Safeguard Security and Communications is a commercial-focused security provider based in Arizona that primarily serves businesses, government facilities, and large properties. If you’re a homeowner who stumbled onto this page searching for “Safeguard Security,” you’re probably looking for a home security system — and this isn’t the company for you.
This review covers what Safeguard actually does, who they serve, and — for the 95% of readers who need residential security — much better alternatives that cost less and don’t require long contracts.
Safeguard Security at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Company name | Safeguard Security and Communications |
| Founded | 1990s (Arizona) |
| Headquarters | Scottsdale/Phoenix, AZ |
| Primary focus | Commercial security, fire alarm, access control |
| Residential service | Limited — not their core business |
| Service area | Arizona (primarily Phoenix metro) |
| Contracts | 3-5 year monitoring agreements typical |
| Installation | Professional only |
| Monitoring | 24/7 professional (UL-listed center) |
| Mobile patrol | Yes — armed/unarmed guard services |
| Our rating | 2.5/5 (commercial focus, not recommended for homes) |
What Safeguard Security Actually Offers
Safeguard isn’t a typical home security company — they’re a commercial security integrator. Here’s what they do:
| Service | What It Includes | Who It’s For | Available as DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire alarm systems | Commercial fire detection, sprinkler monitoring, NFPA code compliance inspections | Businesses, warehouses, retail | No — requires licensed installer |
| Intrusion detection | Perimeter sensors, motion detection, glass break, door contacts | Commercial properties, offices | Yes — DIY systems do this better for homes |
| Video surveillance | IP camera systems, NVR/DVR, remote viewing, analytics | Retail, warehouses, parking lots | Yes — consumer cameras are cheaper |
| Access control | Card readers, keypads, biometric entry, visitor management | Office buildings, facilities | Partially — smart locks handle homes |
| Mobile patrol | Armed/unarmed guard response, site checks, alarm verification | High-value commercial, construction sites | No — unique to guard companies |
| Monitoring | 24/7 central station, fire/intrusion/panic dispatch | All customers | Yes — any DIY system offers this |
The “Safeguard” Name Confusion Problem
Searching “Safeguard Security” returns dozens of different companies across the US, UK, and Canada — many completely unrelated. This is a common problem with generic security company names:
| Company | Location | Focus | Relation to Safeguard AZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeguard Security (AZ) | Scottsdale, AZ | Commercial alarm + patrol | This review |
| Safeguard Security (UK) | London, UK | Manned guarding + CCTV | None |
| SafeGuard Armored | National (US) | Armored truck cash transport | None |
| Safeguard Security (various) | Multiple states | Local alarm dealers | None — common name |
If you’re not in Arizona and found this page: Your local “Safeguard” is likely a different company entirely. The advice below about better alternatives still applies to any regional alarm dealer.
Why Safeguard (and Similar Regional Dealers) Are Wrong for Homeowners
Regional commercial security companies that dabble in residential service share the same problems:
| Problem | What Happens | The DIY Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| 3-5 year contracts | Locked in with early termination fees ($500-$1,500+) | No-contract systems (Abode, Ring) — cancel anytime |
| Professional install required | $99-$500 installation fees + scheduling wait | Self-install in 30-60 minutes, no appointment needed |
| Proprietary equipment | Can’t take it with you, can’t switch providers easily | You own the equipment outright, take it when you move |
| High monitoring fees | $35-$55/month for basic monitoring | $0-$20/month (Abode: $0 self-monitor, $6 Connect, $20 Pro) |
| Limited smart home | Basic Alarm.com app, limited integrations | HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter |
| No cameras included | Cameras sold separately at dealer markup (2-3x retail) | Cameras included or affordable ($35 Abode Cam 2) |
| Residential is an afterthought | Support/technicians focused on commercial clients | Companies built for homeowners with consumer-grade UX |
3-Year Cost Comparison: Safeguard vs Modern DIY
| System | Equipment | Monthly | 3-Year Total | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeguard (estimated) | $199-$500+ (often rolled into contract) | $35-$55 | $1,460-$2,480 | 36-60 months |
| Abode | $199 (Smart Security Kit) | $0-$20 | $199-$919 | None |
| Ring Alarm | $199 (8-piece kit) | $0-$20 | $199-$919 | None |
| SimpliSafe | $249 (Foundation kit) | $0-$28 | $249-$1,257 | None |
| ADT Self Setup | $199 | $6-$25 | $415-$1,099 | None (Self Setup) |
The math is brutal: Over 3 years, a regional dealer like Safeguard costs $1,460-$2,480 AND locks you into a contract. Abode costs as little as $199 total with no contract — and you get better equipment, better app, and better smart home integration.
