(Added Feb 4/12) The alarm was installed by a professional who did a great job. The installation was completed by 4:00 Pm on a Friday. We started to receive calls Friday night reminding us of the $50 referral, we received several calls Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Some of the calls were to check on our level of satisfaction. Finally I called asking for the calls to cease or I would terminate the contract. I was told I would be turned over for collection. I terminated the contract and I have tried to get rid of these people since then. I would strongly suggest a different alarm monitoring service.

(Added Jan 10/12) I've have monitronics alarm system for 5 years now and every time I make a mistake and trigger an alarm, they call within 1 minute or less to check. If you get an alarm system, it is a good idea to check that it works every now and then. Trigger it and see if they call back. Just like one should check fire alarm functionality every year, you should check to see if the home alarm system is functional every year or every 6 months. For me, I've triggered it by mistake a few times so that serve as my test cases and on one occasion, my pet triggered it and I got a call. It is a fairly basic service, is either it works or it doesn't. For me it has worked quite well. JMHO.

(Added Jan 10/12) I have had Monitronics for 10 years and have had only 2 service calls during this time.  I have found their equipment and personnel to be professional and cooperative.  If I accidentally do set my alarm off, my phone rings almost immediately requiring a password and inquiring as to my safety.  During the same time my local law enforcement has been contacted.  My only problem(which really is not one) is with the phone system being "locked down," I have to use my cell to cancel my local law enforcement as Monitronics has already got them on the way.  Yes, Monitronics does cancel the call to my law enforcement, but I also do a follow up call to avoid any local charges from my local law enforcement.

(Added Jan 9/12) Don't let them hook you up for a three day trial, they will sabotage you. We went with this company because they were nice and helped us with our tv. The two salesmen were fine at first and did not pressure us too much. But then they would not take no for an answer, as we wanted time to think about it, but insisted on hooking it up that day, reassuring us the whole time that we had three days to disconnect. Then trouble started when we called them and got more pressure from the manager and the same two sales people returned to pressure us again and they finally sent a guy to disconnect our unit (we own the equipment) he wired the monitor to the 24v power supply so when it was plugged back in, it smoked the remote monitor keypad. SAVE YOURSELF THE MONEY AND TROUBLE AND GO WITH SOMEONE ELSE!!!!!!!!

(Added Jan 6/12) This service has caused us nothing but problems.  Upon canceling (sending a certified letter to cancel) we were billed for additional months of service!  We had no contract, yet Monitronics insisted we owe them additional funds.  Customer Service is useless, and after being transfered around for 1 hr and 37 minutes, I gave up and paid the bill.... very unhappy with this company.

(Added Dec 19/11) We have had Monitronics alarm system since September 2009.  All this time we thought it was actively protecting our home, come to find out after an incident of the alarm being set off accidently we did not receive a phone call from the company to check to see if everything was alright.  So we called them.  They had us run a test and nothing happened. It waas not working.  Had a Technician come and found out that the central station panel for alarm was completely different than the one they had on file.  So according to Technician the alarm has never been active since it had been installed.  We called Monitronics while Tech was still there and had him explain the problem.  We were told they would have to review the case and would call us back.  Well, they did and we were told it was our fault because we should have ran test ourselves.  That it was not their responsibility and that we have no recourse or refund on our end.  We spoke with another local alarm company and was informed that they themselves check at least once and sometimes even more per month that the system is functioning properly. What is the responsibility of Monitronics.  Basically we have paid for services not rendered for three years.  Now they want us to pay remainder of contract.  What do we do? I don't think we should have to honor the contract as we have paid three years for nothing.

(Added Nov 30/11) Monitronics has got to be the absolutely most frustrating and dishonest company in the United States. I have been trying to cancel their service for one entire year.  I started with a phone call which they managed to deflect because I wasn't certain of my password. They sent me my password and I attempted to cancel again. I was assured it would be cancelled but they continued to send me bills. My wife paid them because she felt the service was still being provided.  I then faxed them and still received a bill. I then mailed them a letter; still a bill. I finally decided the only way to get their attention was to NOT pay the bill. That did receive a response. They agreed to stop sending me a bill, if I'd pay another month. In order to hopefully stop I paid them. Guess what, I got another bill. I ignored it and received another bill the next month. FINALLY, the day after Thanksgiving I called again and they claim to have zeroed out my account, cancelled it and will send me a zero balance statement next month.  Let's see what happens.  This company sucks.  I plan on posting this on every single alarm review site I can find on the internet.

