How to Hire a Bodyguard: A Complete Guide for First-Timers

Hiring a bodyguard for the first time can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make a confident, informed decision.

Assess Your Threat Level

Before anything else, honestly assess your situation. Are you a public figure, executive, or someone in a contentious legal dispute? The nature and level of risk shapes every decision that follows — how many agents you need, what tier of protection is appropriate, and how long you'll require coverage.

Understand the Types of Protection

Personal bodyguard, executive protection, and event security are not the same. A personal bodyguard handles close-proximity, day-to-day protection. Executive protection is a more comprehensive program covering travel, residence, and office environments. Event security focuses on a specific venue and timeframe.

Verify Credentials

Any legitimate protector should carry a state-issued security license, proof of insurance, and documentation of their background check. Former law enforcement, military, and federal agents bring additional credibility — but credentials must be current and verifiable.

Budget Realistically

Professional protection starts at $60/hr for qualified standard-tier agents and can reach $120/hr+ for elite-tier former Secret Service or Special Operations veterans. Short-cutting on quality in personal protection is never advisable.

Book Through a Platform You Trust

GetProtectors pre-vets every agent on the platform, handles insurance verification, and provides a transparent booking process with clear pricing. You book, we handle the rest.