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Vector Security Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 3.1 / 5 (Very good)
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Founded in 1970, Vector Security offers home and business security solutions to over 300,000 customers across North America and the Caribbean. With multiple locations and authorized dealers, Vector Security is an industry leader, and it provides home automation, video surveillance, energy management, environmental hazards monitoring, and personal emergency management response, among other services. The company has earned multiple awards, including the Frost & Sullivan North American Commercial Alarm Monitoring Company of the Year. Vector Security is based in Warrendale, Pennsylvania.

How is Vector Security rated?

Breakdown

3.0/5
Equipment
3.5/5
Monitoring Options and Technology
0.0/5
Value
2.3/5
Contract Flexibility

Overall Rating: 3.1 / 5 (Very good)

With over 40 years in the home security industry, Vector Security has earned several awards and acknowledgments for its contributions to the industry and to its commitment and contributions to preventing the costs and time spent on false alarms.

Vector can monitor your home or business through a cellular connection to ensure continued coverage and can also help you save money from false alarms with its nationally recognized false alarm protocol. Vector Security is currently trying to improve its customer support, a company weak point, by listening to its customers and finding solutions to their concerns. Among the security solutions available from Vector are burglar, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring, home automation, video surveillance, personal emergency response, and energy management. Vector is a bit more expensive than other industry leaders, but it does offer a comprehensive equipment warranty under which your home monitoring equipment will be inspected and repaired or replaced if required at no additional cost to you. With Vector Security, you can start monitoring your home with no money down. Keep in mind, though, that if you decide to cancel your contract before it expires, the fees you will have to pay are hefty.

How does Vector Security work?

Equipment - 3 / 5

Regarding its equipment, Vector Security does not manufacture its equipment. The company provides equipment by 2GIG. The company states that gadgets are manufactured to meet industry standards and technological advances and that the prices are the best available. It is important to remember that the equipment to monitor and automate your home must be professionally installed by Vector technicians. The system can be upgraded, and new devices can be installed, but only by professionals at Vector to not void their warranty. Something we like is that Vector offers free battery replacement services and a will move the equipment free of charge if you move. Additionally, every two years Vector will inspect your home security system to keep it in top shape. This is all provided under the SecurityCare Plus plan provided at no extra charge.
Installation
Professional
Ability to Reallocate System
Wireless Sensors
Control Panel
Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm

Security Monitors, Sensors, & Devices

Intrusion Protection

  • Door & Window Sensors
  • Motion Sensors
  • Crash & Smash Protection

Environmental Protection

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Flood
  • Temperature Change

Surveillance

  • Indoor Cameras
  • Outdoor Cameras
  • Doorbell Cameras
  • Tilt & Pan Cameras
  • Live Surveillance
  • Event-triggered Surveillance

Life Safety

  • Panic Button
  • Medical Alert

Monitoring

Monitoring Options and Technology - 3.5 / 5

Vector Security has three home monitoring plans to choose from, Basic Security for $39.95, Home Automation for $49.95, and the Connected Home Package priced at $69.95. All packages include professional installation and SecurityCare Plus, Vector’s extended warranty service plan at no additional cost. The Basic Package consists of a wireless control panel, three door/window sensors, and a motion detector. The Home Automation plan adds appliance/light modules and offers mobile solutions. The Connected Home package adds one indoor camera, a smart thermostat, and one door lock. These last two plans support home automation. All systems are professionally monitored by Vector's award-winning central monitoring station 24/7.
Monitoring Options
Professional Monitoring
Monitoring Technology
Cellular
Number of Monitoring Centers
1
Monitoring Center Type
Owned
Professional Monitoring Services
24/7 Professional Monitoring
2-Way Intercom

How much does Vector Security cost?

