Bay Alarm Review 2023

The Good

Bay Alarm is a local company that offers highly localized customer service, but at the same time, it offers security system that are as advanced as what national alarm companies offer. It even offers security systems with a touchscreen control panel, access to a mobile app, and home automation features.

The Bad

Bay Alarm only offers its services in California, Washington, and Arizona. It requires a three-year contract, but only offers a short 1-year warranty on equipment. Getting started requires an in-home visit from a sales rep.

Bottom Line

Bay Alarm is no doubt one of the best and most experienced local companies in California. It's a great security provider if you want to receive a highly-localized customer service and if you're staying within its service area for the next three years or so. Otherwise, we suggest looking into alarm companies with a national reach.

Equipment & Monitoring Packages

Bay Alarm isn't as transparent as most alarm companies when it comes to its equipment and monitoring packages. You can only get a quote by requesting a visit from one of Bay Alarm's representative. According to Bay Alarm:

Home security systems should not be “one size fits all.” That’s why we insist on sending one of our security experts to your home before we install. With a comprehensive on-site review, you’ll get a home security system that’s perfectly tailored to you and your property.

On top of that, pricing may vary depending on your location.

With that being said, our research shows that Bay Alarm offers several monitoring plans. Obviously, if you choose a pricier plan, you'll get more features. Smart home automation and video surveillance features are reserved to those choose the higher-end plans. We also found out that Bay Alarm's plan pricing starts at $25 to $30 per month. Although this isn't a conclusive price point, it should give you an idea of how much it will cost you to get Bay Alarm to monitor your home.

Add-On Equipment

You can further expand your system by purchasing additional equipment. Here’s a list of all the devices offered by Bay Alarm:

• Door/Window Sensors
• Motion Sensors
• Glass Break Sensors
• Key Fobs
• SkyBell Doorbell Cameras
• Smoke/Heat Sensor
• Carbon Monoxide Sensor
• Smart Light Modules
• Z-Wave Smart Locks
• Indoor Cameras
• Outdoor Cameras

After choosing your equipment, next comes installation. Bay Alarm requires professional installation, and once again, it will cost you. The installation fee is usually determined by the type of equipment you have and how many devices you're looking to install. One Yelper shares that he paid $200 for the installation of a control panel, motion sensor, and keypad.¹

Key Features & Tech

• 24/7 Professional Monitoring
• Smartphone Access
• Home Automation
• Cameras

24/7 Professional Monitoring

Bay Alarm offers professional monitoring as a standard feature. It can monitor your home for burglary, fire, and even medical emergencies as long as you have the right equipment. Its monitoring centers are in North California and Sacramento and both are equipped to withstand power outages without going offline. They are also fully redundant so one can take over when the other is down.

Smartphone Access

Although you Bay Alarm monitors its customers' security systems 24/7, smartphone access gives users extra peace of mind. If something goes amiss, you'll get an alert from your security system through the Bay Alarm smartphone app. It also gives users complete control over their security systems, allowing remote arming and disarming as well as customizations.

Home Automation

Using the same app and with the help of home automation products sold by Bay Alarm, you can remotely control your lights, locks, and thermostat. Besides remote control, the app offers a way to automate your house. For example, you can schedule your lights to turn on every 6PM to make it seem like you're already home even when you're away.

Cameras

Finally, Bay Alarm's cameras can give you the ultimate peace of mind. You can use the mobile app to check on your cameras anytime and anywhere you are. The cameras can also be programmed to record when they catch any movement or when your security system is triggered.

Customer Service and Support

Bay Alarm is recognized by many as one of the most customer friendly alarm companies in California, in part because its customer support team is highly accessible. For instance, if you need emergency repairs, you don't need to wait for days for a tech to come fix your security system. Bay Alarm is based right in California, so they can send a technician right away 24/7.

For less urgent concerns, you're always free to call Bay Alarm's customer support hotline or log into your Bay Alarm account and request email support from there. Using the same customer login, you can conveniently pay your bills, review your account, and request system updates and repairs.

One thing that Bay Alarm lacks is a comprehensive online knowledge base. It doesn't provide adequate user manuals for devices and the FAQ section is clearly lacking.

When it comes to policies, Bay Alarm offers both good and bad.

Customer Friendly Policies

They offer a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your system, they will provide a refund so long as you provide a good reason. For example, if the equipment is faulty or doesn’t work.

If you move within their service area without an existing security system, they'll install a new basic system for free. If there's already a Bay Alarm system in your new house, they'll activate it for free. And if you want to upgrade the basic system, they'll offer you discounts.

Unfriendly Customer Policies

Bay Alarms holds the right to increase your monthly fee, even if you’re under contract. They are also regional to California, Washington, and Arizona. Relocation is possible within their service areas only, but once you leave Bay Alarm's service area, you are out of luck and will be required to buy out the remaining value of your contract.