Dealerships need air-tight security—are your assets safe?
Auto dealerships face several unique security challenges that other businesses might never even consider. Unlike most typical retail stores, dealerships store high-value assets—multi-thousand-dollar vehicles—out in the open, often spanning large lots with multiple entry points. Add in the risk of key theft, unauthorized after-hours access, and service area sabotage, and it’s clear that access control for auto dealerships requires more than a few door locks and surveillance cameras.
This is where modern security technology can make a huge difference.
Without a customized access control strategy, car dealerships are vulnerable to both external theft and internal shrinkage. Criminals tend to target dealerships for quick vehicle thefts, key burglaries, and unauthorized entry into service areas. Employees with unchecked access can risk part theft, unauthorized discounts, or shared access to restricted areas.
Many Mountain West dealerships rely on traditional security methods like fences, padlocks, and manual lock-and-key setups—which is a great start. But Mountain West dealerships can take their security a step further. To better protect inventory, control access, and keep staff accountable, modern auto dealerships can turn to modern access control solutions.
What is Access Control for Auto Dealerships?
There are many kinds of access control, each with their own unique approach to verifying credentials—you might be familiar with keypads, cards, and fobs in place of standard keys. What each of these systems have in common is how they elevate security by restricting unauthorized access to controlled spaces.
For car dealerships, access control systems might include keycards with different permission levels, barrier gate arms with PIN code panels, and integrated surveillance to track license plates and flag suspicious activity. Though devices may vary, the benefits remain the same.
The Benefits of Access Control for Auto Dealerships
Modern access control systems are designed to regulate who can enter specific areas of your dealership—and when. Critical areas like showroom floors, vehicle lots, service bays, and finance offices need access control. Done correctly, these measures can protect your assets, profits, and personnel without disrupting or slowing daily operations.
Here’s how access control can help you secure your dealership.
1. Prevent Vehicle Theft With Secure Lot Access
The first consideration of access control for auto dealerships should be securing out-in-the-open inventory. Your vehicle lot is one of your most vulnerable assets—after all, every car on the lot represents a high-value target for thieves. While measures like fencing and cameras can be helpful, a determined thief can find ways around them. With an access control system:
- Gated entry points can be secured with electronic credentials, limiting who can enter your lot after hours.
- Vehicle storage areas can be continually monitored and restricted to approved employees and personnel.
- License plate recognition (or LPR) technology can track vehicles entering and exiting the premises, making it immediately obvious when something is wrong.
2. Protect Against Key Theft and Misuse
One of the most pressing security risks to any auto dealership is key theft—if criminals gain access to vehicle keys, they can drive away with your inventory in seconds. Many dealerships still rely on manual key storage, which can make them easy targets for thieves who know where to look. With an access control system, however:
- Key storage systems can be supplemented with keypads or card readers to better restrict access to those who need it.
- Audit trails can track who accessed keys and when, increasing employee accountability through visibility.
- High-value or test-drive vehicles can be held under restricted access, making unauthorized use more difficult.
3. Manage After-Hours Access for Employees and Vendors
Auto dealerships tend to have numerous employees—sales reps, service technicians, finance managers, administrative staff, you name it—and that doesn’t even begin to touch on vendors and third-party contractors. Without controlled access, anyone with a key can enter at any time, creating a major security risk. Access control for auto dealerships allows you to:
- Set time-based permissions, ensuring employees can only enter during their designated shifts.
- Limit access to specific areas so only authorized staff can enter service bays, offices, or inventory storage.
- Automatically lock and unlock doors at certain times—or lock them remotely from an authorized device—to prevent after-hours trespassing.
4. Secure Service Areas and Parts Inventory
Service bays and parts storage areas tend to contain expensive tools, equipment, and vehicle components—making them prime targets for both external theft and internal shrink. To better secure these areas, consider these features:
Role-based access permissions – Only mechanics, service managers, and approved staff can enter service areas.
Locked-down part storage – Electronic access limits part retrieval to authorized personnel, keeping easily stolen items under tight security.
Linking access logs to surveillance – If theft occurs, recorded footage allows you to confidently verify who was present at the time.
5. Improve Employee Accountability and Internal Security
It’s an unfortunate truth of business: not all security threats come from outsiders. Employee theft and unauthorized access are real concerns for auto dealerships. Whether it’s unauthorized discounts, misuse of company vehicles, or theft of parts and accessories, an access control system creates a digital record of every entry and exit. If and when something goes missing, you’ll have a dependable trail to follow.
Take Control of Your Dealership’s Security With PEAK Alarm
Modern dealership owners need more than locks and cameras—they need comprehensive, tailored access control for auto dealerships to thoroughly protect their inventory, employees, and bottom line. Here at PEAK Alarm, we specialize in customizing security solutions to the needs of each location. If your dealership is still relying on outdated solutions, don’t wait for theft to rob you financially and mentally. Get in touch to discover the right access control system for you.
Protect what matters most to you. Contact PEAK Alarm today.