Whether you’re a fan or not, some home security companies require customers to sign contracts before accessing their equipment and services. Prominent brands like Frontpoint, ADT, and Vivint adhere to this practice, although it’s important to note that the term “require” may not be entirely accurate in every case. Understanding what happens to your Vivint equipment if you cancel your service is a common concern. While some companies may attempt to reclaim their equipment, Vivint has a different approach.
When you cancel your Vivint service, you retain ownership of all the equipment provided to you. The equipment becomes yours, and you can do whatever you wish.
Vivint’s billing structure consists of two components: monitoring and equipment costs. The equipment cost is typically bundled into your monthly bill and financed, often at 0% APR.
This arrangement is similar to a cell phone plan, where you can keep the phone once it is fully paid off. Similarly, with Vivint, it is yours to keep once you’ve paid off the equipment.
Now, let’s explore the available options when it comes to discontinuing your Vivint service.
Vivint Equipment cancellation policy and no-penalty contract
Vivint’s contract terms typically range from 42 to 60 months, translating to three and a half to five years. These terms are slightly longer than ADT’s contracts, which usually last three years (or two years in California).
However, it’s important to note that opting for a no-contract home security system doesn’t necessarily mean dismissing Vivint altogether. While that is certainly an option, it might overlook Vivint’s many advantages, especially if you have a house and plan to reside there for several years.
It’s worth mentioning that Vivint’s only requirement is a contract if you decide to finance your equipment over time. In such cases, they want to establish a contractual agreement to ensure timely monthly payments. So, in a sense, they don’t technically “require” a contract at all.
Now, let’s delve into Vivint’s cancellation policy. To cancel your contract, you can send the company a written Notice of Cancellation via snail mail, email, or fax. It’s crucial to provide this notice at least 30 days before your intended cancellation date. Include specific information in your cancellation notice, such as the date of the letter, your Vivint service number, your intent to cancel, a brief explanation of your reasons for cancellation, and your signature.
However, it’s important to note that despite canceling your contract, you will still be responsible for the remaining balance on your equipment. An early cancellation penalty may also apply, typically amounting to $300 during the first year and $150 after that.
You might look for a way to cancel without incurring a penalty. The surprising answer to that question will be discussed in the following section.
Use the equipment without monitoring the service.
In certain situations, a need to discontinue the monitoring service provided by Vivint may arise. Even if you choose to stop paying for the service, your alarm system will continue to function. If there are attempts to break into your home, the alarm will still sound, alerting you and potentially deterring the intruder.
While you won’t have access to the Vivint mobile app, you can still control the alarm system by using the keypad. Just like before, you can arm and disarm the alarm as needed. This means you can activate the alarm at night, and if there is any unauthorized entry, the siren will sound, providing an added layer of security.
Similarly, your security cameras will remain operational. But you can no longer view the camera feeds on your phone; you can access them from the control panel. The panel will store all your video clips until the storage reaches capacity. At that point, the oldest video will be deleted, making room for the newest recordings.
By continuing to use the equipment without the monitoring service, you can still benefit from the basic functionality of the alarm system and security cameras.
Can we switch companies?
You can choose a different home security company, such as ADT or another competitor. One advantage of switching is that you can retain some of your existing equipment and avoid the need to purchase everything anew.
However, it’s important to note that specific Vivint-specific equipment may not be compatible with other brands. The following items are examples of equipment that will not work with other companies:
- Vivint panel
- Vivint cameras
- Vivint app
On the other hand, there are equipment components that should work with other brands, offering some flexibility in your options:
- Vivint sensors
- Vivint thermostat
- Vivint door lock
It’s worth mentioning that most DIY systems like SimpliSafe and Ring are incompatible with Vivint equipment, as with many other brands. If you have Monitronics, for instance, their equipment will also not work with SimpliSafe and Ring.
And it is worth noticing that there is an exception to this rule. Ring cameras can be integrated with ADT security systems.
If you decide to pursue the DIY route, be prepared to invest in purchasing an entirely new set of equipment, as Vivint’s equipment may not be compatible with most DIY systems on the market.
After the cancellation of your Vivint service, you get to keep all the equipment that was provided to you. It becomes your property, and you have the freedom to use it as you wish. Whether you continue to utilize the equipment independently, switch to a different home security provider, or explore other options, you retain ownership of the Vivint equipment. This makes sure that you can make the most of your investment and tailor your home security system to your evolving needs.
