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ADT is one of the most prominent names in home security. Unfortunately, as some frustrated consumers discover, that doesn’t always mean you’re the best. ADT uses an authorized reseller model to distribute and install its systems, so your experience in one city could vastly differ from another location.
If you’re fed up with ADT and want to cancel or find a way to get out of your contract, here’s how you do it.
How To Cancel Your ADT Home Security Contract
The process is a little more involved than you might think, but don’t worry; we’ll take you through the process step-by-step, and if you run into issues, post in the comments below.
Like most services that want to keep your business, canceling is not as easy as clicking a website button.
To cancel ADT, call (800-ADT-ASAP) or 855-238-4708. If possible, have your contract handy when calling.
And expect to be given every opportunity to rejoin with discounts, etc. Companies like ADT use so-called “retention specialists” to try and keep customers from leaving.
An important thing to note is that ADT may charge 75% of your outstanding contract balance, which is your monthly service charge multiplied by the number of months left in your contract (typically 36 months or 24 months for California residents) plus the value of equipment you haven’t already paid for. This excludes ADT’s Quality Service Plan (QSP).
Can I Cancel It Online?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. According to ADT, this is for security reasons (they also will not accept cancellations via email).
Are There Any Cancellation Fees?
If you have not paid off your monitoring agreement (i.e. if you are still within your 3-year contract), the answer is most likely yes.
Alternatives To ADT
If you are moving on from ADT, our home security experts have reviewed over a dozen other providers. Check out our best home security systems showdown to find out our top picks this year.
ADT Return Period, Service Agreement, And Contract Length
Are there any loopholes available to get out of your ADT contract? Let’s find out. We dive into the ADT services agreement and bring you details on their money-back guarantee, 36-month monitoring agreement, warranty plan, and more.
Money-Back Guarantee (ADT’s 6-Month Cancellation Policy)
ADT advertises a money-back guarantee. How does it work? According to its terms and conditions, the guarantee “only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.”
36-Month Monitoring Service Agreement
How long are ADT contracts? Unless you signed up for a special (where rates vary), ADT requires a minimum purchase of $449 worth of equipment and a 36-month (3-year) monitoring contract starting at $28.99/mo, which brings your initial balance to $1,043.64 (monitoring) plus $449 (equipment), or $1,492.64. For California residents, the contract requirement is 24 months of monitoring, resulting in an initial balance of $695.76 (monitoring) plus $449 (equipment), or $1,144.76 total.
Quality Service Plan (QSP Warranty Plan)
QSP is ADT’s extended limited warranty plan, which covers labor and parts for ADT-installed equipment. However, if an ADT technician is required to visit the premises, an “on-site assessment fee” of $59 per visit is charged. Additionally, after-hours service calls are charged at overtime rates. If your equipment costs exceeds $2,001, additional charges will be levied.
What’s Not Covered By The QSP?
The following four items are not covered by the QSP:
- Damage caused by the customer
- Damage caused by “acts of nature”
- Damage suffered from an intrusion
- Battery replacement
Does ADT Remove Its Equipment After Cancellation?
Do you have to return your ADT equipment? In most cases, the answer is yes. If you have not paid off your monitoring agreement, technically, the equipment still belongs to ADT. The same applies if you are canceling within the money-back guarantee period. ADT will first cancel your contract, then they will come to pick up their equipment, and only after this will they refund any money due.
How Can I Cancel ADT Without A Penalty?
The only ways to cancel ADT without a financial “penalty” are to:
- Cancel within the money-back guarantee period.
- Cancel after your contract commitment is paid off.
Want A Home Security System With No Contract Commitment?
The home security market has exploded in the last couple of decades, so you have options. Most home security contracts are tied to professional monitoring services. If you’re comfortable monitoring your system (via the app, phone, and text notifications – it will be up to you to call authorities if there’s an incident), you can forego monthly fees and commitments.
17 Home Security Systems Reviewed, And Cost Comparisons
Our experts have combined decades of experience in the home security space and have reviewed 17 home security system providers and counting. See how they stack up against ADT, which we also review in detail, and don’t miss our home security costs comparison to get an idea of the various costs associated with monitoring, equipment, smart home technology, and more. So you can plan an investment that meets your budget.
Were you able to cancel your agreement with ADT successfully? Let us know in the comments!
