The Insecurity of Security

So I recovered from my 'stupid owner trick' and retrieved my car this morning. The tow driver tried to make me feel better by saying it wasn't the stupidest thing he'd ever seen. I didn't really want to know where I ranked, so I let it go at that.

With the electrical work ready for inspection, I turned my attention to security systems. I liked ADT's products and service description and was prepared to have them rough in their wiring, but Ellen told me they wanted 50% down. I said, fine, but I want to look at the contract. I really don't know how anyone could sign a contract like the one they presented to us. Basically, all of their obligations under the agreement were 'best effort.' The problem with that is that we had no recourse even if it could be proved they didn't do their best. The real showstopper was their 'Hold Harmless' clause which specifically said that if they, or any affiliated person or company were sued by a 3rd party for any action committed by them during service work performed for us, then we were responsible for the cost of their defense as well as any damages awarded to the plaintiff. This applied even if the problem was caused by ADT's negligence, gross negligence or any other fault. That makes us liable if they hire a person who's incompetent, insane or lacks integrity and does something stupid in the course of his duties. I have to say that I'm more afraid of ADT than I am a burglar. A burglar can take what he's able to haul away. Having to pay damages awarded in a law suit, along with the cost of their defense attorneys, could take everything we own or even thought about owning. Needless to say, I've dropped ADT from consideration. We'll look at Brinks. If they want the same, then we'll drop the security system idea. I'd feel more insecure with a security system, than without under those circumstances.