This directory lists FCA-authorised UK insurers and brokers that cover security companies, from manned guarding and door supervision to key holding and CCTV monitoring. Entries are listed alphabetically and were checked on the FCA Register in June 2026; this is a reference list, not a ranking or recommendation. Security firms also operate under Security Industry Authority licensing, which is separate from insurance. Kael Tripton does not provide quotes, does not route enquiries to brokers, and does not earn commission from any firm mentioned.
Key Facts
- Manned guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, public space CCTV, key holding, and vehicle immobilising are licensable under the Security Industry Authority (GOV.UK, accessed June 2026).
- Front-line security roles require a licence-linked qualification before an SIA licence can be granted (GOV.UK, accessed June 2026).
- The SIA does not provide or require specific insurance, so security firms must assess their own cover needs (GOV.UK, accessed June 2026).
- Security companies commonly need public and employers' liability, professional indemnity, and specialist extensions such as wrongful arrest and care, custody and control (ABI, accessed June 2026).
- Insurers and brokers covering security firms must be FCA-authorised, and disputes can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FCA; FOS, accessed June 2026).
How this directory is compiled
This directory lists established UK insurers and brokers that cover security companies, sorted alphabetically with no ranking implied. Inclusion is based on a firm being an FCA-authorised insurer or broker active in the UK commercial market, drawn from the FCA Register and the firms' own material. Security cover is often arranged through brokers who add specialist extensions to a commercial liability programme.
FCA reference numbers are shown where independently confirmed on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk, accessed June 2026; brokers and specialist placements are marked for verification. The directory does not rate, rank, or recommend any firm. Because security work carries distinctive liabilities, the cover a firm needs depends heavily on the licensable activities it carries out.
Provider directory
| Insurer or broker | Type | FCA reference | Relevance to security firms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Insurance plc | Insurer | 121849 | Commercial liability for security |
| Aviva Insurance Limited | Insurer | 202153 | Liability and combined commercial |
| AXA Insurance UK plc | Insurer | 202312 | SME and commercial liability |
| Covéa Insurance plc | Insurer | 202277 | SME commercial liability |
| Arthur J. Gallagher | Broker | 311786 | Specialist security schemes |
| Hiscox Insurance Company Limited | Insurer | 113849 | Liability and professional indemnity |
| QBE UK Limited | Insurer | 202842 | Mid-market commercial |
| Royal & Sun Alliance (RSA) | Insurer | 202323 | Commercial liability programmes |
| Towergate (Ardonagh) | Broker | Verify on FCA Register | Security trade schemes |
| U K Insurance Limited (Direct Line for Business) | Insurer | 202810 | SME commercial liability |
| Coversure | Broker network | Verify on FCA Register | SME security firms |
| Zurich Insurance Company Ltd | Insurer | 203093 | Commercial liability programmes |
Reference numbers for insurers were confirmed on the FCA Register, accessed June 2026; brokers are marked for verification. Specialist security extensions such as wrongful arrest are usually added to a liability programme placed through a broker.
Profile per provider
Specialist liability extensions
Security firms typically need more than standard liability. Beyond public and employers' liability and professional indemnity, common extensions are wrongful arrest, which covers claims arising from detaining a person, and care, custody and control, which covers liability for property the firm guards. These are usually added by a broker rather than bought off the shelf.
Aviva, AXA, Allianz, Zurich, RSA, QBE, Covéa
These FCA-authorised insurers, confirmed under references 202153, 202312, 121849, 203093, 202323, 202842, and 202277 respectively, underwrite commercial liability and combined cover that can be structured for security firms, usually arranged through brokers who add the specialist extensions.
Hiscox
Authorised under reference 113849, Hiscox underwrites liability and professional indemnity for businesses, relevant to security firms whose risks include both physical liability and professional services.
Arthur J. Gallagher and broker-placed schemes
Gallagher, authorised under reference 311786, and other brokers such as Towergate and Coversure arrange security trade schemes that combine an insurer's liability cover with the specialist extensions the sector needs. Confirm any broker on the FCA Register.
How to verify a provider's authorisation
The FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk is the primary check. Search the insurer or broker by name or reference number to confirm authorisation and permitted activities. Because security cover is frequently broker-placed, confirm both the broker and the underlying insurer.
Separately, security firms and their staff are regulated by the Security Industry Authority for licensable activities. The SIA register and approved contractor scheme are distinct from FCA authorisation, so a compliant security firm needs both the right SIA licensing and appropriate, FCA-regulated insurance. Companies House provides a further cross-check on a firm's legal status.
How to compare providers in this category
Map your licensable activities first, because cover differs between static guarding, door supervision, close protection, and cash in transit. Then ensure the programme includes the specialist extensions your work needs, especially wrongful arrest and care, custody and control, alongside public and employers' liability.
Check the liability limits against client contracts, which often specify minimum public liability levels, and read the conditions around the use of force, detaining individuals, and subcontracted guards. Verify the insurer and broker on the FCA Register before placing cover, and use the Financial Ombudsman Service for eligible disputes if a claim is declined.
Frequently asked questions
What insurance does a security company need?
Security firms commonly need public and employers' liability and professional indemnity, plus specialist extensions such as wrongful arrest and care, custody and control. The exact mix depends on the licensable activities the firm carries out.
Is insurance the same as an SIA licence?
No. The Security Industry Authority licenses individuals and regulates security activities, while insurance is a separate financial product regulated by the FCA. A compliant security firm needs both the correct SIA licensing and appropriate insurance.
What is wrongful arrest cover?
Wrongful arrest cover responds to claims arising from detaining a person in the course of security work. It is a common and important extension for firms whose staff may detain individuals, usually added to a liability programme.
What is care, custody and control cover?
This covers a security firm's liability for property in its care that it is guarding, which standard public liability often excludes. It matters for firms responsible for premises or valuables.
How do I verify a security insurer or broker?
Search the firm on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk and, for broker-placed cover, confirm both the broker and the underlying insurer. Cross-check legal status on Companies House and SIA status on the SIA register.
What if my security insurance claim is rejected?
Use the insurer's or broker's internal complaints process first. If you remain dissatisfied, you can refer an eligible complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service for a free, independent review.
