FAQ

Step 1 — Call or Text Talk with a pro to get started and customize your new system. With just a few questions, our Smart Home Pros will get to know your home and help you build the right system to protect it. Step 2 — Design We’ll customize a system for your home and needs. Every system starts with the Qolsys Smart Hub, Intrusion Sensors, and 24/7 monitoring. From there, we’ll help you choose the right smart cameras, smart door locks, and other smart products like our Car Guard, Smart Thermostat, and safety alarms to meet your specific needs and budget. Step 3 — Install Get it all professionally installed by one of our professionals. Professional installation is included along with training with every AlarmVisor system.

In most cases, a reputable homeowners insurance company will provide you with a discount for having a professionally monitored and installs security system. To maximize savings, they typically want to see a smart smoke detector that is monitored included within your system. It's best to call your insurance provider to confirm if they provide any discounts for alarm systems.

If you are a DIY person, we absolutely have a system for you. Our HALO program was designed specially with you in mind. If you would like to install your system on yourself, we have made it super simple for you. We will program and name all sensors, the panel, so when it's shipped and arrives, you simply stick, test and go. It's as easy as 1,2,3. In most cases, you'll have the system up and running in less than 30 mins.

Leave the installation to us. After customizing your system, our Smart Home Pros install your Brinks Home security devices, make sure they function seamlessly, and teach you how to use your system.

Our systems use cellular and Wi-Fi to connect your security panel or base to our Alarm Response Center, as well as to the system’s mobile app. It's more responsive, more connected, and more secure.

Yes. Because your system has Brinks Home™ professional monitoring, 4G LTE cellular backup and battery backup ensure that your monitoring is uninterrupted.

Absolutely. It's much easier for an intruder to cut a landline than disrupt the wireless signal to the Alarm Response Center. If an intruder tries to disable your security panel or base, it will set off an alarm before the system is compromised. Wireless sensors are also secure. Since they aren't constrained by phone lines or wall mounts, they can be placed out of view of intruders. If a sensor is tampered with, an alarm will be triggered as well.

Yes, all of our systems provide multiple ways to arm or disarm your system: Smart Security Systems use a passcode, the Brinks Home™ app, Bluetooth hands-free disarming, and an optional keychain remote.

That's a popular option for many customers. Smart-home devices are a great way to enhance the real home security we provide. They're easy to add, and compatible devices can be controlled by your system's mobile app.

Smart Security Systems: Smart Security uses “skills” provided by Alarm.com to control your system and compatible devices through Alexa, Siri, and the Google Assistant. For example, you can say “Alexa, ask Alarm.com to arm the security system.”

In general, only pets over 40 lbs. are capable of triggering motion sensors. To safeguard against pet-triggered alarms, we suggest following the recommendations provided with your security system, and (if possible) setting motion detectors in areas that pets don't normally frequent.

Smart Security Systems: Door sensors take a single 3V lithium watch battery, while motion sensors take two lithium AA batteries. Both types of battery last 5 to 10 years.

Door sensors can also be used as window sensors. However, window break-ins are rare, and with the effective protection provided by well-placed door and motion sensors, window sensors are rarely necessary. If you absolutely need window protection, you can add additional sensors when you purchase your system.

Yes. Each sensor protects a door, window, or area, and will indicate the location of the breach when an alarm occurs.

Absolutely. Our cellular backup will connect to the strongest major wireless provider at your location.

We offer AlarmVisor Plus, a plan that covers repairs or replacements of your qualified home automation and security devices.

Yes. That's one of the advantages of our system. We will transfer your equipment from your old home to your new home with a $299 transfer fee. Your monthly rate will remain the same unless you choose to add additional services.

Of course! Just chat with one of our security experts to get started.

Professional monitoring is one of the most important functions of real home security. Your system transmits alarm signals to our Alarm Response Center, a sophisticated 24/7 call center staffed by highly trained professionals who can rapidly notify police, fire or medical authorities during any emergency. Around-the-clock professional monitoring is also important because calling 911 on your cell phone won't connect you to the correct authorities unless you're currently located within their jurisdiction. The professionals in our monitoring center will alert the correct authorities, no matter where you are.

Once you activate monitoring with AlarmVisor, you will specify a list of emergency contacts. With professional monitoring, once an alarm goes off, the Alarm Response Center will begin contacting the individuals on your list. You can update the list anytime.

It's common for some insurers to provide a discount of up to 20% on homeowner’s insurance if you have a professionally monitored system. Be sure to check with your insurance company for more information.

Smart Security Systems: You'll be responsible for any remaining balance for your monitoring service, or equipment financed with third-parties.

Every component comes with extra strength adhesive strips to make placement quick and easy. Real home security is especially effective when it fits your needs, so your system may have cameras, thermostats, or other smart home devices. You’ll want to set aside a little more time for self-installation and setup of these systems. All sensors com preprogramed with names so you know where to mount each one. We are always a phone call away if the manual doesn't help.

Our systems are specifically designed to be easy to install, set up, and activate. The most important thing is that your system is right for your home. Larger systems, or systems with cameras, locks, or other sophisticated devices might benefit from professional installation. If you prefer someone to install your system, we can put you in touch with a trained professional.

We’re here to support you every step of the way, from product installation to activation of your 24/7 professional monitoring. Smart Security Systems: One of our technicians will guide you through the process over the phone. After setup is complete, the technician will test your system remotely.

Certainly. Our systems communicate wirelessly through cellular networks and Wi-Fi – no landline needed.

Smart Security Systems: The touchscreen panel can either be wall-mounted or free-standing using the included desk-mount. We recommend free-standing, although wall-mounting a panel is as easy as hanging a picture. Just place the screws in the desired location and attach the panel.

A smart home is a group of programmable, connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices that use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Z-Wave technology for communication. You can remotely control these devices using a touch-screen control panel or smartphone. Our system has been built to all work together from a single app.