Protection 1
Is This Your Business?2.7
5.2
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
Founded in 1988, Protection 1 has grown to become one of the largest full-service security companies in the nation. This company is not a do-it-yourself solution, but provides free professional installation. Protection 1 protects nearly 2 million customers and operates more than 90 full-service branch locations across the country. The company offers four security packages ranging from $34.99 to $54.99/month. 24/7 non-automated phone system-meaning, when you call, you get a real person every time.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Access to 24/7 Non-Automated Customer Support
- $1,000 Deductible Protection
- $150 Moving Credit
- Wireless Systems
- Remote Garage Door Control
- Free Professional Installation
Access to 24/7 Non-Automated Customer Support
Protection 1 operates a non-automated customer support center that is available 24/7. This means you get connected to a real person when you call. The company also provides a "live chat" customer service option. All of this results in little to no wait times and real customer service-not always the case with other security providers.
$1,000 Deductible Protection
In the event of a loss due to burglary or fire damage, Protection 1's "Safety Net" coverage ensures the company will pay up to $1,000 of the home insurance deductible. This is a unique feature not offered by many other security providers.
$150 Moving Credit
Additionally, if a customer moves during their contract term, Protection 1 will install a new or existing system in the new home and provide a $150 credit towards activation costs.
Wireless Systems
All Protection 1 equipment is wireless, making installation easy and non-intrusive.
Remote Garage Door Control
While most of Protection 1's home automation and security equipment is industry standard, the company does have a unique remote garage door control that isn't offered by most competitors (most security providers simply provide a garage door sensor). The LiftMaster MyQ garage door controller allows customers to check the status of whether the garage door is open or closed-and even remotely open or close it. Customers can also program the feature to automatically close the garage door at a pre-set time after the security system is armed.
Free Professional Installation
As Protection 1 is not a do-it-yourself solution, equipment is installed by a professional, and the company provides this service at no cost.
The Bad
- 36-Month Contract
- Limited Fine Print Information About Policies, Fees, Warranties, etc.
- Poor Cancellation Terms
- Equipment is Always Owned by Protection 1
- No Doorbell Camera Feature
- The "Affordable" Base Model Option Requires a Landline Phone
36-Month Contract
Like most security providers, Protection 1's equipment and services don't come without a commitment-in this case, a 36-month contract.
Limited Fine Print Information about Policies, Fees, Warranties, etc.
And while the company provides little to no detailed information regarding its policies, fees and warranties, we were able to uncover its cancellation terms.
Poor Cancellation Terms
If customers want out of the three-year contract, they are responsible for 100 percent of the remaining balance (other providers give a 20 percent or more cut on the balance). Additionally, customers only have a 14-day window to try out equipment, which is significantly shorter than 30- to 60-day trial periods offered by other providers. If a customer does decide to terminate their contract within the initial 14-day period, they are responsible for return shipping costs and a $79 restocking fee.
Equipment Is Always Owned by Protection 1
Due to the nature of Protection 1's packages and contracts, all equipment is always owned by the company rather than the customer; however, this is common with most professionally installed providers.
No Doorbell Camera Feature
The company also doesn't provide the popular doorbell cam feature, which is now widely offered by most large security providers.
The "Affordable" Base Model Option Requires a Landline Phone
Protection 1 offers a variety of packages, but it is important to note that the affordable $34.99/month option is only compatible with landlines, which are vulnerable to cord-cutting burglars.
The Bottom Line
For a professionally installed provider, Protection 1 has a lot to offer with competitive prices, exceptional customer service and the latest home automation equipment; however, if you're a non-committal consumer who doesn't like the idea of paying the full price of a three-year contract (even if you cancel early!), then you might want to continue your search. Additionally, if you think you might move in the next 36 months, you'll want to make sure the area is covered by Protection 1. If not, you'll still be responsible for paying out that pesky contract.
