Breakups are complicated,
but sometimes it's for the best to say goodbye.
If things just aren't working
with your home security system,
you might still have to have that tough conversation.
If you have a system with a contract,
expect an even tougher process.
Companies like ADT and Vivint
are all about those long-term relationships
that can last anywhere from three to five years.
And if you aren't on top of things,
some systems can continue to charge month to month.
Whether you're moving,
found a system you like more,
or just don't feel like you need a home security system,
there are ways to stop your service without hard feelings
or awkward encounters at parties.
Join us as we look at how to cancel your service
with name brands, like Vivint, ADT, and SimpliSafe,
and check out our description for links
to our full guide on canceling your policy.
We're here to support you during this really hard time,
and who knows, maybe you'll find something better soon.
(gentle music)
Vivint is all about those long-term relationships.
The home security brand is known for contracts
that can last up to five years.
It can also make those relationships even more complicated.
That's because there are a few conditions
that come with Vivint.
You can finance your equipment
and pay it off over time,
or you can buy it all up front.
Plus, there's a monthly monitoring fee
that you'll have to pay either way.
Unfortunately, you can't break the news
to Vivint through text or ghosting.
Whatever your situation,
parting ways with Vivint requires a phone call.
If you're under a Vivint contract and cancel early,
you could still be on the hook
for at least half of the remaining cost.
That even applies to folks
who have paid off their equipment already.
There is one way to slide out easily,
and that's by transferring your contract to another person.
If you're moving to a new place, for example,
and you know the person to use your Vivint gear next,
you can transfer that service to them.
Just know it requires a $99 transfer fee.
You can see the full details
on Vivint cancellation on SafeWise.
We've got a link in the description for you there.
(gentle music)
Again, it ends with a phone call.
Like Vivint, you can't cancel your service
with ADT online or through the app,
but ADT is a little more forgiving
if things are off to a rocky start.
If you do find an issue with your system
that isn't fixable within the first six months,
ADT offers a money back guarantee.
However, after that, you're on the hook
for up to 75% of your remaining contract.
ADT contracts tend to land around 36 months or three years.
So that number will depend a lot on
how long you've used the service
and what equipment you have.
We have more on canceling your ADT service on SafeWise.
Check out the link above
or the description to see those details.
(gentle music)
Unlike Vivint and ADT,
SimpliSafe keeps things casual.
Without a contract holding you in place,
canceling is way less complicated.
You will still have to cancel via phone,
which isn't fun,
but because you paid for equipment from SimpliSafe up front,
you'll just be halting your professional monitoring.
After you cancel,
you can keep your equipment
and restart the service at any time.
And bonus, it works really well
as a basic self-monitored system without SimpliSafe service.
(gentle music)
The details may depend on
the home security system you're canceling,
but there are a few things in common.
You've got to end it over the phone; sorry.
Contracts make cancellation a lot pricier
and a lot more complicated.
And before you get into a new relationship
with a home security system,
be sure to read the contract.
Too bad breakups don't work like that too.
A lot of this will vary depending on
the kind of service you use,
what equipment you bought,
and whether or not it's all paid off.
And if you've had a different experience
with canceling these or other home security systems,
let us know in the comments.
We wanna hear about that.
With a little support and healing,
you'll be able to move on
and find a home security system
that truly works for you.
Check out SafeWise.com to see our top 10 picks
for home security systems,
and like and subscribe to see more Ask SafeWise.
If you've got a question for us,
let us know in the comments with the #AskSafewise.
Thanks for watching, and stay safe.
(gentle music)