Monitoring for systems is optional. Monitoring costs can be less than $10/mo.
I have a wireless system for Personal Emergency Response. Monitoring costs about $22/mo and was $15/mo the first year. I require 2-way voice communication with the alarm company so I can't go for the <$10/mo. I'm not paying $50-$60/mo. Agreed, I installed it myself, but it came pre-configured. I do have to add/delete sensors as the panics are sealed and the batteries cannot be replaced. It's also up to me to troubleshoot it.
I beleive the standard reporting system is Ademco and any alarm monitoring service can support that. For reporting, the sensor type needs to be configured for the monitoring system. You may need to provide the alarm monitoring company the 9 digit phone number for 911 for your location.
I'll bet that if you have window switches or wired panc devices, they won't remove them. It's not worth the trouble. They are likely going to go after the keypads and the console.
They may not even remove motion detectors.
Take a look around at
Linear LLC and
GE Concord 4 Simon 3 Honeywell Vista 800-309-1009. Both companies I've done business with.
When it's non-monitored, what do you want it to do?
1) Ring outside bell for 10 min? Our Intrusion/fire alarms cannot call 911 directly.
2) Call your Cell?
a) Leave a voice message
b) Send a text message
Report your findings.