Security Liability Insurance for UK Security Companies
Specialist cover built for security professionals, contractors and agencies — including public liability, employers’ liability and contract-ready documentation. If your work involves public-facing duties, access control, events, close protection or site guarding, this hub will help you choose the right cover quickly.
Best for: security companies, SIA contractors, subcontractors, venue suppliers, event teams, guarding firms, and specialist operators.
What Security Liability Insurance Covers
Protection if a third party alleges injury or property damage linked to your security duties.
Covers claims arising from incidents involving members of the public, visitors or event attendees.
Accidental damage at client sites, venues, retail premises or managed locations.
Solicitors fees and court costs where covered — crucial for allegation-driven claims.
Required if you employ staff — including many labour-only / temporary arrangements.
Security work can involve intervention. Specialist cover options may include assault allegation protection, subject to policy terms.
Why this matters: Security claims often involve allegations, witness statements and reporting scrutiny — the right wording and evidence expectations make a practical difference.
Who Needs Insurance for Security Companies?
If you are operating as a security company, subcontractor, or supplying operatives to venues and clients, liability cover is commonly required before onboarding. It helps protect cashflow and continuity if a claim or allegation escalates.
- SIA contractors and security companies providing guarding or event services
- Sole traders and limited companies supplying security staff
- Agencies providing temporary operatives or short-notice cover
- Specialist operators (e.g., close protection, CCTV monitoring, key holding)
- Subcontractors working under larger principal contractors
How Much Does Security Liability Insurance Cost?
Pricing depends on your duty type, contract profile and operating environment. Insurers typically assess:
- Number of staff (including temporary / subcontracted labour)
- Claims and incident history (including allegation frequency)
- Location and site types (night venues, retail, construction, corporate)
- Turnover and contract values
- Contract wording (indemnities, limits, special conditions)
Get an instant quote and receive documentation you can forward to venues, organisers and corporate clients.
Start Your Quote NowSIA Insurance & Common Contract Requirements
Many clients use “SIA insurance” to describe the cover they expect from security suppliers. In practice, onboarding checks usually focus on: limits, certificates, wording and evidence of operational controls.
- Public liability often requested: £2m / £5m / £10m
- Employers’ liability commonly: £5m minimum (often more)
- Certificate of insurance (PL / EL)
- Contract-ready wording / confirmation of duties
- Proof of cover before first shift / event accreditation
- Incident reporting and escalation process
- Training / induction records
- Clear scope of duties in contract documentation
Next step: Use the trade directory to select the closest match to your day-to-day duties and contract type.
Popular Security Trade Pages
Quick links to common duty types — choose the closest match to your contracts and working environment.
Licensed venues, crowd control, intervention exposure. Event Security
Accreditation, temporary layouts, crowd movement. Static Guarding
Site patrols, access disputes, night work. Close Protection
High-profile exposure, travel, rapid decisions. CCTV / Control Room
Escalation decisions, records, reporting. Key Holding
Access control, call-out timing, audit trails.
Tip: If your exact trade isn’t listed above, the directory page groups every trade A–Z and by category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is security liability insurance?
Security liability insurance typically refers to public liability (and often employers’ liability) arranged for security companies and operatives to protect against third-party injury, property damage and associated legal costs.
Do security companies need employers’ liability insurance?
If you employ staff in the UK, employers’ liability is generally required by law. Many security contracts also request evidence of employers’ liability before onboarding.
Is “SIA insurance” a real insurance product?
“SIA insurance” is commonly used as shorthand for the liability cover security suppliers are expected to hold. The key is ensuring your policy matches your duties and contract requirements (limits, certificates and wording).
What limits do venues and organisers usually require?
Many contracts ask for £2m, £5m or £10m public liability depending on the environment and duty type. Employers’ liability is often expected at £5m minimum.
How do I choose the right security trade page?
Choose the trade page that most closely reflects your day-to-day duties and client contract wording. If you cover multiple activities, disclose them when requesting a quote so your cover matches your scope of work.