SAFE Security: Company Overview
SAFE Security (the blue lighthouse logo) is a home security provider that has operated for over 20 years across 25+ states. On paper, they offer the full package: professional monitoring, smart home integration, and both self-setup and professional installation. In practice, SAFE Security has become one of the most complained-about security companies in the industry.
| Detail | SAFE Security |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990s (Portland, OR) |
| Coverage | 25+ states |
| Monitoring | 24/7 central station |
| Contracts | 36–60 months (auto-renew) |
| Monthly Cost | $30–55/month |
| Equipment | Alarm.com platform, dealer hardware |
| BBB Rating | D+ (as of 2026) |
| Trustpilot | ~1.5/5 stars |
| Our Rating | 1.5/5 ⭐ |
Why SAFE Security Has So Many Complaints
SAFE Security follows the worst practices in the dealer alarm model. Here’s what customers consistently report:
| Problem | What Customers Report | How It Traps You |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden contract terms | Salespeople verbally promise “no contract” or “easy cancel” | Written agreement has 36–60 month commitment with ETF |
| Auto-renewal clauses | Contract auto-renews for 12–24 months if you don’t cancel 30–60 days before expiration | Miss the window by one day? You’re locked in another year |
| Aggressive door-to-door sales | High-pressure tactics, especially targeting elderly homeowners | Sign before reading, regret later |
| Equipment markup | Standard Alarm.com equipment sold at 3–5x retail markup | Same sensors you can buy on Amazon for $15 cost $75+ |
| Cancellation runaround | Multiple calls, transfers, “retention specialists” who won’t let you go | Process designed to frustrate you into staying |
| Billing issues | Charges continuing after cancellation, rate increases without notice | Must dispute with credit card company after failed calls |
| Service quality | Slow response to technical issues, outdated equipment not replaced | Paying premium prices for subpar service |
SAFE Security’s Dealer Model Problem
Like Brinks Home, Guardian, and other dealer-network companies, SAFE Security doesn’t sell directly to most customers. Instead, independent dealers sell SAFE contracts door-to-door, earning commissions of $500–$1,500 per contract.
| Dealer Model Step | What Happens | Why It’s Bad for You |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Dealer knocks on door | Offers “free equipment” and “low monthly rate” | Equipment isn’t free — it’s financed into your monthly payment |
| 2. You sign a contract | 36–60 month agreement with ETF | Total cost: $1,080–$3,300+ over contract term |
| 3. Dealer gets paid | $500–$1,500 commission per account | Incentivized to sell, not to ensure good fit |
| 4. SAFE provides monitoring | Central station monitors your system | Same service available from DIY systems for $0–20/month |
| 5. Contract expires | Auto-renews if you don’t cancel in writing 30–60 days prior | Designed to trap you in perpetual renewals |
SAFE Security: 3-Year Cost Analysis
Here’s what you actually pay with SAFE Security compared to modern alternatives:
| System | Hardware | Monthly | Contract | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAFE Security | “Free” (financed) | $30–55 | 36–60 months | $1,080–$1,980 |
| ADT (Pro Install) | $0–$250 | $29–60 | 36 months | $1,044–$2,410 |
| Abode | $199 | $0–20 | None | $199–$919 |
| Ring | $199 | $0–20 | None | $199–$919 |
| SimpliSafe | $199–$460 | $0–28 | None | $199–$1,468 |
The math is brutal: Over 3 years, SAFE Security costs $160–$1,060 more than Abode — and Abode gives you better equipment, no contract, and more features.
How to Cancel SAFE Security
If you’re currently a SAFE Security customer, here’s your escape plan:
| Situation | What to Do | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Within 3-day cooling-off period | Cancel immediately in writing (FTC Cooling-Off Rule) | Full refund, no penalty — federal law protects you |
| Contract still active | Calculate remaining months × monthly rate × 75% (typical ETF) | Pay ETF or negotiate reduction — always ask for a manager |
| Near contract end | Send cancellation letter via certified mail 60+ days before expiration | Clean exit — don’t miss the window or you auto-renew |
| Already auto-renewed | File BBB complaint, contact state AG, dispute charges with credit card | Often gets reduced ETF or cancellation — companies hate AG complaints |
| Billing after cancellation | Dispute with credit card company, file FTC complaint | Credit card company reverses charges — keep all documentation |
For a detailed cancellation guide, see our How to Cancel Your Home Security Contract post.