When a Commercial Security Company DOES Make Sense
To be fair, there are legitimate reasons to hire a company like Safeguard — just not for a typical home:
| Scenario | Why Commercial Makes Sense | DIY Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Business with fire code requirements | NFPA compliance, annual inspections, commercial fire panels | None — you need a licensed commercial installer |
| Construction site security | Temporary camera trailers, mobile patrol, guard service | None — DIY won’t cut it for a job site |
| Large commercial property | Access control for 50+ doors, integrated video + intrusion | Enterprise systems (Verkada, Rhombus, Avigilon) |
| Guard/patrol service needed | Physical response, armed guards, site checks | None — you need a guard company |
| Multi-location business | Centralized management, consistent vendor across sites | Cloud-based systems (Verkada, Alarm.com for business) |
Best Home Security Alternatives (What You Actually Need)
| System | Best For | Starting Price | Monthly | Contract | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode | Smart home enthusiasts | $199 | $0-$20 | None | Only HomeKit security system | 4.5/5 |
| Ring Alarm | Alexa households | $199 | $0-$20 | None | Camera ecosystem + Alexa | 4/5 |
| SimpliSafe | Simplicity seekers | $249 | $0-$28 | None | Fast Protect live video response | 4/5 |
| ADT Self Setup | Brand trust | $199 | $6-$25 | None | Google Nest integration | 3.5/5 |
Our recommendation: Abode gives you everything a commercial provider offers for homes — professional monitoring, door/window sensors, motion detection, cameras, smart locks — at a fraction of the cost with no contract. The buyer’s guide walks you through choosing the right system for your needs.
If You’re Already With a Regional Dealer
Stuck in a contract with Safeguard or a similar company? Here are your options:
| Situation | Best Move | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Contract ending soon (< 6 months) | Wait it out, don’t auto-renew, switch to DIY | $0 (just keep paying until end) |
| 1-2 years remaining | Calculate ETF vs remaining payments — sometimes paying ETF is cheaper | ETF varies ($200-$1,000+) |
| Month-to-month already | Cancel with 30-day written notice, switch immediately | $0-$50 (final month) |
| Moving | Some contracts have relocation clauses — check yours | May void contract |
Read our full guide: How to Cancel Your Home Security Contract
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Safeguard Security the same as SafeGuard Armored?
No. SafeGuard Armored (formerly Dunbar Armored) is an armored car company that transports cash for banks and businesses. Safeguard Security and Communications is a completely separate alarm and security company. The shared name causes frequent confusion.
Does Safeguard Security operate outside Arizona?
The Arizona-based Safeguard Security primarily serves the Phoenix metro area. However, dozens of unrelated companies use the “Safeguard” name across the US, UK, and Canada. If you’re outside Arizona, your local “Safeguard” is likely a different company with different ownership, pricing, and service quality.
Can I use Safeguard’s commercial equipment at home?
Technically yes, but it’s overkill and overpriced. Commercial fire panels, access control systems, and enterprise cameras are designed for businesses and come with commercial pricing ($2,000-$10,000+ for installation). A $199 Abode Smart Security Kit gives homeowners everything they need at a fraction of the cost.
Is mobile patrol worth it for a home?
For most homes, no. Mobile patrol services cost $500-$2,000+/month and are designed for commercial properties, construction sites, and high-value estates. A modern security system with cameras, motion lights, and professional monitoring provides comparable deterrence for $0-$20/month.
What’s the cheapest way to replace a dealer security system?
Abode’s Smart Security Kit at $199 with free self-monitoring is the cheapest complete replacement. You get a hub, door/window sensors, motion sensor, and key fob — install it in 30 minutes, and add professional monitoring for $6/month only if you want it. No contract ever.
Should I use Alarm.com monitoring instead of a dealer?
Alarm.com is the platform many dealers (including Safeguard) resell. You can get Alarm.com monitoring directly through companies like 2GIG panel dealers or services like Alarm Grid for $15-$25/month — skipping the dealer markup. But for most homeowners, a purpose-built DIY system like Abode or Ring is simpler and cheaper.
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.
Charlie says
Very detailed review, thank you Alarm-Reviews! I”m on the hunt for the best possible security system for my business. I noted that this has high installation fees and a long contract. I was on the phone with SafeGuard recently, and if you ask to talk to the sales manager they can work out a custom plan with you. It’s worth a shot, in any case, to see if you can get a better rate.