How To Cancel Vivint And Find A Better Security Alternative

Vivint has established itself as a leader in home security, building out its portfolio of smart technologies before competitors. Unfortunately, as some frustrated consumers discover, that doesn’t mean they’re the best (or most affordable) option for everyone. If you’re fed up with Vivint and want to cancel, here’s how you do it.

How To Cancel Your Vivint 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. In fact, the only way to cancel is to call them.

And expect to be given every opportunity to rejoin with discounts, etc. Companies like Vivint use so-called “retention specialists” to try and keep customers from leaving.

Vivint Monthly Fees Are Tied To Equipment Financing

This is a really important distinction. While Vivint advertises that you are able to sign up for monthly service, that’s only if you pay for your own equipment upfront (this is how, historically, home security companies have managed to offset the cost of equipment in the event that a customer terminates early).

If you read their terms of use carefully, you’ll see how much you could end up owing if you enter into an agreement with Vivint. We’ve done some of the math for you below.

The minimum upfront equipment purchase amount is $599.99. In addition, a $49 to $199 installation fee applies. The minimum monthly service agreement is $29.99/month (but if you want smart home features, you’ll be paying $39.99/month and up). This means that, at a bare minimum, you will need to spend $678.98 upfront to get started with Vivint without entering a contract.

If you were to finance your equipment cost (with one of Vivint’s third-party financing partners), your scenario will look more like a typical monitoring contract with Vivint. For a 60-month contract, for example (5 years), your total minimum service cost will increase to $1,799.40, a difference of $1,120.42. Of course, this additional cost will be spread out over 5 years, so you won’t owe as much upfront.

As you can see, if you can afford to, you will get more value out of your money if you pay for the equipment upfront.

And important to note is that if you enter into a contract (financing agreement), if you decide to cancel, you’ll owe what’s left on your balance.

Alternatives To Vivint

If you are moving on from Vivint, 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.

Vivint Return Period, Service Agreement, And Contract Details

Our experts dive into the Vivint cancellation policies and bring you details on “extenuating circumstances,” “active military duty,” and other contract clauses that might seem confusing at first glance.

Extenuating Circumstances

Vivint mentions that they are flexible with their cancellation policy when it comes to extenuating circumstances such as death, bankruptcy, transition to an assisted living home, and more. They don’t give specific details; you’ll need to call them at 800-216-5232 where you’ll be connected with their Exceptions Review Team. They mention that you’ll need to provide specific documentation regarding your circumstance and that claims are handled on a case-by-case basis. So there is no guarantee that the balance on your contract will be forgiven.

Active Military Duty

Vivint has special policies for members of the U.S. military. If you are in the U.S. armed services, the balance on your contract will be forgiven if you meet certain criteria and provide a receipt of a copy of official orders. Vivint will cancel a service agreement for active duty or reserve military personnel who are being deployed for six months or longer, receive PCS orders, are medically discharged, or enter retirement for twenty or more years.

Are There Any Vivint Cancellation Fees?

This depends, most likely the answer is yes if you’re still under contract. While Vivint does not charge an early termination fee, in most cases you’ll need to pay the balance on your contract. The balance of any prepaid fees (after deducting charges and fees) will be refunded to you on a pro-rated basis.

What If I Cancel Vivint Within 3 Days?

Then you may be able to get all your money back per the FTC’s three-day cooling off rule. The exact circumstances will depend on how and when you signed up for Vivint, so read the details carefully. Most importantly, in addition to calling to cancel Vivint you’ll want your cancellation notice postmarked within 3 days.

To cancel a sale, sign and date one copy of the cancellation form. Mail it to the address given for cancellations. Make sure the envelope is postmarked before midnight of the third business day after the contract date. If the seller didn’t give you cancellation forms, write a cancellation letter. It must be postmarked within three business days of the sale. Send the cancellation form or letter by certified mail. You’ll get a return receipt so you have proof of when you mailed it and when it was delivered. Also, keep a copy of the letter or cancellation form for your records.

Frequently Asked Vivint Cancellation Questions

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. We review the top no-contract home security systems across several categories.

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 Vivint, 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.