Many people looking to invest in a home security alarm system ask the same questions.."What is the difference between Brinks and ADT?", "Is Brinks cheaper than ADT?" "Does ADT have better service than Brinks?". We wish we had a crystal clear answer for you, but that is difficult, simply because both companies have opted to use "sub dealer" or "authorized dealer" programs. An ADT or Brinks "authorized dealer" is usually a local company that is contracted out, or given permission to install an alarm in your home on behalf of Brinks or ADT. Your account is then sold to corporate ADT or Brinks (usually for about $500-$600), who in turn do the actual monitoring and service on your alarm.
ADT vs. BRINKS:
What Other Similarities Are There Between Brinks And ADT?
Many systems installed by ADT and Brinks can only be monitored by them. The equipment may be "proprietory" (completely incompatible with any other company's monitoring service) or "locked out" (a special "installer code" is required to unlock your system for reprogramming). If you are not happy with the service, you cannot switch monitoring companies without (a): purchasing equipment from your new service provider, or (b): paying for a service call to have the system unlocked. You will also need to pay off the value of the contract. For example, if you are 12 months into a 36 month contract @ $35 per month, you will need to pay $840 to break it. It should be noted that most of the above can also be applied to any of the bigger nation-wide alarm companies.
Both are viable alternatives for those who cannot afford to buy a system outright. Although you will pay more in the long run, it's not a bad choice if you are strapped for cash. Using a Brinks or ADT "sub dealer" may be a decent choice for someone who rents their residence, as most systems they (the sub dealer, not the corporate entity) install are wireless and require a less invasive installation. If you move, you may qualify to have the equipment installed at your new residence for free, provided you have been with the company for a specific period of time (usually one or two years). It may also make financial sense for the company to install a new system for you, with devices and features comparable to your old system. The equipment left behind will hopefully be used by the new occupant (i.e. the company gains a new monitoring customer). Keep in mind your contract will most likely renew automatically if you move and choose to use this option.
Many systems installed by ADT and Brinks can only be monitored by them. The equipment may be "proprietory" (completely incompatible with any other company's monitoring service) or "locked out" (a special "installer code" is required to unlock your system for reprogramming). If you are not happy with the service, you cannot switch monitoring companies without (a): purchasing equipment from your new service provider, or (b): paying for a service call to have the system unlocked. You will also need to pay off the value of the contract. For example, if you are 12 months into a 36 month contract @ $35 per month, you will need to pay $840 to break it. It should be noted that most of the above can also be applied to any of the bigger nation-wide alarm companies.
Both are viable alternatives for those who cannot afford to buy a system outright. Although you will pay more in the long run, it's not a bad choice if you are strapped for cash. Using a Brinks or ADT "sub dealer" may be a decent choice for someone who rents their residence, as most systems they (the sub dealer, not the corporate entity) install are wireless and require a less invasive installation. If you move, you may qualify to have the equipment installed at your new residence for free, provided you have been with the company for a specific period of time (usually one or two years). It may also make financial sense for the company to install a new system for you, with devices and features comparable to your old system. The equipment left behind will hopefully be used by the new occupant (i.e. the company gains a new monitoring customer). Keep in mind your contract will most likely renew automatically if you move and choose to use this option.
Are There Any Other Pitfalls To The Sub Dealer Program?
Unfortunately, yes. As your account is immediately sold from the sub dealer to ADT or Brinks (who monitor and service it), the company that installed your alarm is no longer responsible for the installation. This can be a problem later if there is a malfunction with your system. Who's responsibility is it to service your alarm? The sub dealer, or the company who now services and monitors it? This can be quite frustrating for consumers.
Unfortunately, yes. As your account is immediately sold from the sub dealer to ADT or Brinks (who monitor and service it), the company that installed your alarm is no longer responsible for the installation. This can be a problem later if there is a malfunction with your system. Who's responsibility is it to service your alarm? The sub dealer, or the company who now services and monitors it? This can be quite frustrating for consumers.
So What Does This Site Recommend?
This site will not recommend or discourage anyone from doing business with any particular alarm company. But here are some popular pages on this site that may help you make your decision: ADT Customer Reviews Brinks Customer Reviews ADT Employees Speak Out
Above all, if you do decide to go with any alarm company that uses a sub dealer program, try to have your system installed and monitored by the corporate entity of that company.
This site will not recommend or discourage anyone from doing business with any particular alarm company. But here are some popular pages on this site that may help you make your decision: ADT Customer Reviews Brinks Customer Reviews ADT Employees Speak Out
Above all, if you do decide to go with any alarm company that uses a sub dealer program, try to have your system installed and monitored by the corporate entity of that company.
Important Updates:
It has come to our attention, and we have since confirmed, that ADT Canada no longer has an automatic 3 year contract renewal clause as a part of its monitoring agreements. The contract is now automatically renewed on a month to month basis. We have also learned (through a confidential "inside" source) that you can negotiate a new monthly monitoring rate with ADT after your original contract expires. Our source has reported that you can get a monitoring rate as low as $15 per month if you renew for another 3 years, and $20 month if you still only renew on a month to month basis. (This is for regular monitoring only, not cellular.)
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Here is an exerpt from an email we received from an employee of Brink's:
"I am a Brink's consultant. The only areas in which we have authorized dealers are areas in which we have no corporate presence. Those dealers are very strictly supervised and held to the same service standards as the corporate entity. ADT on the other hand competes within their corporate markets with their own authorized dealers".
It has come to our attention, and we have since confirmed, that ADT Canada no longer has an automatic 3 year contract renewal clause as a part of its monitoring agreements. The contract is now automatically renewed on a month to month basis. We have also learned (through a confidential "inside" source) that you can negotiate a new monthly monitoring rate with ADT after your original contract expires. Our source has reported that you can get a monitoring rate as low as $15 per month if you renew for another 3 years, and $20 month if you still only renew on a month to month basis. (This is for regular monitoring only, not cellular.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is an exerpt from an email we received from an employee of Brink's:
"I am a Brink's consultant. The only areas in which we have authorized dealers are areas in which we have no corporate presence. Those dealers are very strictly supervised and held to the same service standards as the corporate entity. ADT on the other hand competes within their corporate markets with their own authorized dealers".
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So Is Having An Alarm Installed By A Sub Dealer Of ADT Or Brinks A Good Or Bad Thing?
It depends, obviously, on the local company who did the installation. Some of these companies have top notch installers, who will do a terrific job on installing your system and take great pride in their work. Others though, have extremely limited skills, and are only trained to install the simpliest of wireless alarms (many sales people will recommend a wireless alarm not for your convenience, but only because they are installed quickly and cheaply). Some of these "fly by nighters" work out of their home garage, and rarely stay in business for more than a year. Try randomly dialing any of the smaller alarm companies in your yellow pages. You will find that about half of them are out of business! So it is very important that you research not only ADT or Brinks, but the local company that installs your system. Check out your local Better Business Bureau, and ask for references!
It depends, obviously, on the local company who did the installation. Some of these companies have top notch installers, who will do a terrific job on installing your system and take great pride in their work. Others though, have extremely limited skills, and are only trained to install the simpliest of wireless alarms (many sales people will recommend a wireless alarm not for your convenience, but only because they are installed quickly and cheaply). Some of these "fly by nighters" work out of their home garage, and rarely stay in business for more than a year. Try randomly dialing any of the smaller alarm companies in your yellow pages. You will find that about half of them are out of business! So it is very important that you research not only ADT or Brinks, but the local company that installs your system. Check out your local Better Business Bureau, and ask for references!
Vs.