3 Best Collection Agencies for Security Companies: Cost & Reviews

Key Takeaways

• Security companies face unique collection challenges due to recurring contract billing and client bases that are relationship-sensitive.
• Most collection agencies serving this sector operate on a contingency basis, typically charging 10%–50% of the amount recovered, depending on the debt’s age and size.
• Evaluating compliance standards, industry experience, and communication quality is essential before choosing a collection partner.
• The collection agencies reviewed in this guide are Southwest Recovery Services, Coast to Coast Financial Solutions, and IC System, each evaluated on cost, experience, and methodology.
• At Southwest Recovery Services, we offer contingency-only B2B collections with AI-guided tracking, 20+ years of experience, and 12 offices across seven states.

Why Security Companies Need Specialized Collection Support

Unpaid invoices are a persistent challenge for security companies, where recurring contract billing and long-term client relationships make debt recovery especially delicate. Choosing the wrong collection partner can damage the business ties that drive steady revenue, while waiting too long to act can sharply reduce the chances of recovering what’s owed.

This guide compares Southwest Recovery Services, Coast to Coast Financial Solutions, and IC System on costs, industry experience, recovery methods, and client reviews, so you can find the right collection partner for your security company’s accounts receivable needs.

Top 3 Collection Agencies for Security Companies

1. Southwest Recovery Services

We are a nationally recognized, full-service accounts receivable management firm headquartered in Addison, Texas. At Southwest Recovery Services, we have over 20 years of experience, specialize in B2B invoice recovery for companies with $10M–$100M in revenue, and operate 12 offices across 7 states. We work on a strict contingency-only basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless we successfully collect.

We stand out due to our AI-guided tracking system, which monitors every promise to pay across phone, email, text, and mail. This technology, combined with daily founder involvement, creates accountability that helps ensure every account gets consistent attention from placement to resolution. Our priority sectors include trucking, logistics, contractors, and oil and gas, but our methodology translates effectively to any B2B environment, including commercial security services.

Our contingency fees generally range from 10% to 25%, depending on the age and complexity of the account. Our compliance-first approach means no threats and no aggressive tactics that could reflect poorly on your brand.

Review Summary: Several clients praise our team members for being professional, persistent, and effective in resolving even the most complex claims. Multiple reviewers highlight the agency’s responsiveness and its willingness to thoroughly investigate account disputes on behalf of clients.

2. Coast to Coast Financial Solutions

Coast to Coast Financial Solutions, based in Thousand Oaks, California, is one of the few agencies that explicitly markets a dedicated program for the security and alarm industry. Their management team brings over 65 years of combined collection experience, and the agency claims to have collected over $1.7 billion in revenue for clients across multiple sectors. Coast to Coast offers both flat-fee and contingency-based collection programs, giving security companies flexibility depending on account volume and balance sizes.

Their approach emphasizes customer retention, which is especially important for security companies that rely on long-term monitoring contracts. Coast to Coast uses custom demand notices, live phone calls with tailored scripts, and credit reporting tools as part of their recovery strategy. They also provide a web portal for 24/7 account tracking and management.

Review Summary: Coast to Coast Financial Solutions holds an A rating from the BBB and has received positive client testimonials praising their communication, professionalism, and willingness to customize programs. Several business clients cite multi-year partnerships with consistently strong results. Business-client reviews are positive overall, though some complaints about communication during debt validation disputes have been noted.

3. IC System

IC System is one of North America’s largest collection agencies, founded in 1938 and now in its third generation of family ownership. Headquartered near St. Paul, Minnesota, IC System serves thousands of clients across industries, including healthcare, utilities, government, telecommunications, and small to mid-sized businesses. Their reach and infrastructure make them a viable option for larger security companies with high-volume accounts.

IC System offers a two-phased program that starts with correspondence-only outreach before escalating to full collection efforts. During the correspondence phase, clients keep 100% of recovered funds. The agency is known for its ethical, consumer-friendly collection methodology, called OmniTouch Engagement Strategy, which combines digital outreach with live, U.S.-based phone calls. IC System also offers InstiCollect, a low-contingency option for small businesses with up to 50 accounts per month.

Review Summary: IC System holds an A+ rating from BBB and has been accredited since 1992. On DebtLink, the agency holds a 5-out-of-5 rating from business clients who praise its compliance track record and ethical practices. Reviews from individual debtors are less favorable, which is typical in the collections industry, but the agency’s complaint-free interaction rate across millions of digital contacts reflects strong operational discipline.

How Much Do Collection Agencies Charge Security Companies?

Most collection agencies serving the security industry use a contingency fee model, meaning they are paid only when they successfully recover funds. Contingency rates typically range from 10% to 50%, with the percentage varying based on the age of the debt, the balance amount, and the complexity of the account. Fresher accounts (under 90 days past due) generally attract lower contingency rates, often 10–25%, while older accounts may carry fees closer to 35%–50%.

Some agencies also offer flat-fee programs, in which security companies pay a set fee per account placed. These plans work best for companies with many smaller-balance accounts, such as low-value commercial service contracts. Choosing between the two comes down to your typical account size, the volume of delinquent accounts, and how long those accounts have been past due.

Best Collection Agencies for Security Companies: At-a-Glance Summary

Which Collection Agency Is the Right Fit for Your Security Business?

Choosing the right collection agency for your security company comes down to three things: relevant industry experience, a fee structure that aligns with your business model, and a methodology that protects the client relationships your revenue depends on. The agencies reviewed here each bring something different to the table, but the right fit depends on your account volume, average balance size, and how long those accounts have been sitting past due.

For B2B security companies looking for a contingency-only partner with deep commercial collections experience, Southwest Recovery Services combines AI-guided tracking, omnichannel outreach, and over 20 years of experience across 12 offices in seven states. Our compliance-first approach means no aggressive tactics that put your brand at risk, and our clear reporting keeps you informed on every account from placement to resolution.

Request a Free Quote

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should a security company send an account to collections?

Most collection professionals recommend placing delinquent accounts within 90 days of the first missed payment. After this window, the probability of full recovery drops significantly. Early placement gives the collection agency the best chance of reaching the debtor and securing payment before the account ages further.

Do collection agencies report security company debts to credit bureaus?

Many collection agencies offer credit bureau reporting as part of their services. Reporting a delinquent account to the major credit bureaus can serve as additional motivation for debtors to pay. Not all agencies include this by default, so it is important to confirm during the evaluation process.

Can a collection agency handle commercial security debts?

Yes. B2B commercial debts between businesses operate under a different legal framework than consumer collections, giving agencies more flexibility in outreach methods and escalation timelines. If your security company primarily serves other businesses — corporate clients, property managers, contractors — a commercial collections specialist will generally deliver better results than a generalist agency.

What happens if a debtor disputes the amount owed?

A reputable collection agency will have a documented dispute resolution process. When a debtor disputes a balance, the agency investigates by verifying the debt with the original creditor, reviewing documentation, and responding within the timeframes required by federal law. Transparent communication during disputes protects both the creditor and the debtor.

What makes Southwest Recovery Services a strong choice for B2B security collections?

At Southwest Recovery Services, we combine AI-powered account tracking, veteran collectors trained in respectful outreach, and a contingency-only fee structure that eliminates upfront costs. With 12 offices across seven states, over 20 years of experience, and a compliance-first approach, we deliver results-driven collections while protecting business relationships.

*Note: Recovery rates mentioned are for general reference only and not guaranteed. Actual results vary by account and industry. Contact Southwest Recovery Services for a customized quote.