Security Guard Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions

Small unarmed firms typically pay $170–$500/month for general liability; armed firms $400–$1,250+. Most carriers offer pay plans so you aren't fronting the whole annual premium. Full breakdown in our cost guide.

Often not — many GL policies sold to guard firms exclude A&B entirely or cap it at a $25K sublimit, even though excessive-force allegations are the most common security lawsuit. Always get the A&B limit in writing. We quote policies with real A&B limits and show you the number before you buy.

Nearly all: $1M/$2M general liability with A&B included and additional-insured status. Most: statutory workers comp with $1M employers liability. Many: $1M commercial auto (including hired & non-owned) and, on larger contracts, umbrella limits.

Usually not safely. If guards wear your uniform, work your posts, and follow your schedule, most states call them employees no matter what the paperwork says. Misclassification means fines plus a totally uncovered injury claim — and many client contracts require comp regardless.

Same day. We quote same day, and once bound we issue COIs — with the additional-insured wording your contract requires — often within hours.

Yes. First-year firms pay somewhat more and have fewer markets, but a state guard license and a summary of the owner's industry experience is usually enough for us to quote — same day, like everyone else.

Yes, with disclosure. Off-duty LEO staffing raises unique underwriting issues — department policies, arrest powers, duty weapons — and specialty carriers have programs built for it.

Yes — it's our specialty. Standard carriers decline armed risks, but specialty and surplus-lines markets write them daily. We've placed 100% of armed applicants. See the armed guard insurance guide.

Every security firm that has applied through us has received a coverage offer — including armed firms and firms declined elsewhere. When you work all the specialty security markets, there is essentially always a carrier for a licensed guard operation.

No. It typically raises your renewal 25–50% with your current carrier — which is exactly when you should re-shop. Specialty underwriters look at the story and your corrective steps, not just the claim count.

Competition. Generalist agents have one or two markets for security and take whatever rate is offered. We run your file across the full set of specialty security carriers simultaneously, so they price to win. Averaged across our book, that competition saves clients about 30% versus their prior premium.

Most states require proof of general liability insurance — and often a surety bond — before issuing or renewing a security company license. California is the strictest: every Private Patrol Operator (PPO) must carry $1M-per-occurrence general liability and post a $25,000 surety bond with BSIS, and a lapse in coverage can suspend your license. We package the GL and the bond together and issue state-compliant proof the same day you bind.

Yes — PPO placements are routine for us. We quote the BSIS-required $1M general liability, the $25K surety bond, and workers comp as one package, and we track your renewal so your coverage never lapses out your license.

Yes. Close-protection details, traveling EP teams, and independent bodyguards are specialty placements — armed or unarmed — and we place them the same way we place guard firms: specialty markets, same-day quotes.

The 60-second form (guard count, armed/unarmed, operation types), plus loss runs if you've been insured before. That's enough for same-day numbers; we'll fine-tune at bind.