How Much Does Security Guard Insurance Cost? 2026 Rates

Security guard companies in the United States typically spend between $1,100 and $1,800 per year on comprehensive business insurance, which equals about $91 to $150 per month. Actual premiums vary depending on the overall risk profile of the business. Several factors influence how much coverage will cost, including services offered, size of the business, location, and claims history.

How Much Does Security Guard Business Insurance Cost?

On average, security guard businesses in the United States spend between $1,100 and $1,800 annually on a full insurance package. That equals about $91 to $150 per month. These figures are only estimates, and actual premiums vary depending on the size and scope of your operation.

Every security guard company faces unique risks, so premiums are never one-size-fits-all. For example, an unarmed guard working at a quiet medical office will typically pay less than an armed guard protecting a jewelry store in a busy downtown area.

The type of security services you provide, the contracts you hold, and whether your staff carries weapons all play a major role in shaping costs. Location is equally important—urban areas with higher crime rates often lead to higher premiums compared to suburban or rural settings.

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for insurance:

• Services offered – Impacts professional liability and cyber coverage needs.
• Number of employees – Larger staff increases workers’ compensation requirements.
• Property size and value – Bigger offices or high‑value equipment drive up commercial property premiums.
• Claims history – Frequent past claims raise rates, while a clean record can lower them.
• Business interruption and add‑ons – Extra coverage options add to the total bill.

Understanding these variables helps security guard business owners estimate insurance needs more accurately and budget for the real costs of protecting their operations. With the right coverage, you can safeguard your staff, clients, and property without overspending.

Average Security Guard Insurance Costs For Coverage Types

When it comes to protecting your security guard, different types of insurance cover different risks. Understanding the average cost, coverage details, and what influences pricing for each policy type can help you build a more effective insurance plan. Here’s a closer look at the major coverages most security guard businesses need.

• General liability insurance: $91 per month
• Business owner’s policy: $82 per month
• Professional liability insurance: $156 per month
• Workers’ compensation insurance: $75 per month
• Commercial auto insurance: $137 per month
• Commercial property insurance: $111 per month
• Cyber liability insurance: $152 per month

General Liability Insurance

The average cost of general liability insurance for a security guard is about $91 per month.

General liability covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injuries. For example, if a customer slips on a wet floor and gets injured, this policy would help pay for their medical expenses and your legal defense costs.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.

Factors that influence the cost include the business type (your services), location, office environment (if clients frequently visit your office), contract requirements, and previous claims history.

Average annual premiums by state:

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

The average cost of a business owner’s policy (BOP) is about $82 per month for security guard businesses.

A BOP bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance. It protects against customer injuries, property damage, and loss or damage to your office building, furnishings, and equipment. For instance, if a fire damages your computers and files, the BOP would help cover repairs and replacements.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for liability, with separate property coverage limits based on the value insured.

Cost factors include the size of your business, location risk (such as flood or crime rates), business revenue, number of employees, and any optional endorsements like cyber protection, directors and officers insurance, equipment breakdown, or extra expense coverage if expenses for a disruptive event go beyond your normal costs.

Average annual premiums by state:

Professional Liability Insurance

The average cost of professional liability insurance for security guard businesses is about $156 per month.

Sometimes called errors and omissions, this type of insurance covers claims relating to errors, emissions, negligence, or other financial losses that a customer or client experiences because of the advice you gave. For example, if as a security guard you make a quick decision while products are being stolen, but you end up tackling the wrong person resulting in injury, this can cover that professional mistake.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per claim, but higher limits are sometimes required by state laws or client contracts.

Cost depends on the size of your business, the services you offer, the number of years you’ve been in business, coverage limits, and claims history.

Average annual premiums by state:

Cyber Liability Insurance

The average cost of cyber liability insurance for security guard businesses is $152 per month.

Cyber liability insurance covers the costs a security guard might incur after a cyber incident. This extends to lost income after a cyber attack, forensic investigations, data recovery costs, regulatory fines, and the costs of informing customers about the attack.

Security guard businesses can benefit from this coverage if they handle any sensitive data, or if they want to cover gaps in their insurance.

Costs are based on factors like the size of your organization, the type of client data you handle, and the cybersecurity measures you already have in place.

Average annual premiums by state:

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for a security guard is around $75 per month.

Workers’ comp covers medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages for employees injured on the job. For example, a security guard is injured after a physical altercation with a criminal resulting in a broken leg and serious cuts and bruises. This would help cover medical costs while healing from those injuries, wage replacement, and mental health support for things like PTSD or long-term rehabilitation.

Policy limits are regulated by each state, but typically include medical costs and a percentage of lost wages without a set cap.

Premiums are influenced by the size of your payroll, the type of work employees perform (whether in your office or on-site for each client), your claims history, and any implemented safety programs.

