A bad security company will drain your budget, miss break-ins, and leave your property exposed—so vetting matters before you sign anything. Most customers don't know where to look for red flags: fake credentials, inadequate insurance, or contractors without real reference sites. This guide walks you through the exact steps to separate trustworthy sensor installers from the rest.
Check Licenses and Industry Certifications
Your security installer must hold a valid state alarm contractor license. This isn't optional—it's required in every U.S. state and most Canadian provinces. Before you even ask for a quote, request their license number and verify it directly with your state's licensing board (usually the Department of Consumer Affairs or equivalent). Don't accept a photocopy; log into the official database yourself.
For intrusion and motion sensor systems specifically, look for certifications from:
- ASIS International (CPP) – Certified Protection Professional
- NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) – alarm systems certification
- Manufacturer-specific training from brands like Honeywell, ADT, Bosch, or Hikvision
A company installing motion detectors should have at least one technician with NICET Level 2 or higher. This means they understand sensor placement, false alarm reduction, and integration with your existing systems. Ask how long their lead technician has held the cert.
Verify Insurance Coverage
Liability insurance is non-negotiable. When a motion sensor fails and a break-in happens, or a technician damages your property during installation, you need that company protected—and you covered.
Request proof of:
- General liability insurance (minimum $1 million, ideally $2 million for commercial installations)
- Workers' compensation (required if they have employees)
- Professional liability (sometimes called E&O insurance)
Call the insurance company directly to confirm the policy is active. Don't rely on a certificate of insurance alone—carriers sometimes let policies lapse. Ask for coverage limits specific to sensor installation and whether it covers false alarms or system failures.
Ask for Recent, Verifiable References
References separated by geography and job type matter. A company that installed motion sensors in a retail warehouse two years ago may not be reliable for your residential entry-point system today.
Request at least three references that meet these criteria:
- Installed within the last 18 months
- Same type of property (residential, commercial, warehouse)
- Same or similar sensor types (passive infrared, dual-technology, microwave)
- Contact information you can call directly (not just testimonials on their website)
When you call, ask specific questions: Did sensors false-alarm frequently? How fast was installation? Did they integrate with your existing monitoring service? What happened when something broke—response time? When vetting a company through Mercoly, you can compare trusted intrusion and motion sensor providers with verified customer reviews in one place, saving research time.
Evaluate Response Time and Monitoring
Ask about their monitoring center credentials:
- Are they UL-listed (Underwriters Laboratories)?
- What's their average alarm response time (should be under 60 seconds)?
- Do they have redundant communication paths (cellular, broadband, landline)?
For motion sensors specifically, confirm they'll program adjustable sensitivity levels to reduce false alarms from pets or HVAC movement. This is a sign they understand sensor behavior—not just selling equipment.
Check for Red Flags
Walk away if a company:
- Won't provide a license number or it fails verification
- Refuses to show proof of insurance
- Has no references you can contact directly
- Quotes significantly lower than competitors without explanation
- Pressures you into a multi-year contract before installation
- Won't discuss integration with your existing security infrastructure
Get Everything in Writing
Before hiring, request a detailed proposal that lists:
- Specific sensor models and quantities
- Placement diagram (motion sensors especially need optimal placement)
- Installation timeline and method
- Warranty terms (sensors usually 3–5 years, labor 1 year)
- Total cost broken into equipment and labor
- Monitoring fees and contract length
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much should I expect to pay for professional motion sensor installation? Typically $1,500–$5,000 for a residential system with 4–8 sensors, depending on wiring complexity and monitoring integration; commercial installations run higher.
Q: What's the difference between passive infrared and dual-technology motion sensors, and should I care during vetting? Passive infrared (PIR) detects body heat, while dual-technology combines PIR with microwave to reduce false alarms; a reputable installer will recommend dual-tech for areas with pets or air vents, showing they understand your specific needs.
Q: Can I mix sensor brands, or should everything match? Most modern systems work with multiple brands, but ask your installer if mixing affects warranty coverage or monitoring compatibility—some companies have preferences that shouldn't drive your choice.
Start your vetting process today by requesting credentials and references from at least two qualified installers in your area.