I annually call and renegotiate a lower AT&T Uverse cable bill. Surprisingly, I’ve never thought of calling to negotiate ADT price per month or any other utility bill in the past. I asked myself, “Are ADT prices negotiable?” because I’ve never heard anyone talk about it.
Here’s how it started thinking about lowering my ADT bill.
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Company Description
ADT Inc. started as the Gold and Stock Telegraph Company via the invention of a stock ticker by Edward Calahanin in 1867. It’s now recognized as the leading security provider in America.
This stock ticker was used to provide minute-by-minute information directly from the stock exchange floor. Along with this, a messenger system was developed that sent instructions to and from the stock exchange floor.
ADT Inc. now offers a full range of business and residential security monitoring services, from fire detectors, fire suppressors, and video surveillance to residential and commercial control systems.
The automation solutions offered by the company are designed in such a way that it detects intrusion and is capable of sensing smoke, fire, and even movement. These monitoring services include flooding and other environmental hazards, along with personal emergencies and injuries.
Their smart home solutions enable the consumers to use phones and tablets to arm or disarm their home security system and watch real-time monitoring of their premises. ADT adds to this list of smart living and offers functions that allow adjusting, scheduling, and managing lights, thermostats, garage doors, and other connected devices.
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How Much Does ADT Cost per Month?
After being an ADT customer for about 15 years, they’ve slowly and randomly raised my monthly bill, by mail notices, every few years. I was finally pushed over the edge when I got a letter saying they were raising my ADT monthly cost again by a couple more dollars. I pulled up my credit card statement to see how much does ADT cost per month.
My alarm bill went from sub-$50 to over $50 ADT cost per month for monitoring.
All these monthly subscriptions are adding up—cellphone…cable bill…Netflix…broadband…and more.
Here are 9 Steps For Lower ADT Rates in an Infographic
Is ADT Worth the Price?
Then I started thinking about the last time I “used” or spoke with someone at ADT. It’s been a long time.
Ultimately, not talking with ADT customer service is a good thing. It’s like having insurance; it seems like an unnecessary cost until you have an accident. Is ADT worth the price for over $50 a month?
A few months ago, I purchased three Nest smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. ADT wanted to charge me $100 for a smoke detector and $100 for a carbon monoxide detector on each floor.
It’s been over ten years since my detectors have been updated. I read that smoke detector sensors need to be replaced every ten years. It was much cheaper for me to buy the Nest combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector vs. ADT. I strategically placed the detectors on each floor and linked them to my smartphone for alerts. I was shocked at how easy they were to set up.
I was feeling dissatisfied and felt like ADT was charging a premium for their equipment to be replaced on top of the $600 per year I’m paying for monthly home security monitoring.
Why does startup SimpliSafe cost only $14.99 – $24.99 per month for monitoring while I’m paying over $50?
Okay, sure, my house came with a decked out home security system. Every door and window is wired; it has some smart-tech and ADT Cellguard alarm monitoring. But the equipment is paid for and not worth over $50 per month!
From my experience, ADT has a professional staff with excellent equipment. Safety does have a price and it’s worth paying a premium if I could stay with ADT.
Click here to get a quote from ADT.
How Much Does Alarm Monitoring Cost?
The average cost for a home security monitoring service ranges from $15 to $50+ per month.
Alarm monitoring costs vary tremendously between companies. In some cases, you are paying for a large marketing budget that has convinced you that paying well over $50 is a standard. I believed it for years!
The alarm monitoring cost is negotiable, especially for the larger national providers.
What are some factors that affect monthly alarm monitoring costs?
- Promotional rate and new customer rate
- Phone line monitoring only
- Cellular monitoring
- Security mobile app capabilities
- Cameras
- Glass shattering sensor
- Smart home automation
- Contract period
- Equipment coverage and maintenance
- Equipment fees or subsidies
Does ADT have a Crime Map?
Yes, the ADT crime map provides crime statistics by town. It provides a crime lookup by neighborhood using your zip code. It’s free for anyone to use.
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Can I Still Use ADT Equipment After Cancellation?
Yes, you can continue to use the ADT equipment after cancellation.
When my wife and I moved into our house almost 20 years ago, the house came with an ADT monitoring system all wired up. Before having kids, we were using the ADT equipment after cancellation from the prior owner. It automatically converts ADT to self-monitoring, so we armed the alarm but didn’t pay for monitoring.
If a criminal broke into our house, the door, window, and motion sensor would have sounded the alarm. Most criminals will run-off immediately, thinking the police will be coming shortly. A criminal wouldn’t know we were using ADT equipment after cancellation.
But, after having kids, for added safety, we started paying for home security monitoring. It protects us from criminals, and a single button calls an ambulance while also actively monitoring for fires.
How to get ADT to reduce your rate?
Then I Googled “security monitoring” and my zip code. I started to research if I can use another alarm company to monitor the alarm equipment I already purchased.
I have never dealt with the ADT billing department and wasn’t sure if they would even consider lowering my monthly monitoring bill. Although, I was comfortable leaving ADT if they refused to lower my bill and value me as a longtime customer. You must always be willing to talk away and have a place B.
