When it comes to personal safety, no one wants to compromise. High-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, celebrities, and public figures all face elevated risks — from unwanted attention and harassment to criminal targeting, surveillance, and even violence. Understandably, many seek private executive protection.
Unfortunately, many clients fall for a dangerously misleading option: the solo protection specialist — a single individual offering to serve as the driver, bodyguard, planner, and personal assistant all in one. It may sound cost-effective and discreet, but in reality, this is one of the riskiest and most legally precarious decisions a client can make.
This article outlines why solo EP practitioners are not only ineffective, but also legally dangerous — especially when operating without proper licensing and insurance across state lines.
The Illusion of Safety: Why the Solo Bodyguard Doesn’t Work
Let’s start with the obvious: one person cannot provide effective, professional-grade executive protection.
The work of protecting a principal involves several critical tasks, including:
- Advance work (scouting venues, checking exits, evaluating risks)
- Secure transportation and evasive driving
- Close protection and immediate response
- Communications and contingency planning
- Medical preparedness
- Surveillance detection
No single individual can perform all of these duties at once. In fact, even attempting to do so creates serious operational blind spots — moments where the client is unprotected, exposed, or misinformed.
What’s worse, many solo EP operators claim to be “low-profile” or “covert,” but what they’re really offering is understaffed and underqualified protection. That’s not professionalism — it’s negligence.
The Legal Landmine: Licensing and Insurance Requirements
Hiring a solo EP practitioner becomes far more than just a safety issue — it’s a legal and financial liability when licensing and insurance aren’t in place. Most clients don’t realize that security laws vary dramatically by state, and hiring the wrong person can expose you to criminal and civil penalties.
- Most States Require Licensing for Security Work
In almost every U.S. state, individuals offering personal security or executive protection services must be licensed as a security professional, private investigator, or both. These licenses:
- Require background checks
- Verify training and experience
- Mandate continuing education
- Are subject to audits and penalties
If your solo practitioner isn’t licensed in the state where they’re operating, they’re likely breaking the law. Worse, if you hire them knowingly (or even unknowingly), you may be held liable as the client who employed unlicensed personnel.
Examples of common licensing violations:
- A California-based solo EP provider working in Florida without a state security license
- A retired law enforcement officer doing protection work in Texas without a Level III/IV PPO license
- A military veteran crossing state lines providing armed security without local authorization
It doesn’t matter how impressive their résumé is — if they’re not licensed in the state, they’re operating illegally.
- Proper Insurance Is Mandatory — and Often Missing
Licensed EP professionals or firms are required to carry liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and in many cases, firearms insurance.
Many solo operators skip this entirely because:
- It’s expensive
- It requires proof of ongoing training and licensure
- They’re operating “under the table”
This presents a massive risk to you, the client.
Consider This:
- If your solo EP practitioner injures someone (accidentally or in self-defense), you may be sued as their employer or contractor.
- If the practitioner is injured while working for you and has no workers’ comp, they can sue you personally for medical costs.
- If the practitioner is armed without proper firearms insurance, any shooting incident could become a multi-million-dollar civil case — and you could be named.
You are not just hiring a person — you are assuming legal responsibility for their actions. Without proper licensing and insurance in place, you are legally exposed.
Client Liabilities: What You’re Really Risking
Many clients don’t realize that they are just as liable as the operator when something goes wrong.
Here’s what you’re responsible for when hiring a solo EP specialist without proper documentation:
- Civil lawsuits from third parties harmed in an incident
- Worker injury claims if your protector is hurt on the job
- Fines and criminal penalties for employing an unlicensed contractor
- Denial of coverage by your own insurance provider due to negligent hiring
- Reputational damage if your unlicensed operator is arrested, involved in a shooting, or sued
Hiring a solo bodyguard without proper paperwork is no different than hiring an unlicensed contractor to perform surgery in your living room. The consequences can be catastrophic — legally, financially, and personally.
Why Clients Still Make This Mistake
Some clients choose solo protection for the wrong reasons:
- “He’s former military/law enforcement.” Great — but that doesn’t mean he’s licensed or trained in private sector protection, which follows different laws and standards.
- “I trust him.” Trust is important, but it doesn’t override legal requirements.
- “It’s cheaper.” Until it’s not — once you’re sued, fined, or named in a wrongful death case.
- “I only need someone part-time.” Even part-time operators must be licensed and insured, especially when crossing state lines or carrying a weapon.
What Professional Executive Protection Looks Like:
True executive protection is a team-based, legally compliant, insurance-backed operation tailored to the client’s lifestyle and threat profile. A proper EP detail should include:
- Fully licensed agents in every state/jurisdiction they operate
- General liability and workers’ comp insurance
- Dedicated drivers, advance agents, and close protection personnel
- Written contracts and vetting processes
- Ongoing training in threat assessment, use of force, and emergency response
Even smaller protection details (such as a two-person team) offer far more protection and legal coverage than any solo practitioner ever could.
How to Protect Yourself as a Client
If you’re evaluating or hiring executive protection — whether for yourself, your family, or your business — here’s how to avoid legal and safety traps:
Always verify:
- State-specific security licenses
- Proof of insurance coverage
- Background checks and employment history
- Written contracts outlining duties, liabilities, and responsibilities
- Whether they are operating through a reputable firm with a legal entity behind them
If someone claims they “don’t need a license” or “have never had an issue,” walk away. You’re not buying peace of mind — you’re buying a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Conclusion: Don’t Gamble with Safety or Liability
Hiring a solo executive protection practitioner might seem like a simple solution. But in the real world, it’s a false sense of security that can leave you dangerously exposed — not just physically, but legally and financially.
True protection requires a team approach, proper planning, and compliance with state laws and insurance standards. If your solo provider doesn’t meet those criteria, they’re not protecting you — they’re putting you at risk.
Don’t cut corners on something as important as your life, your freedom, or your family’s future. Hire a licensed, insured, professional EP team that can offer real coverage — in every sense of the word.
