Vector Security Plans, Deals, and Promotions

Vector Security Plans Overview

Vector Security made sure to keep its monitoring plans simple. The entry-level Essential Security plan covers home security but nothing more. The mid-range Home Automation plan adds in basic home automation and smartphone access. The high-end Connected Home plan provides home security and more advanced home automation.

Vector Security also threw in equipment packages to go with its monitoring plans. All three plans come with a touchscreen control panel, motion sensor, three door/window sensors, yard signs, and window decals at no additional cost. The Home Automation plan adds in an appliance/lamp module for free. You can also choose to get an indoor camera and smart lock without any upfront equipment cost if you agree to pay $10 more per month for each device. Connected Home includes the most number of devices, but it's the only plan that requires a $99 upfront payment. Besides the basic equipment package, it includes an appliance/lamp module, smart lock, indoor camera, and thermostat.

Finally, all three plans come with Vector Security's SecureCare Plus lifetime warranty service. As long as you're a paying customer, SecureCare Plus covers replacement and repair services at no additional cost. You can also take advantage of regular security system inspections (every two years), free battery replacement, and free equipment relocation if you move to a new address.

Choosing The Right Vector Security Plan

The best monitoring plan and equipment package for you is highly contingent on what you're looking for in a security system.

From a security perspective, the Home Automation plan package offers the highest value. For only $10 per month more than the Essential Security plan, it includes app access which has become a vital security component. The option to add video monitoring via the Indoor Camera and door automation via the Door Lock is also a plus.

If you want to delve deeper into home automation, the Connected Home plan is the most valuable. With only a minimal upfront fee requirement, it lets you get started with advanced home automation components while still providing a high security value.

Sales Process: Home Walk Through Vs. Shopping Online

If you're ready to pull the trigger, you can get started using one of two ways.

First is the traditional home walk through. You can leave your contact information on Vector Security's website or phone in to request a home visit. A sales representative will schedule an appointment, come to your house, and perform a walk-through to evaluate your security needs. They will provide you a sample quote and recommend security devices based on what they observe you need. Of course, they might try to pressure you into buying more products, so my advice is to have a prior understanding of what you really need and be firm on your buying decisions. Once you sign the contract and settle the fees, they will schedule an installation appointment.

Second, you can shop online. This works best if you're sure about what equipment to get. To get started, you'll be asked to choose a monitoring plan, add additional equipment, provide personal information like your address and contact details, and set an installation appointment. They will also perform an online credit check and identity verification. Once you place the order, a representative will get in touch with you to confirm it and then all you'll need to do is wait for the installation.

Watch Out For Long-Term Contracts

Before you sign up to any of Vector Security's monitoring plans, it's important to know what you're getting into, especially because Vector Security requires a long-term lock-in agreement. The minimum contract length is 36 months and the maximum is 60 months. To compare, there are security companies that offer 1-year or even month-to-month contracts. That said, you must ensure that you agree to all contract terms because early termination of the contract will subject you to penalties and other fees. For instance, you might be asked to pay the full price of the equipment that you acquired for free during the sales process. This is because the equipment price was only waived because you signed the lock-in agreement. You might also be asked to pay for the remaining months on your contract. For example, assuming your monthly rate is $49.95 and you cancel within the first 8 months, you'd be on the hook for $1,398.60. Again, read the fine print before signing the dotted line.

Ways To Cut Down Equipment & Monitoring Cost

Vector Security rarely offers up promotions on its monitoring packages. However, there are a couple of ways to potentially lower the equipment or monitoring cost.

First, you can try convincing them to lower the monitoring cost in exchange for signing a full-length five-year contract. Security companies often give discounts to customers who are willing to commit with them long-term, and Vector Security is no exception. Of course, you'll have to shake the tree pretty hard to convince Vector Security to give you discounts.

If that doesn't pan out, you can try negotiating with Vector Security dealers. Vector Security's dealership program allows local dealers to sell their equipment and services. Local dealers are often easier to cut a deal with. However, take note that while local dealers offer Vector Security's equipment and services, their customer service quality might be different. Before approaching a local dealer, be sure to do your own research.

It's also possible to get free equipment instead of discounts. Vector Security occasionally runs promotions that give new customers additional free equipment for free. For instance, at the time of writing, Vector Security offers a free Amazon Echo Dot to new customers.

Professional Monitoring, Cellular Monitoring & Professional Installation

Unlike other companies that give you options in terms of monitoring style, monitoring method, and installation, Vector Security only offers professional installation and professional monitoring. They also highly encourage users to use cellular monitoring. What do these terms mean?

Professional installation means a technician will bring the security system to your house and install it themselves based on your preference while ensuring that everything complies to local building and security standards. They will also help you activate the system and give you tips on how to operate the system.

Professional monitoring means a monitoring center will keep an eye on your security system for alerts 24/7. Alerts are sent to the monitoring center and are responded to accordingly. If an alert is detected, the monitoring center will try to contact you to verify the alert. You'll be asked to verify your identity and provide a verbal password. Failure to verify your identity or respond to their call will prompt the monitoring center to escalate the alert to local authorities.

Lastly, cellular monitoring refers to the communication method used by your system to transmit alerts to the monitoring center. Cellular monitoring is regarded as the most reliable communication method compared to landline and Wi-Fi broadband monitoring. It uses cellular signals, which is available in most parts of the U.S,. to send alerts. Because cellular signals rarely get disrupted unlike landline and internet, it's the communication method recommended by Vector Security. Still, Vector Security systems are still capable of using landline and internet. If you prefer these two communication methods, you can ask your Vector Security to use them. However, they insist on adding cellular backup that can temporary takeover in case your landline or internet connection fails to transmit alert signals.

Vector Security Plans Vs. Other Companies

This might seem hard to believe, but Vector Security plans are pretty inexpensive compared to monitoring plans from other companies. Sure, it's easy to find companies that offer monitoring for as low as $25, but what those companies fail to mention is the fact that their low-cost entry-level plans actually use landline monitoring. If you ask for cellular monitoring, your monthly fee will shoot up.

However, compared to other companies, Vector Security's home automation pricing is pretty steep. The $59.95/month base price of the Home Automation plan is not bad at all, but the monthly fee easily stacks up. If you go all in with all automation products available, your monthly fee could hit a stratospheric price of over $100/month. That said, think twice before choosing Vector Security as your smart home provider.