Auto dealerships face a unique security challenge: hundreds of high-value vehicles sitting outside overnight with limited protection.
For years, the default approach has been hiring security guards — a human presence meant to deter theft, vandalism, and trespassing. But recently, many dealerships have started asking a smarter question:
Is AI-powered monitoring a better solution?
Here’s a breakdown of both options so you can decide what actually works best for your dealership.
👮♂️ Security Guards: The Traditional Approach
Hiring a guard to walk the lot overnight has been the norm for decades. Guards are expected to deter criminal activity simply by being there and staying visible.
But this model comes with a few major drawbacks:
Limited Coverage
One guard can only be in one place at a time. While they patrol one end of the lot, the other end is unmonitored — leaving opportunities for theft.
Human Error
Even well-intentioned guards get tired, distracted, or complacent. They might miss something important, respond slowly, or even fall asleep.
High Costs
Security guards typically cost between $18–$30 per hour, according to national labor data. That adds up to $12,000–$20,000 per month for full-time overnight coverage — not including benefits, training, or management time.
If you want a deeper breakdown, check out our guide: The Hidden Costs of Security Guards at Auto Dealerships
🤖 AI Monitoring: The Smarter, More Scalable Option
AI-powered surveillance trailers offer a mobile, self-contained security solution that works 24/7 — no breaks, no blind spots, and no guesswork.
Our trailers at Autom Security include:
- High-resolution PTZ and fisheye cameras
- AI that detects people, vehicles, and loitering
- Strobe lights and speaker-based audio deterrents
- Live alerts and automatic police dispatch
📊 Security Guards vs. AI Monitoring: What’s the Difference?
🔹 Coverage
- Security Guards: Limited — can only monitor one area at a time while walking the lot.
- AI Monitoring: 24/7 coverage with 360° visibility and multiple camera angles.
🔹 Response Time
- Security Guards: Delayed — depends on awareness, reaction time, and decision-making.
- AI Monitoring: Instant — triggers lights, voice warnings, and alerts the police automatically.
🔹 Cost
- Security Guards: $12,000–$20,000 per month for full coverage.
- AI Monitoring: Around $2,150 per month — less than $3.50/hour.
🔹 Reliability
- Security Guards: Prone to fatigue, distraction, and human error.
- AI Monitoring: Always on — no breaks, no blind spots, no missed incidents.
🔹 Evidence
- Security Guards: Often no footage, or inconsistent reporting.
- AI Monitoring: HD video evidence stored on-site and in the cloud.
🔹 Deterrence
- Security Guards: Depends on visibility and assertiveness.
- AI Monitoring: Flashing strobes, voice-downs, and AI presence deter most threats before they escalate.
🧠 What Smart Dealerships Are Choosing
AI monitoring isn’t about replacing people — it’s about removing blind spots and reducing risk.
Dealerships that make the switch are seeing:
- Lower monthly security costs
- Better documentation of incidents
- Stronger theft prevention and insurance compliance
🚨 Try It Yourself — 21-Day Test Drive
At Autom Security, we provide AI-powered mobile security trailers that give you full-lot protection, live alerts, and real-time response — all without the cost or limitations of traditional guards.
Want to see it in action?
👉 Take a 21-day Test Drive at your dealership.
No contracts. No risk. Just better security.