Auto dealerships face a unique challenge when it comes to security: massive, open lots filled with high-value assets, exposed around the clock. The risk is real, and the cost of loss—from theft or damage—can be devastating. Traditionally, security meant hiring guards to patrol these lots. But more and more dealerships are asking a different question: is there a better way?
Let’s take a clear-eyed look at the two approaches—remote guarding and on-site guards—through the lens of cost, coverage, and reliability.
Cost: What Are You Really Paying For?
On-site guards come with a long list of expenses. Hourly wages. Overtime. Health benefits. Training. Background checks. Supervision. And still, there’s the risk of no-shows, turnover, and variability in performance.
Remote guarding simplifies the equation. You pay for service, not people. That means one flat monthly rate covers the technology, staffing, and response—all handled remotely. No payroll. No scheduling. No surprises. Dealerships can see up to 60% cost savings when transitioning from a staffed guard post to remote video monitoring.
Coverage: One Person vs. a 360° View
A human being—no matter how trained—can’t be everywhere at once. Guards can only walk so fast. They can only look in one direction. And during night shifts, fatigue kicks in.
Remote guarding eliminates those limitations. With smart cameras, AI-powered motion detection, and real-time analytics, every corner of your property is always being watched. Not recorded. Watched.
And it’s not just about watching. It’s about acting. When motion is detected after hours, a live operator intervenes immediately. With a loud, clear voice message delivered through onsite speakers, potential intruders are often scared off before they even approach a car.
Reliability: Machines Don’t Call In Sick
Security guards are human. That means life happens. Sick days, missed alarms, distractions—all can result in critical gaps in coverage.
Remote systems, on the other hand, operate with consistent uptime. The software doesn’t get tired. The cameras don’t get distracted. And when an alert comes through, a trained monitoring agent is there—immediately—to assess and respond.
The Data Doesn’t Lie
According to dealership security reports, most after-hours incidents are preventable with real-time deterrence. Remote guarding deters more incidents, provides better evidence, and accelerates police response when needed. You’re not left reviewing footage after the fact—you’re preventing the issue in the first place.
Human Support, Just Smarter
One of the myths around remote security is that it removes the human element. Not true. It enhances it.
Operators are highly trained, often with backgrounds in law enforcement or private security. They’re not just staring at screens—they’re analyzing situations, making judgment calls, and triggering fast responses based on live video feeds and advanced analytics.
The difference? They can do this for multiple sites at once, around the clock, without ever needing a break.
Why Dealerships Are Making the Switch
It’s not about replacing people. It’s about replacing inconsistency. With remote guarding, you gain constant vigilance, scalable protection, and predictable pricing—all while reducing liability.
As more dealerships shift toward digital transformation in other areas, like online sales and inventory management, it makes sense to modernize security as well. Remote guarding is simply the smarter move.
Let’s Talk Real Numbers
If you’re still relying on overnight guards—or considering hiring one—let’s talk. Beckler Remote Guarding has helped countless dealerships cut costs while improving protection.
Beckler Remote Guarding provides real-time video monitoring solutions for auto dealerships across the U.S. Looking for better security, fewer gaps, and smarter response? Let’s connect.
