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Why do security guards and companies need business insurance?
Being a security guard has its risks. Security guard insurance coverage provides protection in the event that you or an employee get hurt in an accident, or a client is unsatisfied with your services. Some policies may be required to comply with state laws or client contracts.
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What types of business insurance do security guard companies need?
These policies cover common risks and exposures in the commercial security guard industry.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers basic third-party risks, such as bodily injury and client property damage. Bundle it with commercial property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy.
BEST FOR
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Damaged customer property
- Libel and slander lawsuits
Business owner's policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, bundles general liability coverage and commercial property insurance at a discount. It protects against common lawsuits and property damage.
BEST FOR
- Accidents that injure clients
- Client property damage
- Stolen or damaged business property
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers’ comp for security guard and patrol companies that have employees. It also protects self-employed security guards from work injury costs.
BEST FOR
- Work-related injuries
- Disability benefits
- Lawsuits from employee injuries
Professional liability insurance
Professional liability insurance covers legal costs when a security guard is sued for a mistake or oversight that causes financial harm. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
BEST FOR
- Lawsuits from dissatisfied clients
- Accusations of negligence
- Failure to provide promised services
Commercial auto insurance
Commercial auto covers financial losses when a vehicle owned by your security company is involved in an accident. Most states require business auto insurance for company-owned vehicles.
BEST FOR
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Medical payments from an accident
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
Cyber insurance
This type of coverage helps security guards recover from data breaches and cyberattacks. It's strongly recommended for any business that handles sensitive information.
BEST FOR
- Customer notification costs
- Data breach investigations
- Fraud monitoring services
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
How much does insurance cost for professional service businesses?
A private security company with only a few guards will pay less for insurance than a larger security business.
Factors that affect premiums include:
- Professional services offered, such as armed security
- Business property and equipment
- Business income
- Types of insurance purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles
How do I get security guard insurance?
It’s easy to get business insurance for security guards and companies. Our insurance application will ask for basic facts about your security business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy insurance policies online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application
- Compare insurance quotes and choose policies
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right coverage options for your security guard services, whether you work independently as a self-employed security guard or hire employees.
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Common questions about insurance for security guards
Answers to frequently asked questions about private patrol operator insurance policies.
Are self-employed security guards required to get business insurance?
Your state and local laws will determine whether or not you're mandated to carry small business insurance for your security business. In most states, small businesses are required to carry workers' compensation insurance if they have one or more employees.
Business owners with no employees, such as sole proprietors and independent contractors, should still consider workers’ compensation for themselves in case they are harmed or injured while providing potentially dangerous security services.
In 49 out of 50 states, small business owners are required to carry commercial auto insurance if they have company-owned vehicles. Personal auto insurance will not cover accidents in company vehicles or even personal vehicles that experience an accident while being used for business tasks.
Some clients may require a professional liability insurance policy, often called errors and omissions or E&O insurance. This policy protects both you and your clients in the event that they claim there was a breach of contract or missed deadline.
What other kinds of insurance policies should security companies carry?
You may want to consider the following additional insurance solutions to protect your small business. While not all security professionals will need every policy and protection, you should pick the coverage that's right for your risk management needs.
- A hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) insurance policy is a must-have for security services that use leased, rented, or personal vehicles for work purposes.
- Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) will cover your business if an employee sues you claiming harassment, discrimination, and other wrongful practices.
- Directors and officers (D&O) insurance provides peace of mind for your business officers, advisors, and board of directors should someone take legal action claiming they provided poor advice or company oversight.
- A commercial umbrella policy can provide additional monetary coverage should your business face an exceptionally expensive lawsuit or incident that exceeds your commercial auto, general liability, or workers' comp policy limits.
Another option for security professionals is a hold harmless agreement. This is an indemnity that can protect your company if a third party, such as a private investigator or insurance broker, is injured while on your property or during the course of business operations.