Central Security Group changed its name to Alert 360 in 2018 and was founded in 1983. It has since grown to be the 4th-largest home and business security company in the United States.
Alert 360 provides both residential and commercial security systems and professional monitoring services.
Alert 360 is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma and offers smart home technology, remote access, installation, business automation, small business security, wireless security, and commercial alarm monitoring.
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Pros
- Home Automation Devices
- Insurance Incentives
Home Automation Devices
In addition to its home security features, Central Security Group (Alert 360) provides a number of home automation devices (e.g. automated thermostats, door locks, lighting, and garage door openers) that are all accessible through CSG's mobile app.
CSG has even optimized its mobile app for the Apple Watch, so you can control your home and view your security camera footage anywhere.
Insurance Incentives
Central Security Group provides a number of insurance incentives to help customers save money. Depending on your current insurer's eligibility, you could save up to 20% on your monthly insurance premiums by having a security system installed in your home.
CSG will also reimburse you up to $1,360 towards your insurance deductible if the home security system is unable to detect a theft on the premises (certain restrictions apply). Few companies truly make the effort to protect consumers in the event of a break-in.
Cons
- Limited Service Area
- Automatic Renewal
- Lack of Transparency
Limited Service Area
Central Security Group is only available in 17 states throughout the southern region of the United States. One common customer complaint has to do with Central Security Groups confusing contract terms.
Automatic Renewal
Few customers are told that the contract automatically renews if they fail to cancel this renewal within 30 days of the original contract expiring. This means if customers wish to cancel their contract more than 30 days after its renewal, they will be required to pay 100% of the contract balance (roughly $480 for a 12-month renewal). There is also a bit of confusion as to the proper cancellation procedures.
CSG requires customers to provide a written request for cancellation; simply calling customer service is not sufficient.
Lack of Transparency
In addition to CSG's confusing contract terms, the company ranks poorly in online transparency. For customers wanting information on pricing, exclusions, promotion details, and equipment provided, a simple site search is not enough; they will need to request a free quote.
Customers should exercise caution when dealing with any home security company that does not make basic information like monthly monitoring fees upfront.
Our Recommendation
Central Security Group provides average home security and home automation services. Customers should be prepared to ask a lot of questions when contacting CSG before they find satisfactory information. Because Central Security Group operates through several different dealers throughout the southern United States, customers should be prepared for inconsistent service depending on location.
Customers should also be wary of any company that does not make important information like contract terms, cancellation policies, and pricing easily accessible.