My ADT monitoring was so expensive every month! Of course, it’s always easier and preferable to stay with the same service vs. switching. The same goes for my mobile phone company and cable company; it’s easier not switching services.
Finally, I was armed with enough information and needed to find out, “Are ADT prices negotiable?” Unlike lower AT&T Uverse deals for existing customers, ADT didn’t have a designated customer retention representative. Instead, they transferred me to billing.
When I call my cable company retention representative, I always ask, “If I’m still under contract or free to cancel?” The very friendly ADT representative confirmed I was on a month-by-month contract and free to cancel.
I explained how I’m considering another monitoring company, and ADT is getting too expensive, especially after another price increase. The representative could not have been more accommodating and understanding. He thanked me for my ADT customer loyalty for 15 years and with good payment history. I’m set up with automatic monthly billing, so I’ve never been late with a payment.
The representative pointed out that I own the best equipment package with all the bells and whistles. With minimal negotiation, he quickly lowered my bill by over $20 per month for an annual savings of around $250.
Since they were so interested in retaining me as a loyal customer, I asked if they can replace my smoke detectors for free. Without hesitation, he said yes, and booked a technician for installation.
As a side note, I mentioned to the installer that my main ADT keypad buttons weren’t working and were sticking. After 15 years, he replaced my keypad for free too.
Is my new ADT bill as cheap as a new security service like SimpliSafe? No. But, with ADT, I get to use my cellular alarm equipment if my phone line fails. I also can use the ADT app, which integrates with my Chamberlain garage door opener.
Click here to get a quote from ADT.
Steps to Negotiate Lower Rates with ADT
Step 1
Research your local competition.
I Googled “home security systems monitoring service,” followed by my zip code. It provided a long list of options with some redundancy among the large home security companies. For example, AT&T Digital Life Home Security was listed ten times out of the 18 Google results. ADT home security was listed twice, and Xfinity Store by Comcast was listed only once. But, there were several other local and regional monitoring companies.
Step 2
Call local home security monitoring companies for prices.
Some home alarm monitoring companies listed services for as low as $1 a day on their websites. Of course, you need to call and see what you get for $1 per day. In my case, are they compatible with my ADT system? Do they offer cellular monitoring? Do they have a home security system app for remote alerts and activation? Are there any initial activation fees?
Step 3
Call ADT for Retention or Billing Department.
ADT customer service number is 1-800-238-2727.
Step 4
ADT Cancellation Fee.
First, confirm you are not locked in. Ask for the details and your ADT contract end date. If your end date is only a couple of months away, you may be able to renegotiate on the phone. Tell them you will cancel your ADT service when the contract ends. The retention representative may waive the ADT early termination fee.
Step 5
State Alternatives to ADT.
Next, tell them you have been researching alternative home security monitoring in your area, and your ADT bill is too high compared to the competition. Do not tell them the cheapest competitors’ price because you want to hear their new offer to retain you as a loyal customer. Ask the representative if they can lower your ADT bill before you cancel their service.
Step 6
Counter-Offer or Ask for an Upgrade.
If the revised ADT price is still too high, then counter with an apples-to-apples price from an alternative home monitoring company in your area. If the new ADT monthly cost is within a few dollars, it’s likely worth staying. Avoiding the time and cost associated with setting up a new alarm monitoring service has some value.
Step 7
How Do I Get the Best Deal on ADT Monthly Cost.
Sometimes I ask the representative if there are any current ADT coupons, deals, or special offers. If they say no, then I’ll ask if I’d have better luck calling next month for an ADT promotion? I’ve had a retention specialist at various utility companies call me back within a week telling me about a new promotion they just launched because my file was marked.
If the price is within reason, you can still negotiate for some free ADT equipment upgrades. Do you need some updated smoke alarms? An extra wireless motion sensor in your garage or entranceway? Do you need a carbon monoxide monitor near your furnace or your bedrooms? They would prefer to give you some free ADT system upgrades vs. lower the price even more.
Step 8
Home Alarm Monitoring with No Contract.
Confirm how long is the ADT contract. You should ask for 12-months or less. As competition increases for home security monitoring, you may get a lower price in another year or two. Also, confirm how long your ADT price per month is locked-in.
Step 9
Written Confirmation.
Once you are satisfied and agree to a new ADT deal, ask for the contract in writing. The representative will likely send you a confirmation via snail mail or email. Once you receive the ADT contract, verify the monthly cost and length of the contract. Keep in mind, your monthly bill will likely be pro-rated to the new agreed-upon price from the date of the phone call instead of the entire month.
Pay a Bill Negotiation Service as an Alternative
Some people are just not meant to negotiate. We recommend using one of the best negotiation services to lower your Internet, tv, and cable bills.
We recommend BillFixers. Since 2014, their expert staff negotiates with service providers to lower monthly bills. BillFixers has a 95% success rate. They have saved customers over $3,000,000 since inception.
How much does it cost to use Billfixers?
