How to Switch Alarm Monitoring Companies (Without Replacing Your System)
Price went up again? Nobody answers when you call? You can usually keep your existing alarm and just change who monitors it. Here is how switching works, and the contract details to check first.
By Ilan Nahum , Blaze Alarms October 13, 2026 6 min read
- Most alarm panels can be moved to a new monitoring company without replacing the system.
- Switching to Blaze Alarms is generally free, unless a part like the control panel needs replacing.
- Check your current contract end date, cancellation terms and whether your equipment is leased.
- Do not cancel the old monitoring until the new company confirms your alarm is coming through.
Can I keep my existing alarm?
In most cases, yes. The sensors, siren and keypad in your home work with many monitoring companies. What changes is the programming inside the control panel, so it sends signals to a new monitoring station.
There are two common exceptions:
- Locked panels. Some companies lock their panels so another company cannot reprogram them. Often the panel can still be reset, but sometimes it has to be replaced.
- Leased equipment. If your contract says the company owns the system, you may have to return it or buy it out.
At Blaze Alarms, switching your monitoring is generally free. The exception is when a part like the control panel has to be replaced, and we will tell you before any work starts.
Step 1: Read your current contract
Find your contract or call your current company and ask:
- When does my contract end?
- What does it cost to cancel early?
- Does it renew automatically, and how much notice do I need to give?
- Do I own the equipment, or is it leased?
If your contract has ended, or renews month to month, switching is usually simple. If you are in the middle of a long contract, compare the cancellation fee with what you would save.
Call us or send the form with the brand of your keypad. We will tell you if your system can be switched and what it costs.
Step 2: How the switch works
- Tell us your panel model The brand and model printed on your keypad is enough to start. We confirm it can be switched.
- We visit and reprogram the panel We connect your system to our monitoring station and add a cellular communicator if it still uses a landline.
- We test every zone Doors, windows, motion detectors, smoke detectors and panic buttons are tested with the station.
- We set up your contacts Who the station calls first, your passwords and your codes.
- You cancel the old company Only after we confirm your alarm is coming through to our station. Send your cancellation in writing and keep a copy.
Never leave a gap. Cancel the old monitoring only after the new company confirms your signals are coming through. Otherwise your home could be unmonitored for days.
Step 3: Use the switch to fix old problems
A switch is a good time to check the system over:
- Replace weak sensor batteries and the panel's backup battery if needed.
- Move off the landline to cellular communication. See do I need a landline.
- Change your codes, especially if previous owners or contractors knew them.
- Add phone control or notifications as an option, if you want them.
What to look for in a new company
- A ULC-listed monitoring station
- A clear answer to "what happens when my alarm goes off?" (here is our answer)
- Guard response to burglary alarms, not just a phone call
- A written monthly price and fair contract terms (see monitoring costs)
- A local team you can actually reach
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new alarm system to switch companies?
Usually not. Most panels can be reprogrammed to send signals to a new monitoring station. If a panel is locked or too old, we will tell you before any work starts.
How much does it cost to switch to Blaze Alarms?
Switching is generally free, unless a part like the control panel has to be replaced. We confirm this before we start.
How long does switching take?
The visit itself is usually short. We reprogram the panel, test every zone with the station and set up your contacts.
Can I switch if I moved into a house with an old alarm?
Yes. This is very common. We check the existing system, reset the codes and connect it to our monitoring.
Ilan Nahum runs Blaze Alarms, a Toronto security company installing alarm systems and security cameras across the GTA since 1990. Rated stars from 178 Google reviews.
Blaze Alarms has protected Toronto and GTA homes since 1990. Tell us about your home and we will give you a clear written quote.