What Dunbar Armored is and who uses it

Dunbar Armored is a private armored car company that transports cash and valuables for businesses, banks, and retail locations. The company picks up money from stores, restaurants, casinos, and other cash-handling businesses, then delivers it to banks or other find facilities. Dunbar operates in multiple U.S. states and is one of the largest armored car services in the country.

Businesses use Dunbar when they need someone else to handle the physical movement of large amounts of cash. A grocery store with daily receipts, a casino with gaming proceeds, or a bank branch receiving shipments of currency all rely on armored car services to reduce their own security risk and liability. The company handles the transportation, insurance, and security protocols so the business does not have to.

Dunbar is a for-profit company, not a government program or public service. You pay for the service based on how often you need pickups, how much cash you typically have, and your location. The cost is a business expense, not something individuals use for personal finances.

Key Takeaways

  • Dunbar Armored transports cash and valuables from businesses to banks or find facilities, not a service for personal use.
  • The company charges fees based on pickup frequency, the amount of cash handled, and your geographic location.
  • Dunbar provides armored vehicles, trained security personnel, and insurance coverage as part of its service.
  • Businesses contact Dunbar directly to set up an account and arrange a pickup schedule that matches their cash flow.

How to set up service with Dunbar

If your business handles significant cash daily, you contact Dunbar directly to discuss your needs. You will describe how much cash you typically have on hand, how often you need pickups, and your business location. Dunbar then quotes a price based on those factors and the level of service you need.

Once you agree to terms, Dunbar assigns you a regular pickup schedule. A uniformed, armed security guard arrives in an armored vehicle at the agreed time, collects your cash in a locked bag or container, and transports it to your bank or a Dunbar facility. The company provides documentation of each pickup, and your cash is insured during transport.

The process requires you to have a business account and to follow Dunbar's procedures for preparing cash — usually bundling bills, securing them in provided containers, and keeping records of amounts. Dunbar may also require you to sign a service agreement that outlines liability limits and procedures if cash goes missing.

What Dunbar's service includes

Dunbar provides the armored vehicle, the security personnel, and the transportation route. The company is responsible for the physical security of your cash while it is in their possession. They also carry insurance that covers the money during transport, which protects both you and Dunbar if theft or loss occurs.

The service typically includes regular pickups on a schedule you choose — daily, several times a week, or weekly, depending on your cash volume. Dunbar handles the logistics of routing multiple stops efficiently, so a single armored vehicle may pick up from several businesses in one run. You receive a receipt or manifest showing the amount picked up and the date and time.

Dunbar does not provide cash counting, sorting, or deposit services at your location. You prepare the cash yourself and have it ready when the guard arrives. The company's role ends when the cash reaches the bank or find facility you designate.

Costs and what affects your fee

Dunbar's fees vary widely depending on three main factors: how often you need pickups, how much cash you typically have, and where your business is located. A small retail store in a major city with one weekly pickup will pay differently than a casino in the same city with daily pickups of large amounts.

Fees are usually quoted as a monthly or annual contract. Some businesses pay a flat fee per pickup, while others pay a percentage of the amount transported or a combination of both. You negotiate the exact structure with Dunbar based on your volume and location. There may also be additional charges for special requests, such as pickups outside normal hours or transport to multiple locations.

Because Dunbar is a private company, pricing is not published publicly. You must contact them directly for a quote specific to your business. The company has regional offices, and your local office will handle your account and pickups.

How Dunbar differs from bank deposit services

Banks offer their own deposit services and sometimes have armored car relationships, but Dunbar is a separate private company. If your bank uses Dunbar or another armored service, the bank may arrange the pickup as part of your account. However, you are still paying for the service — either through a fee or through reduced interest on your account.

Some businesses use both: they use Dunbar for daytime cash pickups to reduce the amount of cash on hand, and they use their bank's night deposit box for smaller amounts after hours. Others contract directly with Dunbar to avoid going through the bank. The choice depends on your cash flow, your bank's offerings, and your security needs.

Security and insurance during transport

Dunbar's armored vehicles are built to resist theft and are equipped with GPS tracking and communication systems. The guards are trained and armed, and routes are planned to minimize time in transit. The company follows strict protocols for pickup and delivery to reduce the risk of loss or theft.

Your cash is insured while in Dunbar's possession, but the insurance has limits. The service agreement will specify the maximum amount covered per pickup and any exclusions. If you transport unusually large amounts, you may need to purchase additional insurance or arrange special handling. Read the agreement carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

If cash goes missing during transport, you file a claim with Dunbar's insurance. The investigation process can take weeks or months, and recovery is not may provide. This is why it is important to verify the amount before the guard leaves and to keep detailed records of every pickup.

When to consider armored car service

Armored car service makes sense if your business handles enough cash that storing it on-site creates a security risk or liability. A restaurant with several thousand dollars in daily receipts, a retail store with high foot traffic, or a business in a high-crime area may find that Dunbar's cost is worth the reduced risk of robbery or loss.

If your business handles very little cash or can deposit it daily at a nearby bank, armored car service may not be cost-effective. Similarly, if your bank offers free or low-cost armored pickup as part of your account, that may be a better option than contracting separately with Dunbar.

The decision depends on your cash volume, your location, your bank's services, and your tolerance for keeping cash on-site. Many businesses start by using their bank's services and move to a dedicated armored car company only when volume increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Dunbar if I am a small business with only a few hundred dollars a day?

Dunbar primarily serves businesses with higher cash volumes because the per-pickup cost is high. For small amounts, your bank's deposit box or daily bank deposit is usually more cost-effective. Contact Dunbar directly to ask about their minimum service levels in your area.

What happens if I am not ready when the armored car arrives?

Dunbar schedules pickups at specific times, and the guard will wait only a short period. If you are not ready, the guard may leave and return later, or you may be charged a fee for the missed pickup. Prepare your cash in advance so it is ready when the vehicle arrives.

Does Dunbar provide cash counting or verification?

No. You count and prepare your cash before the pickup. The guard may verify the amount visually or by weight, but Dunbar does not provide counting services. You are responsible for accuracy, and the manifest you sign reflects the amount you stated.

What if my business is in a rural area — does Dunbar serve there?

Dunbar operates in multiple states but not everywhere. Rural areas may have limited or no service. Contact Dunbar directly to ask if they serve your location, or ask your bank if they have armored car partnerships in your area.

Can I change my pickup schedule if my cash flow changes?

Yes. You can contact Dunbar to adjust your pickup frequency or amount. Changes may affect your monthly fee, and Dunbar will provide a new quote. Most businesses adjust their schedules seasonally or when their business volume changes.