Buyer beware
Comparing alarm companies? Watch for these tricks of the trade
Some larger security companies use sales tactics designed to look cheap up front and lock you in long-term. Here's what to look out for.
AMCO vs. what to watch for elsewhere
| Feature | AMCO | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Advertised install price matches what you actually pay | Often not | |
| Contract length | 1 year minimum | Up to 3 years |
| Equipment is open, any installer can take it over | ||
| Prices published openly, not only via a salesperson | Sometimes hidden | |
| Monitoring fees held over time | ||
| Speaks to a real decision-maker, not a call centre |
The most common trap: a very low advertised installation price, paired with a lengthy contract and monitoring fees that quietly rise year after year. Always ask about the total cost over the full contract term, not just the headline install price.
Questions worth asking any security company
A low headline install price is sometimes offset by a longer contract and rising monthly fees over time - so it's worth asking what the total cost looks like over 3-5 years, not just the install price.
Some providers - often larger, US-owned companies - use proprietary equipment that only they can service. If you want to switch provider later, that can mean replacing the whole system rather than just changing who monitors it.
Ask: what's the contract length and notice period? Is the equipment proprietary or open? Will my monitoring fee change over time? And will I be able to speak to a real person if something goes wrong?
See our full price comparison for a breakdown of typical costs, or our switching page if you're already with another provider and want to know what changing over involves.
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