Find the Best Home Security Companies in Richmond, VA

What to look for in a home security system in Richmond

The home security system you choose should be reliable and include the features you’re looking for, whether they are basic or high-tech.

Look for a home security company that has customer-friendly policies, like promotional discounts for new customers, money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the security system and product warranties that cover things such as control panel malfunctions.

To find the best home security system in Richmond for you, you should also think about:

• Alarm monitoring: A monitored home security system includes 24/7, professional monitoring and sends emergency response personnel to your property after alarm activation. An unmonitored system notifies you and may scare off intruders, but it doesn’t contact emergency responders. Monitored security systems have a monthly fee and usually a contract. Both types of systems usually include a mobile user app.
• Home automation features: Home security companies offer systems with a variety of features and technology, including digital control panels, door and window sensors, motion detectors, high-definition security cameras, video recording, smoke and fire monitoring and smart home automation. You can purchase equipment and features as part of a plan or add them separately. Consider your budget and property characteristics when selecting features.
• Cellular alarm systems: Instead of requiring a landline, a cellular alarm system uses cell service to summon help in the event of an emergency. This is a useful feature for those who have no other use for a landline.

Cost of home security systems in Richmond

Homeowners and renters in Richmond generally pay between $0 and $500 in upfront equipment costs, depending on the technology level (e.g., cameras, smart home automation, environmental monitoring) and amount of equipment (e.g., extra door and window sensors).

Monitored home security includes a monthly charge between $15 and $60. Some providers offer equipment at little to no charge if you sign a monitoring contract.

As you compare home security systems, be sure to account for all potential costs, including any charges for installation, activation and monitoring. Besides equipment costs, these additional fees are commonly associated with home security systems in Richmond:

• Installation cost: Wired security systems usually require professional assistance to install, which costs $50 to $200. Wireless systems often come with directions for DIY installation.
• Activation fee: Some companies charge a one-time activation fee, which may be included in the installation fee.
• Termination fee: If you decide to end service after the end of a trial period, you may have to pay a cancellation charge.
• False alarms: The City of Richmond charges false alarm fees for a third false alarm and any additional false alarms in a six-month period. The fees start at $50 for the third false alarm and increase to as high as $500 for a 10th false alarm.

How to protect your house from a home invasion in Richmond

Home security systems are a dependable way to protect your home in Richmond, where there were close to 250 burglaries in the first quarter of 2020, according to the Richmond Police Department. Basic plans include a control panel, motion and entry sensors, yard signs and window stickers and 24/7 monitoring. You can upgrade to get features such as high-definition cameras, smart home automation and fire and smoke detection.

Apart from installing a home security system, other steps to deter home invasion include putting in deadbolt locks, landscaping your property to give burglars fewer spots to hide, leaving lights on when you’re away and hiding valuables. Also, consider joining Richmond’s Neighborhood Watch Program.

Richmond home security FAQ

Do I need a burglar alarm permit in Richmond?

Yes, Richmond requires an alarm permit, which you renew annually. There is no cost for the permit. Call (804) 646-4169 for more information or contact the city using the form on the City of Richmond website.

Should I get a wireless or wired security system?

If you prefer DIY installation or plan on moving, opt for a wireless system. Wired home security systems are hardwired into your home, making them highly reliable but more expensive to install. Wireless home security systems use radio frequency signals to communicate between sensors and the control hub. They are easy to set up but have less range and run on battery power.

How much does it cost to have an alarm system installed in Richmond?

Alarm system companies that charge for professional installation bill customers anywhere from $50 to $200 to send out a technician. However, many companies include installation at no cost if you sign up for a monthly monitoring service. Other systems come with instructions for DIY installation.

Do police respond to home alarms in Richmond?

Yes, the police respond to monitored home alarms in Richmond. If you have a monitored system and an alarm triggers, an operator will first try to contact you before contacting the police department. An unmonitored system only alerts you of a home security issue, and then it’s up to you whether to contact the police.

What evidence is needed to prove burglary in Virginia?

A burglary is committed when a person unlawfully enters a home at night with the intention to commit a felony or larceny, according to the Code of Virginia. To prove burglary in Virginia, the police need evidence that someone entered the residence illegally with the intention of committing a felony or larceny. Security system data and security camera footage can be used as proof.

Is a home security system necessary in Richmond?

Richmond has a higher rate of property crime compared with rates statewide and countrywide. Whether you live in a neighborhood where property crime is more common, like The Fan or Jackson Ward, or a safer area, such as Westhampton or Three Chopt, a home security system gives your home an added layer of protection against break-ins.