Bay Alarm Logo
star star star star_half star_border
LAST UPDATED: May 12th, 2022

Since 1946, family-owned and operated Bay Alarm has provided professionally installed residential and business security solutions to California Bay Area residents. A local business, the company prides itself on possessing a familiarity with California neighborhoods, unlike large security competitors. Bay Alarm is affiliated with a number of California law enforcement agencies, alarm organizations and fire departments. Due to its mom-and-pop nature, the company doesn't provide standardized pricing or equipment without conducting a face-to-face consultation, making it difficult to fully review its services.

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

The Good

  • Local California Business
  • 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Technicians Don't Work on Commission
Bay Alarm offers the charm of a locally owned business with the expertise of a well-established alarm company (currently protecting 110,000 customers throughout California). The company has 14 branches throughout California, which means nearly all of its customers live within a one-hour drive to a Bay Alarm office. In addition, the company has great relationships with local fire and police departments and a first-hand knowledge of California neighborhoods. Bay Alarm even operates its own CSAA Five Diamond Certified monitoring center. If customers find Bay Alarm's workmanship, equipment, performance or customer service unsatisfactory, they are entitled to a full refund within the first 90 days. Another bonus: technicians don't work on commission, which eliminates the pushy money-motivated technician problem associated with many security providers.
thumb_down

The Bad

  • Available to Bay Area Residents Only
  • No Information on Pricing or Equipment Without a Face-to-Face Consultation
  • Installation Fee
  • One-Year Warranty
  • Poor Cancellation Terms
  • No Moving Options

Note: Bay Alarm serves California Bay Area residents only. Bay Alarm provides very little equipment information on its website and absolutely no specifics on equipment costs and monitoring fees. Even upon speaking with the customer care department, prospective customers are advised to schedule a face-to-face consultation with a technician as the company does not have standardized fees. We were also advised of an installation fee associated with all systems; however, that cost varies as well, and is not divulged until receiving a formal quote from one of Bay Alarm's technicians. The one-year equipment warranty is among the worst in the industry, as most providers cover equipment for at least three years, with some offering lifetime warranties. And don't even consider moving during the initial 36-month term; Bay Alarm doesn't provide moving services due to the cost associated with relocating alarm systems.

View Best Home Security Companies

gavel

The Bottom Line

Due to insufficient information regarding Bay Alarm's installation fees, monthly monitoring charges and equipment costs, it is difficult to form a full review on the company. In addition, its unappealing cancellation terms and short warranty do not help the company's case. For these reasons, we cannot strongly recommend Bay Alarm to consumers searching for a reliable security provider.

View Best Home Security Companies

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info
star star star star_half star_border

6 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

33%

4 grade

17%

3 grade

17%

2 grade

17%

1 grade

17%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star_half star_border star_border

Quality

star star star_half star_border star_border

Service

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Trustworthiness

star star_border star_border star_border star_border
cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down
info
check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Christina Sutu-Wallar San Francisco, CA

When I bought my house in 2018, it came with a fully installed bay alarm system. It was really easy for me to call them, and get the service set up in my name. Knock on wood, I have not had to use them, but I feel much more safe and protected knowing that when I’m not home, there is some sort of monitoring system shut the door or window be opened.

1 year ago

star star star star star_border

Frank Lemoore, CA

I'm not in the Bay Area and I have 2 houses with Bay Alarm. I've noticed also quite a few businesses and even National Park Service visitor centers that use Bay Alarm. Your information is vague. They bill quarterly about $135. It's good stuff.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Howard Newport Long Beach, CA

Best product/service and customer service of any home security system. I have lived in several states and Bay Alarm is by far the best. I would not consider any other Home security system

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Mark

They have really good customer service people and handle alarms well - we have both fire and burglar

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star_border star_border star_border

shawne bradley Salt Lake City, UT

This company was not available for customer service. It was a difficult set up and there was literally no one to help!!!

1 year ago Edited May 13, 2022

check_circle

Review Source

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Christopher

Poor service and poor equipment. I wouldn’t waste my time with them.

1 year ago