(Added Nov 2/11) Hands down the worst experience I've ever had with any service provider.  Unfortunately, at least until my contract expires, the experience will continue to be my own personal hell.  I would delve into the details, but the list is too extensive.  Wait, what's that?  Oh, it looks as though I'm receiving another harassing phone call from this company.  If you enjoy nightmares in the daytime, then yes, by all means go with MONITRONICS.

(Added Sep 20/11) DO NOT GO WITH MONITRONICS!!!!! We went with this company because their logo was plastered everywhere in our new house...Salesman was fine and did not pressure us too much. Trouble started after we moved away. We kept the monitoring service in order to offer our renters an alarm we did not find out until a year later that the renters had another company come in and switch out all the monitoring gear neither did Monitronics...curious that an alarm monitoring service would not know that their gear had been removed. After finding out that monitronics was in essence monitoring nothing for us we attempted to cancel the service and no let the run a rounds begin. It has been three months after our initial attempt to cancel and each time we seem to get a different the last one was that we had no submitted in writing our desire to cancel service.....submit in writing???????Is a phone call not enough? We have now gone so far to record our conversations with the reps to get them on tape saying that our service is terminated we shall see at the end of the month. SAVE YOURSELF THE TROUBLE AND GO WITH SOMEONE ELSE INSTEAD!!!!!!!!

(Added Sep 20/11) First I would like to say this is the best alarm system monitoring service. I never had any problem with them. I can always get in touch with a professional American customer service rep who are very professional and patient. I've had them for almost 4 yrs. And second I'm really an active customer not paid endorser to make monitronics look bad like these other negative comments. They are not installers or technicians who come to your house. They monitor your alarm. They do a great job. They subcontract the installer and technicians.

(Added Sep 20/11) Like a lot of the reviewers here, I thought I was signing up for a 12-month contract.  In May, I short-sold my house in California and moved to a rental where I was not allowed to have an alarm system.  So when I called to cancel my service, they said I needed to send a letter and give them 30 days notice.  After I did this, I still received a bill the next month (forwarded from the old address).  When I called, only then did they said I had a 36-month contract and still owed about $600.  I went around and around with them until I was contacted by someone from their Executive Response Team.  They offered to "cancel" my contract if I paid them 50% of my outstanding balance.  Finally 4 months later, I negotiated a payment of $200 to "cancel my contract."  My advice to anyone out there is to stay away from Xcel Alarms and Monitronics.  There are plenty of companies out there who will give you alarm monitoring without a contract.

(Added Sep 17/11) ok.... i do like my system but what they DON'T tell you is that if your system fails or needs a repair. you may have to wait up to a week to get repairs. While they are telling you its all under a lifetime warranty and you never have to worry that they will replace the equipment, what they DON'T tell you that after 6 months into the contract you will be required to pay a service fee of 50 dollars or more if they have to repair or service your system. and if someone did break in your house and slammed your home monitor panel to the floor YOU will have to buy another one. I had a sensor go out last week and called them and they told me it was gonna be Wednesday next Wednesday.. I called on a Tuesday talked to 2 supervisors and i would not give up so they called Monitroincs and got someone her Friday. But it took a whole lot of complaining and yelling lol to get it done. I recommend you really read all the fine print on your contract. Oh yea and they are selling my contract to Monitroincs. what up with that? Ill be done with them after contracts up forsure. I hate companys that are shady and do not feel you in on all charges. Honestly I think they all do shady stuff.. Read the fine print please!!!!!!

(Added Aug 28/11) This company does nothing to work with you when & if you have a problem. Their sales Reps do a great job convincing you into a 3year contract with a Free Alarm system. There is no way to get out of this contract even if you move, you will still be liable for the remaining monthly fees even if you no longer live there and someone else does. Once they get you in a contract there is no reason for them to help you with any issues or problems beyond that, since they have your money for the next 3 years regardless. I really don't believe that they care for their customers, I do not recommend this company to anyone. Your better off going with a better known company even if the monthly fees are higher, it is worth the extra customer care in the end.

(Added Aug 28/11) Horrible service and monitoring. They do a great job getting you to agree to a 3year contract & then provide horrible monitoring service that your stuck paying for 3years no matter what. Not even moving will get you out of the contract. So essentially even if you move they will continue to bill you till the end of that contract even if your no longer living there & someone else is. I've had 4 false alarms for different reasons and despite giving the passcode which should cancel the false alarm & dispatching the police. They sent out the police & called down the list of our local contacts. So I am stuck with payin the false alarm fees for all 4. You will end up paying more with this company than just the monthly fees. It is not worth getting a free system in the end.

