When one of your security patrol vehicles drives through a client’s property or down the street, it’s providing critical services, but it’s also showcasing your brand. Company cars and trucks serve as moving billboards and visual ambassadors for your business. For security companies, well-designed security vehicle graphics play a starring role in conveying professionalism, deterring crime, and building public trust.
Why Vehicle Graphics Matter for Security Companies
A plainly unmarked car is a missed opportunity – every patrol vehicle should reinforce your company’s presence. Marked security cars are instantly recognizable, making each patrol a visible reminder of your services.
In fact, most industry experts agree that security vehicle graphics are a critical component of security fleets that help each car appear professional and trustworthy.
There are security benefits too: clear markings can deter crime by signaling a watchful presence. A would-be trespasser is far less likely to target a site patrolled by a vehicle emblazoned with a security logo.
Visible patrol vehicles also create a sense of safety for clients and the public, showing that protection is on site.
Maintaining a Consistent and Professional Fleet Image
All vehicles in your fleet should share a unified look – same logo, colors, and design – to make your brand instantly recognizable. This consistency projects professionalism and makes your company appear well-established.
Try to mirror the rest of your branding (website, uniforms, etc.) on your vehicles for a cohesive identity. Over time, a consistent fleet appearance builds familiarity and trust, as people repeatedly see the same logo and markings on your patrol cars.
Readability and Smart Design Choices
Readability and design clarity are vital. Keep your vehicle graphics simple and easy to read at a glance. Use bold, sans-serif text (your company name, a “Security” label) and high-contrast colors so the signage stands out.
Essential details should be visible from all sides of the vehicle – typically your logo and name on the doors and back. It’s also smart to include one contact point (like a phone number or website) in an unobtrusive way for those who may want to reach out.
For night patrols, reflective decals can greatly improve visibility in the dark.
Rolling Billboards: Marketing and Visibility Benefits
Marking your security vehicles isn’t just about looking official – it’s also a powerful marketing move. Every patrol car or supervisor truck doubles as a moving advertisement for your services. As vehicles circulate through neighborhoods and client sites, they generate thousands of visual impressions.
According to data published by QuickBooks, it’s estimated that a single branded vehicle can garner on the order of 30,000 to 70,000 views per day in a city – an enormous audience reached with no extra advertising cost.
Fleet graphics offer very cost-efficient exposure, with a cost-per-impression much lower than billboards or radio spots. Whether your officer is driving on a highway or parked in front of a client’s building, your logo and message are on display to anyone who passes by.
Branded vehicles also help you target the local market. Security companies often serve a defined area, so your fleet naturally drives where your prospects are. People in the community will see your patrol car repeatedly, which builds familiarity.
When they eventually need security services, your company’s name is one they recall. In essence, investing in good vehicle graphics yields continuous advertising.
Your fleet is working to promote your business even when you’re off the clock, creating countless touchpoints with the public and strengthening brand recall – all while your team is out doing its job.
Public Perception and Trust
A professionally branded security vehicle doesn’t just attract eyes – it earns respect. A clearly marked patrol car on-site appears far more legitimate and reassuring than an unmarked one.
Well-designed fleet graphics signal that your company is serious and credible, helping to build trust with clients and the community. Seeing a clearly marked car provides peace of mind – clients and neighbors alike know that a legitimate security presence is on duty.
Consistent branding lends an air of authority to private security vehicles.
For example, a security firm might apply bold white decals to a retired police cruiser to create a black-and-white patrol car that prominently displayed the firm’s name, logo, and motto. That familiar law-enforcement style, combined with clear company identification, can inspire confidence in those who see it.
The company isn’t hiding; they’re proud to stand out. And just as importantly, a marked vehicle can discourage wrongdoers simply by being visible.
While designing for authority, it’s wise to make sure your graphics remain honest and compliant with local regulations, too. Avoid copying the exact look of police vehicles – use elements like high-contrast colors and badges, but clearly include the word “Security” and your company name.
You can achieve an official, trustworthy appearance without impersonating law enforcement.
6 Tips for Effective Security Fleet Graphics
To wrap up, here are some practical tips on what works well – and what to avoid – when branding your security fleet:
- Keep it simple and bold: The best designs are uncomplicated. Make your company name or security designation the focal point. Avoid cramming too much text or too many images on the vehicle, since passersby only have a moment to take it in.
- Use a readable font: Stick with clear, sans-serif fonts that stay legible from a distance. Fancy or cursive lettering can be hard to decipher on a moving car. Also, use large lettering for key info like your company name.
- High contrast colors: Make sure your text and logos strongly contrast with the vehicle’s base color. If your vehicles are dark-colored, use light graphics (and vice versa) so your branding pops even in low light.
- Logo and name placement: Put your logo and company name on the sides and back where they’ll get maximum visibility. Double-check that nothing (like door handles or seams) cuts through important elements of the design.
- Include contact info sparingly: It’s a good idea to have a phone number or website on the vehicle, but keep it short and sweet. One clear contact method is better than several small ones – for example, a single website URL on the rear window or a simple phone number on the trunk.
- Stay consistent: Make sure every vehicle uses the same design scheme. Identical graphics across the fleet strengthen your professional image.
Implementing these practices will turn your fleet into a powerful marketing asset and a representation of your security brand.
Are you looking for expert help with your own security vehicle graphics? The team at Graphic Designs International is the one to call. They specialize in emergency vehicle graphics, including security, police, and fire, with departments across the country trusting their expertise.
