What American Security Is

American Security is a private home security company that installs and monitors alarm systems, video cameras, and smart home devices. It is not a government program — it is a for-profit business you contract with directly. The company monitors your system 24/7 and dispatches police or emergency services if your alarm triggers.

American Security operates in select markets across the United States. The company charges a monthly monitoring fee (the amount varies by location and plan), an upfront installation fee for equipment, and sometimes equipment rental fees depending on whether you own or lease the devices. You sign a service contract, usually for 12, 24, or 36 months.

The main reason people choose American Security over competitors is the combination of professional monitoring, equipment options, and customer service availability in their area. Some people also choose it because they already have an account and want to keep the same provider, or because their homeowner's insurance offers a discount for monitored systems.

Key Takeaways

  • American Security is a private company that installs alarm systems and monitors them around the clock, not a government service.
  • You pay an installation fee upfront, a monthly monitoring fee, and possibly equipment fees, with contract lengths typically ranging from 12 to 36 months.
  • The company dispatches emergency responders when your alarm triggers, but police response depends on your local department's policies.
  • Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may offer a discount if you have a monitored system, so check with your insurer before signing up.
  • You can cancel before your contract ends, but early termination fees usually explore unless you move or have a specific contract clause.

How Monitoring Works and What Happens When an Alarm Triggers

When your alarm system detects motion, a door or window opening, smoke, or carbon monoxide, it sends a signal to American Security's monitoring center. A dispatcher receives the alert and attempts to contact you using the phone number on file. If you do not answer or give a code word indicating a false alarm, the dispatcher contacts local police or fire services depending on the type of alert.

Police response is not may provide — your local police department decides whether to send an officer based on their own policies and current call volume. Some departments prioritize monitored alarms; others treat them as lower priority than calls from people on the scene. If your system is monitored but police do not respond, you still have the benefit of knowing your alarm was triggered and that someone was notified, which can deter burglars or help you document a break-in for insurance.

False alarms (alarms triggered by accident, like forgetting to disarm before opening a door) are common. Many cities charge homeowners a fee for false alarm police responses after a certain number per year, typically starting at the third or fourth call. American Security can help you avoid these by reminding you to disarm before opening doors and by offering smartphone apps that let you disarm remotely.

Equipment Options and What You Own Versus Rent

American Security offers several equipment packages. A basic system typically includes a control panel (the keypad where you arm and disarm), door and window sensors, a motion detector, and a siren. More expensive packages add video cameras, smart locks, environmental sensors (for water or temperature), and integration with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

You can usually choose to buy equipment outright or rent it from American Security. If you rent, your monthly bill includes the equipment cost, and American Security replaces or repairs broken devices at no extra charge. If you buy, you pay a higher upfront cost but own the equipment and may have lower monthly fees. Renting is simpler if you move frequently or are unsure whether you will keep the system long-term. Buying makes sense if you plan to stay in your home for several years and want to avoid rental fees.

Before signing a contract, ask American Security for an itemized quote showing the installation fee, monthly monitoring cost, equipment cost (if buying) or rental fee (if renting), and any other charges. Prices vary significantly by location and the complexity of your system, so comparing quotes from multiple companies is worth the time.

Contract Terms and Early Termination

American Security contracts typically run 12, 24, or 36 months. Shorter contracts have higher monthly fees; longer contracts have lower monthly fees but lock you in for longer. Read the contract carefully before signing, paying special attention to the early termination clause — this is the fee you pay if you cancel before the contract ends.

Early termination fees vary but often range from a few hundred dollars to the remaining balance of your contract. Some contracts allow you to cancel without penalty if you move out of the service area, sell your home, or experience a change in circumstances (like job loss or disability). Others do not. A few companies offer month-to-month plans with no contract, but these have higher monthly fees to offset the lack of commitment.

If you need to cancel, contact American Security's customer service and ask what options are available under your specific contract. If you are moving, provide proof of your new address. If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask whether the company offers a temporary pause or reduced-rate plan — some do, though it is not may provide.

