What to Look for When Hiring a Security Company: A Checklist
What to look for when hiring a security guard company
In this article
When hiring a security company, check that it's licensed in your state, carries strong liability insurance, screens and trains its guards, provides supervision and real-time reporting, understands your type of property, and offers clear pricing and contract terms. Ask for references from similar clients.
Checklist
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| State security license | Required in most states for guard companies |
| Licensed, registered guards | Each guard should hold a state guard card where required |
| General liability and workers' comp | Protects you from claims |
| Background checks and drug testing | Trustworthy staff |
| Training | Site-specific, de-escalation, first aid, report writing |
| Armed vs unarmed options | Match the risk level |
| Supervision | Field supervisors and site checks |
| Reporting technology | GPS patrol tracking and daily activity reports |
| Industry experience | Retail, construction, events, residential, healthcare |
| References | From clients like you |
| Response plan | What happens when a guard calls out sick |
Questions to ask
- Are you licensed in this state, and can I see proof of insurance?
- How do you screen and train guards?
- Will we have the same guards each shift?
- How are guards supervised?
- What reports will I receive, and how often?
- What's the hourly rate, and what's included?
- What's your minimum contract length and cancellation policy?
Pricing
Most guard companies charge per guard per hour. Armed guards, short-notice and holiday coverage cost more. The cheapest quote often means lower guard pay and higher turnover.
Red flags
No license or insurance proof, vague training, no supervision, high turnover, and unusually low prices.
For security company owners
Clients compare you on these exact points. Show your license, insurance, training and reporting on your website, and make quote requests easy. More: How do security companies make money? and How much to charge for security services.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for when hiring a security company?
Licensing, insurance, guard screening and training, supervision, reporting and references.
How do I choose a security guard company?
Compare licensed, insured companies with experience in your industry and clear pricing.
Do security companies need a license?
Most states require security guard companies and guards to be licensed.
Should I hire armed or unarmed guards?
Unarmed guards suit most sites; armed guards are for higher-risk locations.
How much does hiring a security guard cost?
Usually an hourly rate per guard, with more for armed or short-notice coverage.
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Start a conversationWritten by Sachin Rawat
AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
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