(Added Aug 14/11) Monitronics is a nightmare.  For the third time the police and fire department have bee dispatched to my house.  They are unable to fix the problem with the alarm system and only want to continue to test.  I have to send a letter to cancel the system and they say they are going to send me a bill for the remainder of the term.  Do not do it. Go to a reputable company.

(Added July 4/11) I have had monitronix for 1 year and it has been a nightmare. They never answer their phone calls, and it takes forever for someone to come when they do and theres a problem with the system, like more than a week. This is a problem considering that the alarm should be fixed quickly since its an alarm, an emergency tool. The monthly bill is high, and the system breaks down with defects almost every month. I do not recommend Monitronix or Alphaone.

(Added June 4/11) This company is amazing!  They are unlike any other alarm company that I have encountered.  They were very friendly to my family and I.  They were really LOW PRESSURE sales.  They explained our options and the benefits of the system.  They also explained everything about the contract and some of the things that we may not like.  For example, having to pull credit or that it is a three year contract.  When they did the install, the installer was amazing.  he knew what he was doing and cleaned up his mess.  He was very friendly and took the time to explain everything to us.  I would highly recommend going with this company.  They actually care about their customers and were very helpful.  I wish there was more companies like this!

(Added June 4/11) I have been with monotronics for almost eight years but the past year has been nothing but pure hell. Everytime it rain, my home telephone has no dial tone and the alarm stop working.  The phone company come and when they are done, they say something is going on with the alarm equipment and when Monotronics come out, they lay the blame on the phone company. Everything start back working when the rain stops, The technician from the phone company have told monotronics what the problem is but monotronics never repair the problem successfully. Within the past year, my house have not been protected because when i do a test of my alarm.  Monotronic never get a signal and i am so pissed with monotronic.  I don't want them back into my house ever and i am cancelling my contract and i don't care what they say.  They can send it to the credit bureau.  I am disable and living on a fix income so they cannot garnish my social security benefits.  I am going with another company....Please don't use this company.  Customer service is bad and they are hard to reach by phone.  Just a terrible company...Garbage

(Added June 4/11) I have been with Monitronics for 16 years and have had no problems with Monitronics.  My original alarm company "Alarm One" I did have several problems.  Alarm One has gone out of business which is understandable since they were a shady company.  After my first 3 year contract was up with Alarm One, Monitronics offered to monitor for $18.85 monthly which has been since 1998. For those of you that are having problems with your alarm, you need to deal with the alarm company that actually installed.  Monitronics just monitors

(Added June 4/11) I scrolled through a couple of the recent reviews.  Do any of Monitronics' customers take the time if we want to write a good review of Monitronics?  I wouldn't know.  I found them to be useless.  The equipment was installed by a couple of lummoxes (lummoxen?).  I had them out three times but they couldn't get it right.  The installers made a mess of my wall and the service never responded to the one triggered alarm that I had.  I had to call 911 myself.  Their customer service folks are nice and helpful, but their service is useless.

(Added May 3/11) We have had Monitronics for 3 years now. We have had no problems with the company whatsoever. We have 2 cats who have tripped our sensor a couple of times, and Monitronics was right on top of it, and sent someone immedidately to the house. They have been very courteous and understanding when they had to respond to our false alarms. We feel their monthly fee is reasonable and have been very happy with the company.

(Added May 3/11) I have had nothing but a GREAT EXPERIANCE with Monitronics. I've been with them for 3 years and I just got an FREE up-grade and reduced monthly rate by signing another 3 year contract. Thank you Monitronics. <customer in>. Pasco County, Florida.

(Added May 3/11) I am SO thankful to have found this page as I got a phone call telling me I "won" an alarm system from Monitronics. After reading these reviews, I told the phone rep I was not interested. She got angry and ended up hanging up on me. Weird.

(Added May 3/11) Horrible customer service!  Stopping service even if you don't have a contract is awful....They have a "cancellation policy" that requires you to cancel in writing (not so bad) but they won't cancel until 30 days after receiving your letter....and if they don't like your letter...say you didn't provide them with the reason you are cancelling as if it is any of their business, they will not cancel your service.  So folks, run....very far and fast to another company.

(Added Mar 22/11) My review is strictly regarding Monitronics and their process of ending your contract.  Short and sweet:  DON'T enter into a contract with these people in the first place!!  Prior to entering into a contract with a new provider I studied reviews, which I sorely wish I had done with Monitronics.  Their per month charge is excessive compared to others, they charge for EVERYTHING, which other companies do not, and they are very difficult to end their services.  I do not typically send reviews, but I felt compelled to send this one.

