Terms of Use

Draft for review. This text describes how the new Monitco system works and must be checked by the owner, ideally with a lawyer, before it is published. Highlighted parts in [brackets] need the owner's facts.

Last updated: [date it is published]

These terms are an agreement between you and Monitco [legal company name] ("Monitco", "we") for the use of the monitco.net website, the Monitco dashboard at app.monitco.net, the Monitco mobile and voice apps, and Monitco monitoring devices and plans (together, the "Service"). By creating an account, activating a device or using the Service, you agree to these terms and to our Privacy Policy.

1. What Monitco does

A Monitco device reports readings from its sensors — such as battery and shore-power voltage, temperature, noise, door and alarm inputs, smoke detector and GPS location — over the cellular network to our server. The dashboard shows those readings, sends the email and text alerts you set up, and lets you operate the device's remote switches.

2. Important: Monitco is not an emergency or life-safety service

Monitco helps you keep an eye on your property, but it can't guarantee that every reading or alert will arrive, or arrive on time. Alerts depend on cellular coverage, power to the device, correct installation and settings, and on email and phone carriers outside our control. Monitco does not contact emergency services.

  • Do not rely on Monitco as your only protection for people or animals. For example, never leave a pet in a vehicle or RV that could become dangerously hot or cold on the strength of an alert alone.
  • A smoke sensor connected to Monitco does not replace a certified smoke or fire alarm.
  • Check your device's status in the dashboard regularly; the dashboard shows when a device has stopped reporting.

3. Your account

  • You must be at least 18 years old and give accurate information.
  • Keep your password private. You are responsible for activity under your account. Tell us right away at support@monitco.net if you think someone else has used it.
  • Phone numbers and email addresses you add for alerts must belong to you or to people who agreed to receive them. Message and data rates from your mobile carrier may apply. Reply STOP to any Monitco text message to stop texts to that number [confirm once the SMS provider is chosen].

4. Devices and remote switches

  • Only install a Monitco device on property you own or are authorized to monitor, and only track the location of assets you own or have permission to track. Do not use Monitco to track a person without their consent.
  • Remote switches can turn connected equipment on or off from a distance. You are responsible for what you connect and for making sure that remote operation is safe — for example, a generator, pump, heater or brake must not be able to cause harm when switched while nobody is present. Follow the installation instructions and applicable electrical codes; use a qualified installer where required.
  • The device's SIM card is for the Monitco Service only and may not be used in other equipment.
  • Hardware warranty: [e.g. 12 months from delivery against defects in materials and workmanship; describe the return/replacement process].

5. Plans, trial and payment

  • Plans are monthly or yearly, as shown on the Plans page. There is no long-term contract.
  • New accounts get a free 7-day trial of the monitoring service. Hardware is not included in the trial.
  • Plans renew automatically at the end of each period until you cancel. You can cancel at any time; the service stays active until the end of the period you have paid for. [refund policy for unused time and for hardware returns]
  • If a payment fails or a plan ends, the dashboard, alerts and remote control stop until the plan is renewed. Device readings received meanwhile may not be kept. [confirm]
  • We may change prices with at least 30 days' notice by email; the new price applies from your next renewal.

6. Acceptable use

Don't misuse the Service: no attempts to access other people's accounts or devices, to interfere with or overload our systems, to send false device reports, to reverse-engineer device keys, or to use the Service for anything unlawful. We may suspend accounts or devices that do.

7. Our property

The Monitco name and logo, the website, dashboard, apps and device firmware belong to Monitco. You may use them only to use the Service. Your data stays yours; you allow us to process it to provide the Service, as described in the Privacy Policy.

8. Changes and availability

We work to keep the Service running, but it may occasionally be unavailable for maintenance or reasons beyond our control. We may improve or change features. If we change these terms in a way that matters, we will post the new terms here and email account holders before they take effect.

9. Disclaimers and limits of liability

Except where the law does not allow it: the Service is provided "as is" and "as available", without warranties other than the hardware warranty above. Monitco is not liable for indirect or consequential losses, or for loss or damage to property, animals or people that results from readings or alerts that were missed, late or wrong. Our total liability for any claim relating to the Service is limited to the amount you paid us in the 12 months before the claim. [lawyer to review this section]

10. Ending the agreement

You can close your account at any time by contacting us. We may suspend or close accounts that break these terms or are unpaid. When an account is closed, data is deleted as described in the Privacy Policy.

11. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA. Disputes will be handled in the courts of San Diego County, California. [lawyer to confirm; consider an arbitration clause]

12. Contact

Monitco [legal company name and mailing address]
San Diego, California
Email: info@monitco.net · Phone: (951) 520 3552