when I am away. It is also nice to know if my dishwasher starts leaking on the hardwood floor that it will notify....

I am happy with it, and am thankful that I do not live in a place where shooting is an acceptable means of home security...it would be more difficult in that situation....here the cops come pretty fast with their guns and the vast majority of guys trying to break in have nothing more than a pointy object...

Dennis