Security guard companies operate in a high-risk environment where even a single incident can lead to significant financial exposure. The issue is that many firms believe they’re covered—when in reality, key risks like assault and battery or armed guard liability are often excluded from standard policies. 
Here are the essential insurance policies most security companies should have in place:
1. General Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims arising from your operations.
Important: Many policies exclude assault and battery, which must be addressed separately.
2. Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)
Protects your firm if a client claims your services were performed incorrectly or failed to prevent an incident. Critical for firms offering consulting or high-level security services.
3. Workers’ Compensation
Required in most states. Covers medical expenses and lost wages if a guard is injured on the job—common in physically demanding or high-risk environments.
4. Assault & Battery Coverage
One of the most important coverages for security firms. Many standard policies exclude these claims, leaving businesses exposed to costly incidents involving use of force.
5. Armed Guard Coverage
Essential if your firm employs armed personnel. Addresses risks associated with firearms and is often required by clients.
6. Commercial Auto Insurance
Covers vehicles used for patrol, alarm response, or job site travel. Personal auto policies do not apply to business use.
7. Cyber Liability Insurance
Protects against data breaches and cyber incidents involving client information, reports, and employee data.
8. Umbrella Insurance
Provides additional liability limits above your primary policies—important for large or unexpected claims.
9. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
Protects your business against employee-related claims such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
Security firms often have larger workforces and higher turnover, increasing exposure to these types of claims.
Common Coverage Gaps
Many security firms have hidden exposures, including:
- No assault & battery coverage
- Missing armed guard endorsements
- Using personal auto policies for business use
- Insufficient liability limits
These issues often surface only after a claim occurs.
Work With a Security Insurance Specialist
Most coverage gaps aren’t obvious until it’s too late.
At Bone, Robertson & McBride, Inc., we specialize in insurance for security guard firms and understand the risks unique to your operations. If you’d like a second opinion on your current coverage, we can identify potential gaps and help ensure your program is better structured.
👉 📞 Contact Alyssa Padden at (925) 674-1000
📧 Email us at info@brmins.com to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
This blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.