- Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Want to Know
Before You Call Us
27 straight answers to the questions Indianapolis homeowners ask most — about contracts, equipment, monitoring, installation, and pricing. No fluff, no marketing language.
Don’t see your question answered here? Call Theo or Tristan directly at (317) 252-0200. They answer their own phone.
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General
Does ProTECHt require a long-term contract?
We offer 36-month monitoring agreements on our Homeowner and Business plans — but you own your equipment outright from day one. We also offer month-to-month plans for renters and anyone who prefers flexibility. There are no surprise cancellation penalties, and we explain every line of your agreement before installation begins.
Who owns the equipment after installation?
You do always. ProTECHt never leases equipment. The moment we install it, it belongs to you. If you ever change monitoring providers or cancel service, your sensors, panel, and cameras stay on your walls. You can even take the system with you if you move.
How quickly can ProTECHt install my system?
We offer next-day installation in most cases throughout the Indianapolis metro. In many cases, we can schedule your install within 24 hours of your call. We work around your schedule, including evenings and Saturdays.
Who answers when I call ProTECHt?
Theo or Tristan Garber, the owners. ProTECHt does not use a call center. When you call (317) 252-0200, you reach a local Indianapolis person who knows your system, your neighborhood, and your account.
Is ProTECHt a franchise or national company?
No. ProTECHt is an independent, locally owned Indianapolis company founded by Theo Garber in 2012. His son Tristan joined the business, and together they personally handle every installation and customer account. We are not a franchise, not a chain, and not affiliated with any national security company.
What areas does ProTECHt serve?
ProTECHt serves Indianapolis and 27 surrounding communities, including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville, Avon, Brownsburg, Plainfield, Greenwood, and more. See our full coverage area at protechthome.com/areas-we-serve.
Equipment & Technology
What security panel does ProTECHt install?
ProTECHt installs the Qolsys IQ Panel 5 the latest generation of Alarm. com-connected security panels. It runs on Android 14 with a Qualcomm DragonWing processor, 13MP PortraitView camera, built-in PowerG+ wireless, Z-Wave Long Range, and receives over-the-air updates automatically.
What platform do ProTECHt systems run on?
Every ProTECHt system runs on the Alarm.com platform the leading professional smart home security platform trusted by millions of homeowners nationwide. One app controls your security system, cameras, locks, thermostat, lights, and garage door.
Can I control my system when I'm away from home?
Yes from anywhere in the world. The Alarm.com app lets you arm and disarm your system, lock and unlock doors, view live camera feeds, adjust your thermostat, and open or close your garage door from your phone. If you forget to arm when you leave, you can arm remotely in seconds.
What happens to my system if the power goes out?
Your IQ Panel 5 includes a backup battery that keeps the system running during power outages. The system also communicates over a dedicated 4G LTE cellular connection completely independent of your home’s internet or Wi-Fi. If your power and internet both go out simultaneously, your system still works and Brinks monitoring still responds.
What happens if a burglar cuts my phone line or internet?
Nothing because ProTECHt systems don’t rely on your phone line or internet. All communication between your panel and Brink’s monitoring runs over a dedicated cellular connection. This is one of the core advantages over older systems that communicated over landlines.
What is Crash & Smash protection?
Crash & Smash protection means that if a burglar breaks in and immediately destroys your security panel before it can send an alarm signal, the alarm still triggers. The panel sends a signal the moment the door opens, before a burglar can reach it. If that signal is interrupted, Brinks responds as if an alarm occurred.
Does my equipment come with a warranty?
Your alarm system panel and sensors are covered by a Brinks Home lifetime warranty included with your 36-month monitoring agreement. This covers the alarm panel and sensors only. Smart home automation devices (locks, thermostats, lighting, garage door controllers) are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty only. Camera and video equipment are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty only. ProTECHt will help facilitate any warranty claim on your behalf call us.
Monitoring & Plans
Who monitors my ProTECHt system?
Brink’s Home™ the largest professional security monitoring company in North America. Brink’s operates UL-listed monitoring centers with some of the fastest verified response times in the industry. When your alarm triggers, Brinks contacts you and dispatches emergency services if needed.
How much does monitoring cost?
ProTECHt monitoring starts at $39.99 a month for our Smart Security plan. Plans that include smart automation or video features run a little higher — $44.99 for automation, $49.99 for video, and $54.99 for everything together. Every plan includes a $0 activation fee. Call (317) 252-0200 for a personalized quote.
What is the difference between Homeowner and Renter plans?
Homeowner plans include a 36-month agreement and come with free equipment included. Renter plans are month-to-month with no contract and no free equipment. You purchase equipment separately or use compatible equipment you already own. Every monitoring feature is identical between the two plan types.
Can I monitor my own system without a professional monitoring plan?
Yes. ProTECHt offers self-monitoring plans starting at $14.99/month. You receive real-time alerts on your phone and control all smart home features through the Alarm.com app. No professional monitoring means no one contacts emergency services on your behalf you manage alerts yourself.
Can I upgrade my plan later?
Yes, at any time. You can upgrade from self-monitoring to professional monitoring, or from a basic plan to a plan with video or automation features, without changing any equipment. The upgrade is instant; your panel and sensors stay exactly as they are.
Installation & Service
What does a ProTECHt installation include?
A typical ProTECHt installation includes: delivery and professional mounting of your IQ Panel 5, installation of all door and window sensors, motion detectors, and any cameras or smart devices in your plan, full system configuration and testing, Alarm.com app setup on your phone, and a complete walkthrough of every feature before we leave. We do not leave until you are comfortable with your system.
Do I need to be home during installation
Yes — we ask that an adult homeowner or authorized resident be present for the entire installation. We use that time to learn your home’s layout and design the system correctly, and to walk you through the system and answer questions at the end.
How long does a typical installation take?
Most residential installs take 2–4 hours depending on the size of the home and the number of devices. Larger homes with cameras and full smart home automation may take 4–6 hours. We work efficiently and clean up after every installation.
Does ProTECHt install cameras I already own?
In many cases, yes — particularly Alarm.com-compatible cameras and Ubiquiti UniFi cameras. Call us with the make and model and we’ll confirm compatibility before scheduling your install.
What if I have a problem with my system after installation?
Call us. Theo or Tristan will answer personally. We offer same-day or next-day service calls for active ProTECHt customers throughout the Indianapolis metro. For false alarm cancellations, call the Brinks number on your keypad or (800) 447-9239.
Pricing & Contracts
Does ProTECHt have a best price guarantee?
Yes. We guarantee we will beat any competitor’s written apples-to-apples quote — same or better equipment, same or better monitoring, lower or equal price. If you have a quote from ADT, Vivint, or any other company, call us before you sign.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. ProTECHt charges $0 activation fee on all new systems. There are no installation fees on qualifying plans, no equipment lease fees, and no surprise charges. Your monthly rate is locked in for the term of your agreement and will not increase.
Can I cancel my monitoring service?
Yes, with standard notice per your monitoring agreement terms. We always explain cancellation terms clearly before you sign. Unlike some national companies, we do not make cancellation deliberately difficult — if you need to cancel, call us and we’ll handle it professionally.
What happens to my system if I move?
Your equipment is yours, you can take it with you. In most cases, your existing sensors and devices can be reinstalled in your new home, and we can add additional coverage as needed. Call us when you’re planning a move, and we’ll work out the best path forward for your specific situation.
Still Have a Question?
Theo and Tristan answer every call personally. No scripts, no long hold music — just a straight answer from the people who will install your system.