(Added Mar 18/11) I have had nothing but problems from this company. Started out with a full week delay in having the the alarm installed. Afterwards I found out that the $39.95 they were charging is a premium rate...shot myself in the foot there for not shopping around. Then when I moved they had a string of requirements for a rental property and they wouldn't update my address once I had relocated. Here I am a year later with my old address still on the account. (I've given up trying to get them to change it) I even wrote a letter which they required to terminate my contract. I would warn any one from working with this company in the future! Service and price do matter!

(Added Mar 9/11) I was woken up at 5 this morning to my dogs....(read the whole review)

(Added Jan 26/11) I am so frustrated with Monitronics. We started having real problems with our alarm system several months ago. We locked up for the night, turned on the alarm and about ten minutes later the police came to our home and told us the silent alarm went off. We have had several issue such as this. We called Monitronics. They told us it must be a bad battery. They sent a serviceman to install and correct the issues of the alarm going off for no reason. We were charged $174.00 dollars to which we are not happy about. It is their system we are using. They would not just send us a battery, they told us a technician had to install. Well, our security system is really acting up. My daughter was home alone, the alarm was not on. She went out to her car and four policeman came because, once again the silent alarm went off, but this time the alarm was disarmed. A few nights ago we had the doors and window alarm on. I came out of the laundry room and the alarm went off, very loud. Every time we open the door even though the alarm is disarmed the system tells us the door is open. We cannot cancel because of the contract which we were told it was a year. After our contract is up they can either come get there system or we will throw it out the front door because it is a piece of junk.

(Added Jan 3/11) This is a pathetic alarm service for a high price.  It is not a smart alarm by any stretch of the imagination.  When the alarm goes off it ties up your phone system for 5 minutes, because it has to send a signal to Monitronics in Texas! A good place to have your monitoring company, if you lived in Texas; however, I live in Oregon.  Most of the time the alarm does not go off until I've been in the home for about 5 minutes.  Enough time for someone to rob you blind.  It seems to be a 5 minute rule for these unprofessionals.  On a scale from 1 to 5, I give this company a 1, at the most!!

(Added Dec 30/10) When I signed up for Monitronics the sales man assured me it was a one year contract. "One year and if I don't like it I can cancel?' I asked directly. "Yes" he said. "No problem." Well 18 months later I want to cancel and I am told that they do not give one year contracts. My paperwork says 36 months! I am stuck with this company for 3 years. I know i should have read the contract. But who does? I trusted this company to deal in good faith and they are just con-men. Do not use Monitronics!!!

(Added Oct 30/10) I have been with Monitronics since 2004. I had an ADT Alarm system already in the house and they hooked up everything, installed a hard wire cell phone cause I didn't want a box on the outside of the house that could be compromised. I signed a 2 year contract, when that was up they offered me another 2 yr contract at a fixed price of $38.27/mo for 2 more years. I called and wanted a key fob, they came out, programmed the system and gave it to me free, I paid $35 service call and extended my contract for 1 yr. They later credited that to my account. I had a problem with the system after a power outage it was tripping the alarm, they sent a technician that night, he went over everything, put some kind of delay on it and never had one single problem with it since,  I'm grateful they are out there no nonsense, no high overhead and always respectful when we communicate.

(Added Oct 30/10) I signed a 3 yr contract with Monitronics in 2006. In year 4, I leased out the house and asked to cancel my contract. They tried to persuade me to keep the service by lowering the monthly rate and providing a remote clicker to disactivate the alarm from outside the house. I thought about it and agreed. I waited 2 months for the lowered rate and remote to come in the mail...nothing. I got POd and called to cancel definitely (I had heard rumors that they were difficult to cancel with). They tried to persuade me to stay again...doubling the reduced rate and sending 2 remotes. NO WAY - Cancel. So they said I would have to write a cancellation letter and MAIL it!!!!! Then a rep would call to confirm (and ask why and try to get you to reconsider). Anyway...I canceled. Sent the letter, got the phonecall...and the next month BANG another charge for service!! I was silly to think that they would actually stop autodebiting my account. I called the bank to contest the payment and will go in to sign the affidavit to stop all future payments. They are NOT professional.

(Added Oct 14/10) While I have not had an instance where my alarm actually went off, I have had no problems w/ Monitronics. From day one I was fully aware that I was purchasing a 5 year contract.  If I didn't want to be in a 5 year contract, I simply would not have signed.  I'm sorry for people who sign contracts without understanding the terms.  I now want to move my service from my home to my mother's home, and Monitronics will move the equipment for free.  I have not experienced any bad customer service, or outsourced customer service.  My only complaint really is the price ($47 a month) after someone telling me other places will give you deals for like $30 a month (though, when I look up ADT's site, their prices are around $40 - 50 anyway).  The people who install your alarm are just 3rd party contractors, just like Directv and most cable companies do anyway.  But the guys that installed mine did it quickly, efficiently, and with little fuss.  I really don't get the bad reviews.