How Much It Costs and What Affects the Price

American Security's pricing depends on several factors: your location (urban areas often cost more than rural ones), the complexity of your system (more cameras and sensors cost more), whether you rent or buy equipment, and the length of your contract. Installation fees typically range from $99 to $500 or more, depending on how many devices need to be wired or connected. Monthly monitoring fees usually start around $25 to $30 for a basic system and can reach $60 or higher for systems with multiple cameras and smart home integration.

Before committing, ask American Security for a full cost breakdown: installation, first month's monitoring, equipment costs or rental fees, any taxes or surcharges, and the total cost over the life of your contract. Then compare that total to quotes from other companies like ADT, Vivint, or local providers. Do not choose based on price alone — a cheaper system that does not cover your needs or has poor customer service costs more in the long run.

Check whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance offers a discount for a monitored system. Some insurers reduce your premium by 5 to 15 percent if you have professional monitoring, which can offset part of your monthly fee. Call your insurance agent and ask what discount they offer and what documentation they need to verify your system is active.

Comparing American Security to Other Options

American Security is one of many home security providers. ADT and Vivint are larger national companies with more service areas and sometimes lower introductory rates. Frontpoint and Cove offer self-installed systems that cost less upfront but require you to set up the equipment yourself. Local alarm companies often provide personalized service and may have lower prices in your area.

The main trade-off is between convenience and cost. Professional installation (which American Security and most large companies offer) takes the guesswork out of setup but costs more. Self-installed systems (like Cove or Ring Alarm) are cheaper and faster to set up but require you to do the work and troubleshoot problems yourself. Monitored systems (American Security, ADT, Vivint) provide 24/7 professional response but cost more than unmonitored systems (like Ring or Wyze cameras alone), which only alert you via your phone.

Before choosing, decide what you actually need: Do you want professional monitoring, or will smartphone alerts be enough? Do you need cameras, or just door and window sensors? How important is it that the company operates in your area? Once you know what you need, get quotes from at least two or three providers and compare the total cost over your contract period, not just the monthly fee.

What to Know Before You Sign Up

Read the entire contract before signing, not just the price sheet. Pay attention to the early termination fee, the contract length, what happens if you move, whether equipment is rented or owned, and what services are included in your monthly fee. If anything is unclear, ask the sales representative to explain it in writing before you commit.

Ask American Security whether they offer a trial period or a money-back may provide if you are not satisfied. Some companies offer 30 days to cancel without penalty; others do not. If the company does not offer this, you are taking on the full early termination risk if you change your mind.

Check whether American Security is licensed and insured in your state. Most states require alarm companies to be licensed, and you want proof that the company is legitimate and accountable. You can verify licensing through your state's attorney general's office or the state licensing board for security companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use American Security if I rent my home instead of owning it?

Yes, but you need your landlord's permission before installing a hardwired system. Many renters use wireless systems (which do not require drilling into walls) to avoid this issue. Ask American Security about wireless options and whether they can install without permanent changes to the property. Some landlords require you to remove the system when you move, so clarify this in writing before signing up.

What happens if the power goes out or my internet is down?

Most American Security systems have a battery backup that keeps the control panel and sensors working for 24 to 48 hours during a power outage. The system can still send alerts to the monitoring center using a cellular backup connection (separate from your home internet), so you remain protected. However, smart home features like remote disarming via your phone may not work without internet, so you would need to disarm manually at the keypad.

Will American Security lower my price if I have been a customer for a long time?

Not automatically, but you can ask. Call customer service and mention that you have been loyal and ask whether they offer a loyalty discount or can match a competitor's rate. Many companies will negotiate to keep long-term customers, especially if you threaten to switch. Getting the request in writing (via email) creates a record if there is a dispute later.

What if I move to a state where American Security does not operate?

Your contract typically includes a clause allowing you to cancel without early termination fees if you move outside the service area. Provide proof of your new address (like a utility bill or lease) and ask American Security to process the cancellation. If they refuse, escalate to the customer service manager or file a complaint with your state's attorney general.

Can I transfer my American Security system to a new home if I move within their service area?

Usually yes, but it depends on your contract and the new location. Contact American Security and ask whether they can relocate your system. There may be a relocation fee, and the new installation may take a few days. If the new home requires different equipment (for example, if it is larger and needs more sensors), you may need to upgrade your system and adjust your monthly fee.