Types of Security Guard Insurance Coverage

By Bob Fischer 

Security guard insurance is vital in today's business environment. It protects both security guard agencies and the companies they safeguard. There are various policy endorsements available to security guard companies and adding some or all of the following available options can provide the full protection needed in this high risk industry.

Assault & Battery

Security guard insurance can include clauses to cover guards in the event they are accused of assault and battery while in the course of their duties. Assault and battery is a crime whereby a person makes physical contact with another while also threatening that person in some way. For guards this could be a person alleging the use of unreasonable, physical force.

Broad Form Property Damage

Broad form property damage is the general commercial liability portion of security guard insurance. It is the principal form of insurance coverage and provides extended protection over basic potential causes of loss or property damage to a client's property or even the inability for client to use that property.

Error & Omissions (Professional Liability)

Error & omissions insurance is also known as professional liability insurance, and it is an important coverage option for security guard insurance. It protects the company against claims of financial loss due to failure or negligence while delivering professional security services. In particular, this insurance feature protects the business with regard to legal defense fees and any settlement expenses incurred.

Personal Injury

Security insurance should also include protection for personal injury risks including libel, slander and false arrest. Some policies now specifically exclude false arrest claims. Personal injury endorsements will indemnify the security company from accusations of false arrest or detention by a hired guard as well as libel or slander claims.

Incidental Medical Malpractice

Many general liability policies cover bodily injury; however, they do not include incidental medical malpractice. In a situation where a guard offers first aid while on duty, this coverage will protect against a claimant alleging medical malpractice against the guard and his employer.

Invasion of Privacy

Invasion of privacy risk coverage supplies security companies with peace of mind from being sued for misusing surveillance methods or systems. Some causes of action have been brought against guards and security company employers using CCTV camera footage for voyeurism or discrimination so having this protection is necessary.

Malicious Prosecution

Malicious prosecution is a civil or criminal proceeding action that is brought against an individual or company without probable cause and for reasons other than bringing that person or business to justice. Security guard insurance coverage for this risk will protect guard companies from being sued wrongly and guard against frivolous claims.

From making sure the companies they guard are protected and secure to providing guards with training and equipment that makes their job easier, security guard firms have many areas of concern while running their businesses. Having security guard insurance is vital to protecting the company and employees from lawsuits and liabilities in the workplace today.

Knowing which options to choose when obtaining insurance for security companies can give security companies needed protection from risk as well as peace of mind. Bob Fischer is a contributing writer for various international publications. In this article he discusses the many benefits of obtaining security guard insurance.