Best SAFE Security Replacements
| System | Why It’s Better Than SAFE | Hardware | Monthly | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode ⭐ | Only HomeKit system, Z-Wave/Zigbee hub, free self-monitoring, cellular backup from $6/mo | $199 | $0–20 | None |
| Ring | Amazon ecosystem, huge camera lineup, Neighbors app community | $199 | $0–20 | None |
| SimpliSafe | Easiest setup, Fast Protect monitoring, good cameras | $199–$460 | $0–28 | None |
SAFE Security vs Abode: Head-to-Head
| Feature | SAFE Security | Abode |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $30–55 | $0 (free self-monitoring) |
| Contract | 36–60 months | None — month-to-month |
| Equipment ownership | Often leased/financed | You own it outright |
| Smart home hub | Alarm.com (limited) | Z-Wave + Zigbee + HomeKit + Matter |
| Cameras | Alarm.com cameras (pricey) | Abode Cam 2 ($35) + any IP camera |
| App quality | Alarm.com (good app, dealer-locked) | Abode app (4.5★ iOS/Android) |
| Installation | Pro or self-install | DIY — 15 minutes |
| Cancellation | ETF + certified mail + runaround | Cancel anytime, no fee |
| BBB rating | D+ | A+ |
| 3-year total | $1,080–$1,980 | $199–$919 |
Red Flags: How to Spot a Bad Security Company
SAFE Security exhibits every red flag we warn about. Use this checklist when evaluating any security provider:
| Red Flag | What It Means | SAFE Security? |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door sales | High-pressure, commission-driven, verbal promises don’t match contract | ✅ Yes |
| “Free” equipment | Cost is hidden in monthly payments — you pay 3–5x retail over contract | ✅ Yes |
| 36+ month contracts | Lock-in designed to prevent switching, not to serve you | ✅ Yes (36–60 mo) |
| Auto-renewal clauses | Miss cancellation window = another 12–24 months automatically | ✅ Yes |
| BBB rating below B | Pattern of unresolved complaints | ✅ Yes (D+) |
| Cancellation difficulty | Designed to frustrate you into staying — multiple calls, transfers, retention | ✅ Yes |
For more, see our Door-to-Door Security Scams Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SAFE Security a scam?
SAFE Security is a legitimate company with real monitoring services, but their business practices — aggressive door-to-door sales, hidden contract terms, auto-renewal traps, and difficult cancellation — are predatory. They’re not technically a scam, but they operate in ways that consistently harm customers.
How do I cancel SAFE Security?
Send a cancellation letter via certified mail (return receipt requested) at least 60 days before your contract expiration date. Keep copies of everything. If they continue charging you, dispute with your credit card company and file a BBB complaint. See our cancellation guide for detailed steps.
Does SAFE Security use Alarm.com?
Yes, SAFE Security uses the Alarm.com platform for monitoring and their mobile app. Alarm.com itself is a solid platform — the problem is SAFE’s dealer markup, contracts, and customer service, not the underlying technology.
What’s the early termination fee for SAFE Security?
Typically 75–100% of remaining contract balance. On a $40/month plan with 24 months remaining, that’s $720–$960. Always negotiate — many customers report getting ETFs reduced by 25–50% after threatening to file a BBB complaint.
Can I keep my SAFE Security equipment if I cancel?
It depends on your contract. If you own the equipment (paid upfront or financed and paid off), you can reuse sensors with services like Alarm Grid or Alarm Relay. If the equipment is leased, you may need to return it. Check your agreement carefully.
What should I replace SAFE Security with?
Abode is our top recommendation. You get better equipment, a smarter app, HomeKit integration, and no contracts — all for $199 upfront with free self-monitoring. Even with Abode’s premium Pro plan ($20/month), you’ll save $360–$1,260 over 3 years compared to SAFE Security.
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Pamela says
Now that has put me off ALREADY. I don’t care what you offer even if it’s the best in the whole world, I just like to know your services are transparent and not creating a hole in my pocket. They may be good but I ain’t going to like the hidden charges aspect.
Barclay Bob says
I really wish they do that. They have got lots of nice features, their sensors and monitoring systems are amazing and all that but the costs of some things are not really encouraging
Damarco says
Well someone actually suggested this to me and I’m kinda surprised to hear the hidden charges story. He didn’t really mention it and I have also been using it but haven’t noticed the extra charges. Is there like a particular group they do that to?
Iminathi says
Exactly, if they run their business on customers reviews, they would be out a long time ago. But still they offer very good deals and services and one just can’t leave them after subscribing. But seriously they should cut down on the hidden costs.
Johnny says
Self-setup and professional set up available but they have too many hidden charges and when you call customer service to ask for an explanation, they give you a term and you become lost. Though their service is still nice and I enjoy it…
Dorothy Davis says
Having a problem processsing.
Jeff says
I am not sure why people say the service is bad. I never had an issue with their reps. Anytime I had an issue it was fixed within 72 hours. Seeing as this is a larger company and they have more people to care for, that timing is not bad at all.
Kevin says
The customer service with Safe Security is AWFUL! But… If you can look past that and know what you are doing, the equipment is great and the service is reliable. I have been with them now for 5 months and I am happy. I hate having to calling them for anything though. lol