(Added Oct 5/10) I too am having issues with Monitronics regarding the cancellation of our contract. We had to sell our house and moved into a rental where the owner does not want a security system. I have been told by Monitronics that I am now liable for the remaining part of the contract, the balance is around $1400! I even tried to find a family friend that wanted to take over the contract but have had no luck. I was told by another agent of another alarm company that in CA the company cannot require a 5 year contract and the contract can be terminated due to a move. Is this true?

(Added Sept 29/10) Monitronics is the worst company in customer service.  They take your money no problem, but do not try to cancel the service.  We had their service for three years - never an alarm, so they had to do nothing to earn the money.  Then we were being transferred and trying to cancel the service was a nightmare.  After 3 phone calls, and two faxed requests I still received an invoice three months after I canceled service. We definitely went with a new provider at the new house.

(Added Sept 16/10) Monitronics is the worst company I have ever dealt with. I filled out the initial paperwork and though the paperwork was filled out correctly they keyed in my address wrong. Our first alarm had security more than 20 block away from where we live. In return for making this critical mistake, they said "sorry about that". Nothing else was done on our behalf even though I asked. Basically we had 7 months of worthless monitoring. We then had a front door alarm when our system was disarmed. They assured me it was impossible and that we were responsible ($35). However, it turns out it wasn't our fault, we had received a "ghost alarm" by someone setting up a new alarm in someone elses house. Monitronics is uneducated about the systems they monitor, they will do nothing if the mistake is on them, and their customer service is useless. Our alarm installers (Titan Alarm) have been awesome and supportive.

(Added July 26/10) We have had Monitronics for 4 years and have been very satisfied. The few times that the alarm went off accidentally they were right on it - calling us within a minute to ask for the password. We feel safe with our alarm system.

(Added May 28/10) Been with Monitronics for 8 years, it had raised price every year.  Finally decided to cancel the service, was told I needed to write for cancellation.  WTF?  I did write, but the Rep then called to ask reason, also tried to talk me into signing another 12 month contract with cheaper price.  I said no, and he said he will cancel my account after 30 days.  WTF?

(Added May 27/10) We have had Monotronics for over 10 years.  Recently we noticed....(read the whole review)

(Added May 18/10) Monitronics is a really bad company. All they do is lie! Please do not go with them for security alarm service. I signed up for service in Colorado and was told if I moved that the service and system would go with me. Well, guess what I moved to North Carolina and they are telling me that I have to pay $$ and that I will have to extend my contract for 22 months! What a slimy, sneaky company. The people that work for the customer service also round about sneaky. Do not go with Monitronics what ever you do. I regret it.

(Added May 18/10) I am a little surprised by some of the reviews and specifically the complaints about Monitronics.  The technician who installed my system did it in....(read the whole review)

(Added May 7/10) Their alarm service has been sufficient for me for over 12 years, but their customer service is poor. I feel their reps that handle phone calls are incompetent. I moved and the new owner of my former home called to take over the account. Monitronics never sent him a new contract to sign and they continued to bill me even after 2 phone calls to transfer the service. On the 3rd phone call I was finally told that I have to send notice in writing by snail mail.

(Added Apr 30/10) After 10 years as a customer, I am convinced that Monitronics delivers competent alarm monitoring. However, I am also convinced that they do not have the same competency regarding customer service. They appear to have unreasonable requirements for cancellation of service, and will not stop service until 30 days from when they claim they receive the cancellation request (by snail mail). This clearly is rigged to make Monitronics money for not even performing a service (if I have moved, how could I use their service?). The BBB records indicate cancellation complaints are abundant, and it doesnt appear that the company really cares to change their image. In summary, a company (like a chain) is no better than its weaker link, and customer service policies and procedures at Monitronics are not "world class" by any stretch of the imagination.

(Added Apr 30/10) I too initially had good experience... the system was installed....(read the whole review)

(Added Apr 21/10) I just had this system installed and I guess I should have read the reviews before signing the contract.  It took the technician 4 visits before getting it completed and I have wires running down the side of the house and across the middle toward the garage.  It's a mess and it is not what I had agreed to.  The technician kept hinting for a tip, he was late and did a horrible job. I can't wait until my three year contract is up to rip the wires out.  Not looking forwarding to cancelling the contract after all the complaints I read.  The first and last time I will purchase anything from a door to door salesman.

