Alarm Certificate

This certificate is generally issued by the monitoring company that proves to the insurer an alarm system is operational and active.

In recent years, some insurers have gotten very lax in required documentation (several home insurers just ask you without requesting a certificate), but should be able to satisfy the request by talking with your monitoring company.

I don't release anything about my subscriber's alarm system to a third party, even when the subscriber authorizes it. I prepare a letter on company letterhead to the subscriber certifying that they have an alarm system, (give the address of the alarm system) which is monitored for fire, burglary, panic, hold-up, system trouble, etc., whatever the system is designed to detect. I add that the Central Station is UL listed, (if that is your case). I give a basic description of the alarm system such as, "there are intrusion sensors on all perimeter openings, interior motion detectors, smoke detector, interior and exterior audible devices," (whatever comprises the system). I sign the letter, scan it into a .pdf, and email it to the subscriber. They can forward the letter to their insurance agent. I've never had anyone object to this method.

Also, when insurance companies call I tell them that I will send a certification to my subscriber and they can forward it on to them. I don't discuss the alarm system over the phone. 

I assume when we say monitoring company, that is the dealer, not the Central Station?

Beware of the exaggerated “savings” with alarm certificates. Often stated 10-20% savings off your homeowners insurance… wrong. Normally it means 10-20 % savings off just the burglary portion of the home owners insurance. BIG difference… normally not worth the effort.