Vivint Smart Home

I have had multiple issues with this company. I am paying over $ 70 a month for a system that doesn’t work in my town. I had an issue where my alarm went off. Town police never showed up. When I called the company, they simply stated that they have no control over how quickly a response will happen. While that is true, they sought me out and solicited their system to me. It was not the other way around. A company should know the average time it takes for police or fire to respond to a call. If it is 20 minutes, that is not protection! Thieves would have all my valuables out the door in less than half that time. Or worse, we could be murdered and the killer would be over state lines before the police even showed up! When I explained that this system doesn’t work and I wanted to cancel they told me I would still owe them close to $ 2,000 to finish out the contact. This company is a scam! They scare you into more than you need and if your town has a slow response time the system is useless. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!

This is my first home security system.
Researched multiple alarm systems and from that figured out I wanted a wireless system with connection to call police that I did not want to install myself. I wanted to avoid the variability of franchises and wanted a centralized company responsible for everything. I also wanted a company that with time you could add more linked features like fire detectors, carbon monoxide video cameras, link it to your keypad wireless lock.
From reading horrible reviews on multiple sites AFTER my purchase I was super scared I made the wrong choice. Folks talking about poor equipment, poorly trained staff, salesmen pushing expensive options inability to cancel contracts etc.
So far I have no major negatives to report– system has been installed for almost a year.
It was fairly easy to choose my final purchase after reviewing with sales person my home needs and security concerns. If anything sales man was trying to encourage me to get cheaper system. After choosing we solidified time for installer to come.
It was difficult getting the window desired– seemed very busy but the sales staff was in contact with me by email and phone to update me on my preferred availability. Day of install installer also communicated with me multiple times to give me an accurate ETA. He explained and reviewed what I ordered before installation and cost I had been quoted. I can’t recall but I believe before or after install he called sales line to verify all quotes. Definantly good I wrote down all credits I was quoted because apparently my sales guy gave me a super good deal. Install would have been quick except took forever to connect main panel to electric outlet through the wall. This is where I think it is true that installers they use are not electricians. But the installer seemed very knowledgable about what he was doing and his limits. He explained everything as he was doing it and answered all my questions. After a valiant prolonged effort he was able to install with no damage to my wall or electrical system.
Since the system has been installed, we have had several false alarms. I have been impressed by the speedy Vivint response. I like they alert you via email and phone. Even if alarm is off it lets you know of movement in any alarmed door or window. They also call back up folks and only if all this fails call police. But that happens fairly quickly — about 25 minutes for police to come on our first alarm. If you respond quickly enough they can cancel police call. In NY no extra cost for police response to false alarm. When I had some panel operational issues a quick phone call for fifteen minutes was all that was needed to upload new technology updates and get it back up to speed.
For $ 54 dollars a month, for me it’s well worth it to feel secure in my home. No desire to cancel and I like you have the option to bring the security with you when you move.
Minor negatives:
1.They forgot to give me when installing stickers and yard sign. When I called a few days later, they told me it would be a month for me to get these.
As a major part of alarm systems working is a deterrent sign — this was a major issue. I tried to reach my installer and sales contact to try and get this resolved sooner without avail.
2. The video technology they are developing is expensive and limited.

Shocked and amazed by the severe and intrinsic problems of this company. Took over a month to try and transfer an account, which never happened. Vivint also said we were never covered for the entire month, which is what made me ultimately cancel and go to a competitor. Stay far far away.