Hiring a bodyguard as a private individual: five myths and the reality

Say "bodyguard" and most people picture red carpets, black cars and broad-shouldered men with earpieces. That image comes from the movies, not from everyday close protection work. As a result, many private individuals dismiss the idea long before they've looked at it properly.

Our founder Vadim Dischewski has worked in close protection since 2008. We are based in Hamburg and cover Germany and Europe by arrangement. These are the five myths we hear most often in first conversations.

Myth 1: "Close protection is only for celebrities"

Celebrities are visible, but they're not the only people who feel unsafe. Private clients come to us in very ordinary situations:

• after a separation, when a former partner won't respect boundaries,
• ahead of a difficult appointment – a handover, a court date, an inheritance dispute,
• as parents who want their children accompanied for a period of time,
• as expats or business travellers in an unfamiliar city.

What matters is a concrete situation that worries you, not how famous you are. We'll tell you honestly whether protection is the right answer – sometimes it isn't.

Myth 2: "A bodyguard has special powers"

No. Private security staff have no police powers. They have the same rights as any citizen: self-defence and defence of others (§ 32 StGB), acting in an emergency (§ 34 StGB) and temporarily holding someone caught in the act (§ 127(1) StPO). Good protection therefore relies on planning, awareness and distance – spotting risks early and keeping conflicts from happening at all.

This is general information, not legal advice.

Myth 3: "You can spot a bodyguard a mile off"

Visible presence has its place as a deterrent. For private clients, discretion is usually the point. A protection officer can sit at the next table, blend in at the school gate or travel as a "colleague". Your details and the reason for the assignment stay confidential. See how we work on our personal protection page.

Myth 4: "Nobody can afford it"

It's not cheap, but it is predictable. Our guide rates start at €142.80 per hour incl. VAT (€120 net), minimum 4 hours, and from €1,428 per day (up to 10 hours) incl. VAT. Only the written quote is binding. For what drives the price, read how much a bodyguard costs.

Myth 5: "Once you start, you need it forever"

Most private assignments are short and clearly defined: an evening, a meeting, a trip, a few weeks of transition. Typical examples:

• escort to a difficult meeting or on a journey,
• escort protection for children,
• security for a private event,
• securing your home, organised together with partners – see property protection in Hamburg.

How to choose a provider

• Licence under § 34a GewO – anyone guarding people commercially needs one. Ask to see it.
• Qualified staff – protection officers must hold the § 34a certificate of competence (Sachkunde) and be registered under the Guarding Ordinance (BewachV).
• Liability insurance – mandatory; ask for it.
• Written quote before work begins.
• Honest advice – a serious provider will say when you don't need them.

More on how a reputable security company in Hamburg operates is on our overview page.

A conversation costs nothing

Not sure whether protection makes sense for you? Tell us about your situation in a free, confidential first consultation. Simply use the enquiry form.