It costs you nothing to use Billfixers unless they save you money on your monthly bills. You have nothing to lose. They split the savings 50/50 with you for only the first year as their fee. You keep the other 50% then pocket the rest each following year.
What are Billfixers benefits?
Here are the benefits of working with Billfixers:
- Save Time – I hate sitting on hold. Somehow I always call customer services when there are “usually long wait times.” Don’t sit on hold with each customer service representative for minutes to hours at a time. They will take care of everything.
- Save Money Fast – Billfixers saves each customer an average of $300 per year on monthly bills.
BillFixers has been featured in publications like Bloomberg, NBC News, USA Today, The New York Times, and many more.
They will lower your cable bill for AT&T Uverse, Xfinity, Comcast, DirecTV, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Dish, Aol, Optimum, and many more. BillFixers will also lower your monthly mobile phone bill and alarm services for ADT Pulse, Verizon, Frontier Communications, RCN, and Spring.
They continuously expand their roster of bill negotiation services with other utility companies.
Click here to have BillFixers lower your monthly bills for you.
Additional Tips For Effective Negotiation
Your ADT representative wants you to remain their client, and this gives you the upper hand. It all comes down to you and your negotiation skills in getting yourself a better deal by pushing the needle as far as possible in your favor.
Assess Your Needs
This includes figuring out the useful features that you undoubtedly need and eliminating those that aren’t on your priority list for the time being. You can do this by simple research about the services ADT offers via their website.
Be Confident
Act the part of a confident negotiator and don’t settle for less. Convey to the ADT representative your dissatisfaction and set the record straight from the very beginning. This also means listening and giving your representative a fair chance to convince you to choose their product.
The principle of “knowledge is power” is applicable while you negotiate with an ADT representative. You need to do your due diligence and make sure your negotiation plan doesn’t have any loophole.
Don’t Shy Away From Asking Questions
Point out the things that you’re skeptical about and wait for them to satisfy your concerns. Even if you’re dubious about the whole idea of changing your service provider, don’t let this seep into your conversation. It’s okay to be critical while weighing your best alternatives.
If their general packages include services you don’t require, ask for a customized solution that can substitute an unwanted feature with the one you actually want.
Researching Customers is as Important as Researching Local Competitors
Make sure you converse with other people about their ADT services to get a good idea of the pricing details of their packages. This will provide you with an opportunity to negotiate in a way that gets you the best offer.
Don’t Take a Whimsical Decision
This applies to long-time customers of ADT who share a good rapport with the company and can possibly receive loyalty discounts.
ADT Security FAQ’s
Why is ADT monitoring so expensive?
The cost of ADT monitoring is more expensive than most home security companies, but they offer a premium product as a package. It’s ADT Pulse app system lets users arm and disarm their system, control connected devices, set home automation schedules, receive notifications, and stream live footage from your ADT camera.
Do I own the ADT equipment in my house?
Yes, you will own the ADT equipment once your equipment has been paid in full and your contract is complete.
Can you negotiate the price with ADT?
Existing customers can negotiate a new monthly rate with ADT. You can ask for an ADT discount or promotion no matter how long or short you’ve been a customer. Long-term customers should ask for a loyalty ADT discount to lower your monthly fee on your bill.
Can I get out of my ADT contract?
Yes, you can get out of your ADT contract, but the terms and fees will vary. Call an ADT customer retention specialist at 1-800-243-1748. Speaking to an ADT specialist on the phone is the quickest way to cancel your contract or negotiate better terms.
What is the cancellation fee for ADT?
ADT can charge 75% of your monthly bill for the balance of the contract term. Cancel before your ADT contract automatically renews and extends your term.
Does ADT run your credit?
ADT requires satisfactory credit history for installation and use of the service.
Can I take my ADT system with me when I move?
ADT equipment cannot be relocated to a new residence. ADT will offer discounts and credits toward the installation of a new system. They also offer 25% savings on additional sensors, devices, and other security equipment.
Does ADT call the police?
Yes, ADT will call the police after they try reaching you. Once the ADT alarm system detects a problem, the dispatcher wants first to know if it’s a real problem or just an accident. ADT monitoring will call at least two numbers on file to verify the signal. If they cannot reach you, they will call the police.
False burglar alarms are a daily occurrence for most police departments. It has gotten so bad that many municipalities charge residents for false alarms. Though it may take an extra moment, ADT saves you money by calling you first vs. the police.
Do ADT cameras record all the time?
Yes, the ADT cameras can record all the time or just record clips when they detect motion. Recording just motion can save you a lot of time when viewing the footage. ADT Pulse cameras will store video surveillance for up to 30 days. Users can also download digital video files to your computer.
Is ADT better than Ring?
ADT is better than Ring in many aspects. ADT is an established brand that offers professional installation, additional smart home features like a high-tech keypad, cellular monitoring, premium equipment, and free ADT yard signs and window stickers. The Ring pros include a more affordable home security system, no long-term contract, and easy installation with an app instructed walk-through.
Share your ADT bill savings below
Please share how you lowered your ADT bill or negotiated a lower monthly cost. How much money did you reduce your monthly ADT monitoring bill?