Contract Flexibility - 2.3 / 5

Vector Security has taken a lot of heat from customers regarding its contract and cancellation policy. As with any binding agreement, it’s of the utmost importance to carefully read the contract before signing it. Vector Security has created a Mobile Home Security Starter Guide that provides valuable information customers should know, including what to do before signing a home security monitoring contract. Vector offers the standard 36-month monitoring agreement. It also offers a 60-month plan but does not provide a month-to-month option. Customers should be aware of the cancellation process and the fact that if the service is canceled before the end of the agreement, the customer must pay any penalties that can include equipment costs, early termination fees and the monitoring fees remaining on their contract. Also, note that the monitoring agreement is renewed automatically if the service is not canceled in writing at least 30 days before the contract expires.
Monthly Fee (min)
$39.95
Monthly Fee (max)
$69.95
Number of Available Packages
3
Equipment Starting Cost
$0.00
Contract Required
Minimum Contract Length
36 months
Cancellation Policy
"We require each customer to sign a monitoring/service agreement that ranges from 36 to 60 months. We value our customers and make a significant investment in the products we use to support their needs. Because of this, should you wish to cancel your contract before it expires, you may be subject to penalties that may include but are not limited to equipment costs, early termination fees and/or the monthly monitoring fees remaining on your contract. We do have a policy for Military families and those conditions are part of our Military policy. Please contact your branch for information specific to your situation. If you still wish to cancel, you must provide a 30-day written notice to your local branch before the end of the contract period. We cannot accept cancellation requests via phone or email."
Warranty
One-year warranty from date of installation

Technology Integrations

Technology Integration - 4 / 5

The home automation features available from Vector Security are top of the line and can all be controlled via the highly-rated Alarm.com app for Android and Apple devices which can be downloaded at no cost from the App Store or Google Play Store. The base of the system is a panel that provides Crash & Smash protection and works over a dedicated cellular connection. The system is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Z-Wave devices to provide seamless remote access and control over the devices in the network. Additionally, customers can watch live surveillance video, program notifications via email or text, and arm and disarm their systems from the palm of their hand.

Compatibility

Google Assistant
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
IFTTT
Z-Wave
ZigBee
Z-Wave Plus

Mobile Access & Alerts

  • iPhone App
  • Android App
  • Email & Text Alerts
  • Live Surveillance Feed
  • Remote Arm/Disarm
  • Geo-location Services

Home Automation

  • Lighting Control
  • Thermostat Control
  • Appliance Control
  • Electronic Door Locks
  • Event-triggered Automation
  • History Log
  • Unique User Codes

Vector Security Reputation

Reputation - 3.4 / 5

Although Vector Security may be struggling with its poor customer service, it appears that the company is trying to improve it. In contrast to other home monitoring providers, Vector Security is promoting honest user reviews on the company website, by not only posting its positive customer reviews but also the negative ones. Vector is a Better Business Bureau accredited business and has earned an A+ rating, in part due to the attention the company has paid by addressing customers concerns posted to the organization’s website. The company has also earned many awards and certifications that attest to its commitment. Vector Security has received the FARA Industry False Alarm Reduction Achievement Award, the Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ) Award, President’s Award from the Association of Police Communications Officials (APCO), and the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) Associate Member of the Year Award all in recognition to the efforts and success made in reducing false alarms. Additionally, the company has won the Central Station Operator of the Year Award from the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), a non-profit organization that represents the monitoring industry, on several occasions.
Trust Pilot Rating
6.6 out of 5
BBB Rating
A+
Number of BBB Positive Reviews
1
Number of BBB Negative Reviews
5
Date Collected
2018-09-05
Year Founded
1970

Certifications & Associations

  • Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA)
  • Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)
  • Factory Mutual (FM)

Vector Security Summary

In Conclusion

Vector Security can be a good fit for customers who want reliable home security monitoring from a regional provider. The equipment Vector Security uses is manufactured by 2GIG; the same manufacturer used by industry leaders like Vivint, Protection 1, and Link Interactive. 2GIG devices are of superb quality, perform well, and are ETL and UL listed, which means that the devices are independently tested and meet applicable safety standards.

Vector Security offers home automation as well as. The company’s home automation solutions provide customers full control of their home as it allows them to build an “in-home ecosystem” that can be managed with the Alarm.com app and is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google. The application gives users full control not only from their smartphone but also from their tablet or smartwatch, perfect for the techies out there. You can add surveillance cameras as well to know exactly what is happening at home from anywhere. Home automation also lets you manage your energy use by controlling thermostats and smart lighting.

Keep in mind, though, that home security monitoring costs vary depending on the services and devices you add to your system. Vector offers three packages that are sure to meet your home security needs and budget. The company’s Basic Security option can be acquired for no money down and $39.95 a month. This option does not include home automation. The Home Automation and the Connected Home packages do. The former is available for $49.95 a month also with $0 down, and the Connected Home plan is priced at $69.95 a month after an initial payment of $99.

If you are looking for a regional home security company, and you are in Vector’s area of service, be sure to check it out. Remember to read the reviews to find out what current customers are saying about the company’s service in your area.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Company Phone
(724) 741-2200
Headquarters Address
2000 Ericsson Drive, Warrendale, PA, 15086

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