Average annual premiums by state:

Commercial Auto Insurance

The average cost of commercial auto insurance for a security guard is about $137 per month.

Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned or used by the business for accidents, theft, vandalism, or damage. For example, if a security guard is using a company vehicle and patrolling a parking lot but gets into a T-bone accident, this policy would cover the damages and any third-party claims.

Typical policy limits are around $1 million combined single limit (covering both bodily injury and property damage).

Factors influencing the cost include the number and type of vehicles, how often they are used, the driving records of employees, and whether you add endorsements like hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) for employee-owned vehicles used for company services like driving to and from off-site consultations.

Average annual premiums by state:

Commercial Property Insurance

The average cost of commercial property insurance for a security guard, when purchased separately, usually runs $111 per month.

Commercial property insurance covers damage to the building and its contents due to fire, theft, vandalism, or certain weather events. For example, if a fire destroys equipment like computers, this policy would pay for repairs or replacement.

Typical policy limits are based on the replacement cost value of the insured property, which could easily reach into the hundreds of thousands depending on your location, building size, and equipment investments.

Premiums are determined by factors like the building’s age and construction type, fire safety systems in place, replacement cost of equipment, neighborhood crime rates, and whether you add endorsements such as professional liability or cyber protection.

Average annual premiums by state:

Security Guard Business Insurance Costs By Provider

Security guard business insurance costs will vary greatly depending on the insurance carrier. Use the table below to find average costs across different providers.

Note: These estimates are based on typical liability, property, and professional coverage for security guard businesses in the U.S. Actual premiums will vary depending on factors such as company size, number of guards employed, location, coverage limits, and claims history.

What Factors Impact Your Security Guard Insurance Costs?

Insurance premiums for security guard businesses are calculated by underwriters who assess your company’s overall risk profile. From the services you provide to your claims history, several factors determine how much you’ll pay for coverage.

Type Of Services

Not all security operations carry the same risks. Armed guards or those working in high‑risk environments such as banks or jewelry stores face greater liability exposure than unarmed guards stationed at retail shops or office buildings.

Location

Where your office or contracts are located plays a major role. Businesses operating in high‑crime, flood‑prone, or urban areas generally pay more for property and liability coverage. Suburban or rural locations with fewer claims often benefit from lower premiums.

Size Of The Operation

The larger your business, the greater the exposure. More square footage, employees, and revenue increase the likelihood of claims. Workers’ compensation costs also rise with bigger staff counts, especially if guards frequently travel to client sites.

Property Value And Equipment

High‑value office equipment, technology, or custom furnishings drive up commercial property premiums. Many security firms also add endorsements like cyber insurance to protect sensitive client data, which increases costs but provides essential coverage.

Claims History

Past claims are a key factor. Companies with frequent property or liability claims are considered higher risk, leading to higher rates. A clean claims record, however, can qualify you for discounts.

Policy Limits And Deductibles

Higher policy limits provide stronger protection but increase premiums. Opting for a larger deductible can lower monthly costs, though it raises your out‑of‑pocket responsibility when claims occur.

Optional Endorsements

Add‑ons such as business interruption, cyber liability, or hired/non‑owned auto coverage tailor protection to your needs but raise premiums. These are especially important for firms with off‑site contracts, sensitive data, or exposure to natural disasters.

Insurance Provider

Not all insurers price coverage the same way. Some specialize in security risks and may offer more competitive rates or flexible options for armed versus unarmed guard services. Comparing quotes across multiple carriers is one of the best ways to save.

How To Lower Your Security Guard Insurance Costs

Running a security guard company can be costly, but your insurance premiums don’t have to overwhelm your budget. While coverage is essential, there are practical strategies to reduce expenses without sacrificing protection.

1. Bundle Your Policies

One of the simplest ways to save is by combining multiple policies. Many insurers offer a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) that packages general liability and property insurance at a reduced rate. Adding workers’ compensation or professional liability coverage through the same provider can unlock further discounts and streamline administration.

2. Ask About Discounts

Insurers often reward loyalty and upfront payments. You may qualify for reduced rates by signing a multi‑year agreement or paying your premium in full instead of monthly installments.

3. Strengthen Safety Measures

Accidents and liability claims drive up costs for both you and your insurer. Proactive safety steps—such as installing surveillance systems, biometric access controls, adequate lighting, and conducting regular security audits—help reduce risks. Demonstrating strong safety practices can lower premiums over time.

4. Build A Safer Work Environment

Workers’ compensation costs can be managed by focusing on staff training and preparedness. Hiring qualified personnel, providing instruction in safe restraint techniques, and reinforcing fire and emergency protocols reduce injuries. Fewer claims mean lower premiums.

5. Adjust Your Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible is a straightforward way to lower monthly premiums. Just ensure your business can comfortably cover the out‑of‑pocket amount if a claim arises.