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Thursday, April 15th
If you want an alarm system with cutting edge bells and whistles, Vivint will probably get your attention. From Nest thermostats to Amazon Echo, Vivint's alarm systems let you change your home's temperature, keep an eye on your kids while the babysitter is there, or even remotely unlock your door from any internet-connected device.
Each of Vivint's alarm system packages include the following:
In order to set up your Vivint alarm system, you'll need to choose from one of their three monitoring packages:
Vivint offers free equipment and installation with certain packages, which keeps them competitive with other providers of alarm systems. But, make sure to pay attention to the fine print before signing on the dotted line: depending on where you live, you'll need to make a staggering five-year commitment (four years in a handful of states) with a monitoring package of at least $60.99/month in order to qualify for the "free" equipment and installation. Vivint's site doesn't seem to indicate that they offer a customer satisfaction guarantee, making a five-year commitment (or paying the remaining contract balance) too much for many customers. Also, if you change addresses, you'll be assessed a $99 moving fee if you've been a customer of Vivint for less than 12 months; the fee is eliminated if you renew your alarm system contract at your new residence and you've been a customer for at least a year.
Vivint does have an optional warranty and service plan for an extra $10/month. Under this coverage, they will repair and/or replace any defective part of the alarm system at no extra cost. Without this extra Premium service plan, the warranty period is only 120 days past installation; after that point in time, Vivint will provide replacement parts at no extra charge, but you'll pay a $49 fee plus tax for the service call.
What's the bottom line for pricing on Vivint's alarm systems? The best answer is "it depends". Vivint does not make it easy to determine their package pricing, requiring customers to work with a company representative. (We even used the chat function on the website and got the answer that pricing is only offered over the phone or in person.) Many customer reviews complain about insistent salespeople coming to their homes late at night and rushing people into 5-year contracts without being open about the length of the commitment. And, with every feature you add, you'll pay more-so with base packages starting at $53.99, Vivint is easily one of the costliest alarm systems we reviewed.
We were pleased to see Vivint's A- rating with the Better Business Bureau. However, there have been almost 4,000 complaints registered with the BBB in the last three years.
In general, Vivint's alarm systems leave us with mixed feelings. If your security system must have the most high-tech components and you've got money to spare, Vivint isn't a bad option to consider. Just don't overlook the fact that you're making a five-year commitment, and be prepared to assert yourself to get help from customer service if you experience any problems with your equipment post-installation. Vivint earns good marks for their alarm system packages.
Increasing the security of your home is essential to protect yourself, your belongings, and your family. According to the experts, high unemployment rates and other economic woes in the nation are a factor in rising crime rates. With more than 2 million burglaries each year in the United States alone, and an average loss of over $2,000 per incident, it is well worth the investment to make sure your home is properly protected.
High-quality deadbolts and well-placed lighting on the exterior of your home can reduce the risk of becoming a victim. However, experience shows that skilled burglars can pick a lock, even a deadbolt, in a minute or less. On the other hand, crime data also demonstrates that criminals tend to avoid homes with an alarm system, to improve their chances of not getting caught.
Alarm Systems have a wide variety of features, coverage, and price points. Some Alarm Systems charge hundreds of dollars for installation in addition to their monitoring services, while others offer free equipment and/or installation along with a monthly monitoring contract. The best Alarm Systems provide customers with flexible options with respect to installation and home phone line requirements.
As you consider which Alarm System will best meet your protection needs, it is wise to have a grasp of several common features offered by home security companies. These include:
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best Alarm Systems available today. We hope these reviews help you find the right alarm system to protect yourself, your property, and your loved ones for years to come!
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