(Added Apr 12/10) I had a door to door guy come up, I should have known something was up when he kept insisting that he could get it installed same day.  The guy who installed messed up my wall.  Another issue is the salesman kept stating that I had to keep the sign in my front yard for 2 years or it would void my agreement.  That's when I assumed I was signing a 2  year agreement.  He said this about 8 times about the sign needing to be in the yard for 2 years.  When I signed the contract I didn't read the exact amount of time I was signing for as I thought it was 2 years.  It's in fact 5 years.  I'm moving now and I don't hate the alarm or the company but I wish he would have been up front with the 5 year contract.  I would not have signed one for that long.  The alarm system works, it's only been tripped once by my realtor and the police were called right away, I just usually don't get bamboozled into long contracts.  I'm hoping the new home owner wants to take over the contract as they can't move the system to my new place.  Or I will have to pay 1700 bucks to get out of my contract.

(Added Mar 29/10) I've been with Monitronics for 10 years now and have had no problems. I see that most of the complaints here have to do with either the system not working or about canceling the service. I had my alarm installed by another company and then had Monitronics do the monitoring.... So I can't comment on the quality of the system they provide. The one that I have works very well. It goes off when it should, and it doesn't when it should not.  And, I have never tried to cancel service, so I can't comment on that.  But I can say that when my alarm DOES go off, I do receive a call from them asking if everything is okay, except in the few times that I have been able to get the alarm turned off immediately after it is tripped.  So, all in all, I have no complaints. Just my two cents worth.

(Added Mar 29/10) I have had Monitronics for almost 3 years and I was happy at first. The alarm has gone off once and they immediately call me to make sure I'm safe.  My main concerns are the bad Customer Service when calling them, the RAISE in prices without notification. I will not be renewing my once my contract expires this year.  I would not recommend this company to anyone.

(Added Mar 28/10) First off I would like to say is that Monitronics is a great company and what people don't understand why there system isn't working right, it's because it is the company that installed the system didn't do it right. Maybe if everyone understood that monitronics doesn't install your system, its a sub-contractor that does it. So when it doesn't work right, don't blame monitronics for it. Blame the door to door salesman that sold you it! Think about it!

(Added March 4/10) I have no real complaints about Monitronics monitoring capabilities. However, the quality of their customer service reps is beyond awful. You'd think that it is every CSR's first day on the job whenever you call in. I have nothing against people who cannot spell or articulate a thought but when it is their job to communicate accurate information then we have a problem. I would suggest to keep looking at other companies if you are considering hiring Monitronics.

(Added Feb 25/10) I am disappointed in the service and lack of information I received when I accepted the system to be installed. I was not told that I needed a permit, which after calling several times they said that I needed to get the permit, not them. Turns out I did not need one, but I had to call the police dept. to set up the response system, which I was not told to do. I now have to call the fire staion to get a response number and then I have to notify Monitronics. If only!  Everytime I call they cut me off after a few words of conversation, so I do not get any info that I need. I am completely unhappy and can't seem to get anyone to help me! I have also asked numerous times to have a sign put up in my yard, but they must be ashamed because they still have not put one up! I am completely dissatisfied, I feel I have been scammed. At this point I don't think I have any service and am now convinced I really did not even need this system at all!

(Added Feb 24/10) We've had Monitronics for several months now, and haven't had any problem. Once, a false alarm occured and the police were on the property within 10 minutes (response time varies depending on where you live) I honestly don't have any idea why people are complaining! The only problem is that they do not install smoke detectors for free, you have to pay extra. Same for 2nd story Glass break sensors. However, if someone breaks in on the second story, I will just bash his head in, no need for security systems.

(Added Feb 16/10) I thought that I was getting a good company.  Do not deal with these people they raised the rate and when I went to give them notice they told me that I would be paying an extra month for the notice even though the contract is up in May and it only Feb.  They still want the extra month.  It says in the contract that you must give notice before the contract is up.  I think Feb comes before May????  They will nickel and dime you to death and the rep that I spoke to asked that I put in writing why I did not want their service anymore.  That happens to be none of their business unless I want to make it their business.  Why would that be important when I want something cancelled, cancel it, don't keep calling me....

(Added Feb 16/10) (Updated May 10/10) We have Monitronics for over 10 years. They are excellent. I am stunned to see all of the negative reviews. They do a very good job as far as monitoring. Installers of these systems - well that's another story. You really need to make sure you screen them and insist on an extremely experienced installer and not just one out of boot camp. A bad installer can ruin everything! A good installer makes the whole experience so much better! Update: I stand by my previous statement.

