Private Security Company Insurance

PRIVATE SECURITY

Insurance for private security companies and security guards

Security, mobile patrol, events, cash transport, investigation: protect your branch with a BSP-compliant policy, with limits adapted to the real risks.

Starting at $2,500
Annual premium
$2M to $10M
RC Limits
BSP
Compliant
AMF
Certified brokers

Private security companies in Quebec are supervised by the Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP), which requires permits for the agency and agents. A typical security agency faces a combination of complex risks: injury to third parties during interventions, contested use of force, falls from guards (workplace injuries), damage to property under surveillance, theft that occurred while in custody, prosecution for illegal arrest or profiling. A BSP-compliant private security policy covers: commercial liability, professional liability, weapons liability (if applicable), property and vehicles, operating losses. Common limits range from $2 million (fixed security) to $10 million (high-end events or cash transport).

Private security guard — Assur360 insurance

IN BRIEF

Insurance for private security companies

Security firms (members of the Quebec Private Security Bureau) need a high level of CRA ($5-10 million) covering interventions, searches, use of force, and false accusations.

Special feature: assault and battery warranty with separate sub-limit, plus E&O for security consulting services. BSP certifications and valid agent training required.

The 6 Essential Protections for a Security Agency

Commercial liability and interventions

Injury to third parties, disputed use of force, unlawful arrest, profiling.

Professional liability for agents

Negligence, failure to supervise, erroneous report, disputed testimony.

Use of weapons (if permitted)

Specific RC for armed guards. Requires BSP license and documented continuing education.

Patrol Vehicles

Mobile patrol vehicle fleet, in-service damage, commercial road RC.

Property in custody

Liability for Guarded Property — theft or damage that occurs while in custody.

Cyber Protection

CCTV surveillance systems, access databases, incident reports — cyber sensitive.

💡 Broker’s advice

In private security, the most underestimated risk is professional liability following a contested intervention: guard who uses excessive force, inaccurate testimony of an officer in a trial, incomplete incident report that harms a complainant. A simple commercial liability insurance is not enough — explicitly require professional liability for agents. The BSP may also suspend your licence if your policy does not cover the minimum requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does insurance cost for a private security agency in Quebec?
For an agency with 5 to 30 guards: between $2,500 and $12,000 per year for $2 million in RC. Agencies with armed guards, cash transportation or major events pay $15,000 to $50,000/year. The PHU requires proof of coverage at licence renewal.
Does the BSP require specific insurance?
Yes — to obtain and maintain a security agency license, you must demonstrate a CR that meets the BSP requirements. The recommended minimum limits are $2 million. The BSP may require more depending on your type of activity (events, transport, investigation).
A guard uses excessive force — covered?
Partially. Standard commercial liability covers accidental injury. Security guard liability (endorsement or separate policy) covers disputed interventions, illegal arrests, allegations of profiling. Ongoing training and documentation (bodycams, reports) reduce risk.
Our guards are armed — impact insurance?
Major impact. Armed guards require a specialized police force with an “armed services” endorsement. Mandatory BSP training, up-to-date certificates, documented weapons maintenance. 30-80% higher bounty than unarmed guards. Minimum limits $5 million recommended.
Are our patrol vehicles insured as a commercial fleet?
Yes — Fleet Commercial Auto Insurance. Road liability coverage ($2 million minimum), physical damage, use during interventions. Patrol vehicles can be categorized as “private emergency vehicles” in certain situations, with specific pricing.
A customer suffers a theft despite our supervision — responsible?
Potentially. Your liability for property in custody can be engaged if the client proves malpractice (unauthorized break, failure to make rounds, faulty surveillance system). Clear contracts delineate your obligations — rounds every 2 hours, not 30 minutes.
Are large-scale events (festivals, concerts) covered?
Yes, but with specific “event” amendments. Usual limits $5 million to $10 million depending on crowd (1000 to 50,000+). Declare each major event when you subscribe. The sponsor/producer may request to be named as a co-insured.
Are investigation agents and surveillance covered?
Yes, via an E&O investigation. Covers claims for illegal shadowing, invasion of privacy, misinformation. Specific BSP license required (private detective). Premium $1,500 to $5,000/year depending on the volume of mandates.
Are our CCTV systems and databases insured?
Yes, via cyber insurance. Covers: camera hacking (video exfiltration), leak of customer access databases, ransomware on management platforms. Essential — security systems are prime targets. Minimum limit $1 million, $3 million recommended.

Private security agencies throughout Quebec

Assur360 supports businesses throughout Quebec: Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières and Saguenay. Urban agencies in Montreal, event security in Quebec City, mobile patrol in the suburbs, investigations in Laval, Gatineau, Sherbrooke: our brokers are familiar with BSP requirements and the operational realities of the security sector.

100% online quote, free of charge, with comparison of several Canadian insurers.

Additional Coverage to Consider

Official references

🛡 Why trust Assur360?

AMF
Certified brokers
ChAD
Insurance Chamber
100K+
Submissions processed

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