5 Reasons People Say "No" to Home Security—and Why They Should Rethink It

I get it. When it comes to home security systems, there’s a lot to consider. And if you’re anything like most people, you’ve probably had one or two reasons for not taking the plunge. But here’s the thing—most of those reasons don’t hold up when you look at the bigger picture. Let’s talk about the most common objections I hear and why they’re worth rethinking.

1. “It’s Too Expensive”

Sure, no one likes adding another bill. But think about this: what’s the cost of not having a security system? A burglary can set you back thousands—not just in stolen items but also in repairs for broken doors or windows. And some things, like sentimental items, can’t be replaced at any price.

Here’s the thing: the cost of being proactive is almost always less than the cost of being reactive. A monitored security system spreads that cost out over time and protects you from the much bigger hit—financially and emotionally—that comes with a break-in. It’s the difference between a manageable monthly investment and trying to recover from a huge, unexpected loss.

Even insurance companies are moving toward a “proactive” approach. For example, in 2022, State Farm, one of Americas largest insurance companies, invested over a billion dollars, to partner with ADT, the countries oldest, and largest home security company to help homeowners prevent losses instead of just dealing with them after they happen. They recognize that stopping a break-in or a fire before it starts saves everyone time, money, and stress. Most insurers even offer discounts to homeowners with monitored systems because they know those homes are better protected.

When you think about it, a security system is more than just peace of mind—it’s a smart investment that pays off in more ways than one.

2. “I Live in a Safe Neighborhood”

I hear this one all the time, and I get it—your neighborhood feels safe, so why worry about security, right? But let me ask you something: if you were a thief looking to score big, where would you go?

Think about it like this: if you had a ton of cash and wanted to go buy some really nice stuff, you wouldn’t head to a discount store—you’d probably go somewhere with high-quality options, like a Macy’s or a Neiman Marcus. Now, flip the script: if you’re a thief looking to steal valuables, you’re more likely to target homes where it looks like there’s more to gain.

Living in a safe neighborhood is great, but it doesn’t make your home invisible to crime. In fact, it can make your home more appealing to criminals looking for easy opportunities. And here’s the reality: most burglaries aren’t meticulously planned. They’re crimes of opportunity. A thief sees an open garage, a dark porch, or no visible security system, and they make their move.

A home security system isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about preparing for the unexpected. It’s a proactive step that says, “I value what I’ve worked hard for.” Because here’s the truth: reacting after something goes wrong is far more stressful—and costly—than taking simple precautions now.

You can’t control where criminals choose to go, but you can make sure your home isn’t an easy target. A security system does just that.

3. “I Don’t Want to Be Locked into a Contract”

I get it—nobody loves the idea of a contract. But let’s think about this for a second. How many people sign up for a free trial on a streaming app, forget to cancel, and end up paying for months—or even years? And they keep paying, even when they’re not entirely happy with the service. Why? Because deep down, they value having it there, just in case.

Now, think about this: a home security system is a service you’ll never regret having when you need it most. It’s not about entertainment or convenience—it’s about protecting your home, your family, and everything you’ve worked hard for. And unlike that streaming app you forget about, a security system doesn’t just sit idle. It actively works for you, 24/7, making sure you’re covered when the unexpected happens.

The truth is, a contract isn’t about locking you in—it’s about guaranteeing reliability. You don’t want a system that might stop working just because you hit a tough month. A contract ensures your protection is uninterrupted, so when something does happen, you’re not left scrambling.

And if the idea of commitment still feels daunting, don’t worry—many companies offer trial periods or flexible plans to help you get started. But once you experience the peace of mind a monitored system provides, odds are you’ll see the value in sticking with it.

4. “I Can Just Use Cameras or a DIY System”

Cameras are great tools, but let’s be honest—they’re not a complete solution. A camera might show you what’s happening, but it can’t call for help. And here’s a question to think about: what happens if you’re not watching?

One of my customers had this exact experience. They installed cameras on their own and felt pretty confident about their setup. Then one night, they decided to go see a movie. Being polite, they turned off their phone so it wouldn’t disturb the other moviegoers. During the show, their camera recorded two hooded guys breaking in through the sliding glass door in their backyard. But with their phone off, they had no idea.

After the movie, they left their phone off while chatting with their significant other on the drive home. When they arrived, they walked in on the two burglars still inside their house. Thankfully, the criminals got spooked and ran, but the couple was shaken to their core. They later told me, “It could have gone so much worse.”

That’s the thing about DIY systems or cameras—they rely on you to take action. If you miss the notification, or your phone is off, or you’re just busy living your life, the system can’t do anything to protect you.

A monitored security system is different. It doesn’t just watch—it acts. If there’s a break-in, the monitoring team gets notified immediately and sends help, whether you’re glued to your phone or halfway across the world. It’s like having a safety net that never lets you down.

Cameras are great for keeping an eye on things, but a complete security system ensures someone has your back when it matters most. Why take the risk of going halfway?

5. “It’s Too Complicated to Use”

I get it—when you think of home security systems, you might picture those old-school setups with clunky keypads and confusing codes. But times have changed, and so have security systems.

In fact, the oldest and arguably most well-known home security brand, ADT, recently partnered with Google to create a seamless integration between home security and smart home technology. This collaboration means you can now control your security system with simple voice commands through Google Assistant. Imagine saying, "Hey Google, arm the security system," as you head out the door. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

Modern systems come with user-friendly apps that let you manage everything from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you're at home, at work, or on vacation, you can arm or disarm your system, check live video feeds, and receive instant alerts—all with a few taps or voice commands.

Plus, these systems are designed to integrate with other smart home devices. Want your lights to turn on when you disarm the system? Or have your thermostat adjust when you leave the house? It’s all possible and easy to set up.

So, if complexity has been holding you back, it's time to reconsider. Today's security systems are not only powerful but also incredibly intuitive, making it easier than ever to keep your home safe and connected.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, investing in a home security system is about more than just protecting your belongings. It’s about peace of mind, knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect your loved ones and your home. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive—taking steps to avoid the heartache, stress, and financial strain that come with a break-in or other emergency.

Technology has made security systems smarter, simpler, and more affordable than ever. And with options like professional monitoring, smart home integration, and user-friendly controls, there’s really no reason to leave your safety to chance.

The choice is yours—but remember, it’s not just about what you’re protecting today. It’s about safeguarding your future.