(Added Feb 12/10) I have had Monitronics for several years now, and someone broke into my house the other night while we were asleep! The alarm activated immediately and Monitronics had contacted me within 30 seconds. The police arrived almost immediately. We are very satisified with Monitronics home security.

(Added Feb 11/10) Save yourself the time, frustration, and money and DO NOT - DO NOT - DO NOT get taken in by this shabby company.  The system is unpredictable and performance is unpredictable, the monitoring is beyond poor, the equipment is subpar when it decides to work as advertised, and the support is horrible.  Getting this system is the biggest regret of my 30's and I'm 5 years in!  HORRIBLE - HORRIBLE - HORRIBLE!  I'm waiting for the class-action suit to be filed - because I am definitely in!

(Added Jan 31/10) I own a small business and when we opened had a Monitronics system installed.  The day before yesterday my business was broken into and....(read the whole review)

(Added Jan 9/10) My dissatisfaction with this company goes beyond words.  I would not recommend their services to....(read the whole review)

(Added Jan 9/10) We've had Monitronics as our home monitoring system for the last six years or so.  The dealer/installer was doing cold calls in our neighborhood and my husband took the bait.  I wasn't thrilled at first (I would have preferred to do some research), but we've had no problems with the company since day one.  Our installers were great, no issues with installing the keypad or sensors.  The actual monitoring has been great as well.  We had one instance when we were on vacation that the alarm went off.  They couldn't reach us, so they contacted my sister (who lives around the corner from me) and when she got there, the police were ALREADY there.  She walked around the house with the police and couldn't find anything.  When we got home, we discovered one of the sensors had fallen off the door, causing the alarm to go off.  I have no problems when I call Monitronics for service.  I have no other companies to compare them to, but we have been very happy with Monitronics.

(Added Jan 8/10) I have had Monitronics monitor my alarm since Oct. 2003.  At first, their service was reliable and inexpensive. However, their....(read the whole review)

(Added Dec 4/09) We've had Monitronics for about 10 years.  The price now is 6 times what we were originally paying.  They finally pushed us past what we were willing to spend.  The problem is that we have spent hours trying to get service canceled.  They put us through a barrage of questions, tried to hard-sell us on keeping the service, then said we would need to send a letter that includes the reason why we are canceling.  I don't mind sending a letter, but I don't appreciate being put through the gauntlet to find out that the cancellation needs to be in writing.  So I sent a letter and just got a call from them.  I said I assumed they were calling to confirm cancellation, but they had received my letter and were actually calling to try to hard-sell me again on keeping the service!

(Added Nov 24/09) Our contract is up, and I couldn't be happier to leave this company.  We began with a door to door free installation.  The first two installers both botched the install, resulting in misplaced censors and damaged drywall.  After repeated calls for service third guy knew what he was doing, but couldn't fix anything other than the system, so the damaged walls were on my bill.  The alarm went off while I was out of town, and when Monitronics called me they refused to call the police, saying it wasn't in my contract.  After arguing on the phone I had to call the local police myself from another city.  What's the point of the alarm system?  Turned out it was another misplaced censor with a false reading.  Monitronics went to a different cell carrier or some such, and neglected to notify us resulting in another false alarm.  After repeated calls they had to come out and swap the system again, requiring us to install a landline.  Somehow they lost our paperwork, cancelled our service, and neglected to communicate that with us, so for the last year we have had no service.  Granted, I should be testing the system monthly, but the service is still abysmal.  When we called to discuss the situation, the most Monitronics would do was reduce our monthy fee as an 'apology.'  We're done as soon as the contract is up.

(Added Nov 2/09) My alarm system has not worked in almost two years.  Every time I call Monitronics to set up a repair, they make do something ridiculous like the last time when they had me climb up on a ladder while balancing my vacuum and vacuum out the smoke detector only to discover when I get back on the line I have been disconnected.  I call back and have to start all over with another person.  If they finally admit they can't fix it over the phone, they tell me a technician will call in two days.  I tell them to call my cell phone since I won't be staying home for two days just to take their call.  The technician always ignores those instructions or doesn't get them and calls my home phone during the day when I'm at work.  Then the work ticket gets cancelled because the technician couldn't reach me.  On my latest attempt, they gave the technician the wrong number for my cell and no home phone.  It's really ridiculous.

(Added Oct 24/09) We've had Monitronics for years and no real complaints, other than the repairman drilled through into the wrong place and messed up my kitchen wall.  And the latest was my backup battery would not recharge and we had just failed to get a new one.  The power flickered off during a thunder storm and Monitronics called me at 3 AM to tell me I had low battery power.  I guess if they had not notified me ASAP after they were aware of it, they could be held liable in case of a break in, but I really did not like being awakened at 3 AM:  My "mom alert" went off thinking my US Marine son had been injured or my elderly parents were sick.  Other than that, we have been pleased with Monitronics response.  I do wish the first thing on their answering machine when you call them is to ask if you have an emergency or need to report a false alarm, rather than asking if you need customer service about a bill or technical/repair service.

