Hiring a bodyguard for the first time can feel unfamiliar. This guide covers everything you need to know — from assessing your needs to verifying credentials and understanding pricing — so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Step 1: Assess Your Actual Threat Level
Before contacting any security firm or browsing any platform, honestly assess your situation. Are you a public figure managing unwanted attention? An executive traveling to a high-risk environment? Someone in an active legal dispute? The nature and severity of your risk shapes every decision that follows.
A credible threat assessment considers: who poses the risk, their history and capability, how much access they have to your routine, and how predictable your movements are. You don't need to be certain — but you should have a clear sense of why you're seeking protection before the conversation begins.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Protection
Personal bodyguard services are appropriate for situational or event-specific needs. Executive protection is a full program for ongoing, multi-environment coverage. Event security is venue and timeframe-specific. Choosing the wrong service type means either paying for more than you need or leaving gaps in your coverage.
Step 3: Understand Pricing Realistically
Professional protection is not cheap — and cutting corners on quality in this space carries real consequences. The current market rates for licensed, vetted professionals are:
- Standard tier: From $60/hr — licensed security professionals with close protection training
- Professional tier: From $85/hr — advanced close protection training, executive environment experience
- Elite tier: From $120/hr — former military, law enforcement, or federal agents with special operations backgrounds
Most assignments have a 4-hour minimum. Full-day coverage (8–12 hours) is standard for travel or event assignments. Use our pricing calculator to estimate costs for your specific scenario.
Step 4: Verify Credentials Before Booking
Any legitimate bodyguard or protection professional should provide, upon request:
- A current state-issued security license valid in the state of operation
- Proof of professional liability insurance
- Documentation or confirmation of background check completion
- References from prior clients or employers (for high-trust long-term engagements)
On GetProtectors, every agent has already passed multi-stage vetting before appearing on the platform — including background checks, license verification, reference interviews, and skills assessment. We accept fewer than 20% of applicants.
Step 5: Brief Your Protector Properly
The quality of a protection engagement depends significantly on how well your agent is briefed. Before the assignment begins, share:
- Your full itinerary, including any changes as they occur
- Any known threats, individuals of concern, or previous incidents
- Your preferences for visibility (overt vs. discreet presence)
- Emergency contact information and any medical considerations
- Specific locations, access points, and parking at each venue
A professional agent will ask most of these questions themselves. The more information they have, the more effective your coverage will be.
Step 6: Book Through a Trusted Platform
Sourcing a bodyguard through informal channels — classified ads, social media recommendations, word of mouth — removes the verification layer that protects you. Unvetted agents may carry fake or expired licenses, lack insurance, or have undisclosed criminal records.
GetProtectors pre-vets every protector on the platform. Browse our roster, review profiles, see verified credentials, and book directly online. You'll receive confirmation of your assigned agent before the engagement begins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Booking too late. Same-day bookings are possible in most cities, but 24+ hours advance notice ensures the best agent match for your needs. For multi-day or complex engagements, 48–72 hours minimum is recommended.
Under-briefing your agent. Withholding itinerary details or threat information limits their effectiveness and puts you at greater risk.
Prioritizing price over credentials. The savings from a cheaper, unverified agent are not worth the risk. Verify first, then compare pricing.
Treating your bodyguard as general staff. Your protection agent's focus must remain on your safety. Using them as a driver, courier, or assistant degrades their awareness and effectiveness.
If you have questions before booking, our team is available 24/7. Contact us or book now.