(Added Sept 18/09) Very expensive for the simple task of monitoring. They say they will reduce your monthly cost AFTER your contract. But they went up during my contract period. THEY CHANGED THEIR PRICE WHILE UNDER CONTRACT! Yes they can.... it was in the small print. So now I will try to cancel since my contract is done. Thanks for nothing Monitronics.

(Added Sept 18/09) Most incapable unprofessional people one can come across!  Biggest issue to date....(read the whole review)

(Added Aug 31/09) (Updated Jan 21/10) I have an alarm system installed by Platinum Protection, Orem, UT, but monitored by Monitronics....(read the whole review)

(Added Aug 12/09) Just what you don't want out of an alarm company...completely unprofessional and worse yet, unwilling or incapable of helping if something actually happens. I have had to call them multiple times when an alarm goes off as they have not called. Their response has been to tell me that it's "my fault" that something happened even though I haven't touched the system they installed. They said point blank that if something had happened to my house it would've been my fault and they would not have done anything about it. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!

(Added Aug 5/09) I am a real customer of Monitronics (not a competitor trying to make you look bad).  In my experience....(read the whole review)

(Added July 28/09) I had ADT for several years. A couple of years after signing the contract the system became defected due to mechanical malfunctions and when I called them to fix it they wanted to charge me more than two hundred dollars when no one had altered it or gave it improper use. The system didn't work for several years after they never tried to reach me regarding the defected equipment but did successfully keep on drafting the monthly payment from my account. I cancelled them one year ago and they still came to pick up their defected equipment. I then looked around and found a great company Monitronics that guarantees manufacturer warranty of the equipment for more than the term of my contract. My alarm has activated a couple of times and their response has been fast and handled properly. They have prevented one robbery that could have been successful. Best of all after the term is over my account converts to month to month basis and doesn't automatically renew for another year. I recommend Monitronics to anyone especialy those who have gone through the same situation I did.

(Added July 16/09) I have had Monitronics for 3.5 yrs. They have been fast to respond to my home needs. I have the GSM Backup System, because I do not have a phone line. My response time has always been well under 30 seconds for a call from Monitronics. Of course they have been false alarms, but I also test my security system. I'm really serious about my family safety. I never had to worry about any repairs so far but customer service have been good to my wife & I. I can't understand most of the problem people have been commenting on here. Just test your system and most of your issues would solved. My monitoring rate is fairly reasonable and after the end of agreement I asked for a lower rate they decreased my payment. So I'm happy with Monitronics service.

(Added June 24/09) (Updated Oct 15/09) DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE - My house was being stalked, so when....(read the whole review)

(Added June 14/09) What a joke of a company. These clowns are no better than....(read the whole review)

(Added June 11/09) I will start with the my initial problems of the cellular com system only intermitantly working.  They had no problem charging me for months that I had no real monitoring.  Then I had a house fire.  I pay for fire/smoke monitoring.  No Call, Panic button pushed by my wife did not work.  The next morning they called me to ask me if I knew that my garage door was open!  I yelled into the phone "You IDIOTS my garage door isn't there any more!" They said they would have some corp rep call me.  They of course never did.  I cannot believe I wasted my money on this piece of garbage company.

(Added June 10/09) (Updated Oct 15/09) I've got the the story that tops all horror stories of using Monitronics for your home security needs....(read the whole review)

(Added June 1/09) The alarm worked wrong from the beginning and kept picking up the phone on every call. It took over three months for someone to come out and fix it, they billed me for the fix, and the system still did the same thing. I spoke to them on the phone and was put on hold for 45 minutes to an hour until I hung up (I had calls that lasted over 1:30 according the the stopwatch on the phone) I wrote a letter to cancel it, and they started calling my family members from the call list at odd hours of the night and early morning (11pm, 4am).  In addition, I had 10 break-ins and the system failed to notice on 7 of them, which would have been more the fault of the installer who is now out of business.

(Added June 1/09) Wonderful Company!!  I have been with Monitronics for 7 Years. I am paying way less than I did when I first signed up. Why? Because I used my head instead of complaining about things that are not true. If you ask they will lower your monthly fee. Trust me, I have done it. My mom who is 83 years old did it and she can hardly speak English.

(Added May 26/09) My husband and I purchased a Monitronics security system because my sister was selling them....(read the whole review)