Why flat rates are rare
Two enquiries that sound alike can look very different in practice. Escorting someone to an evening appointment in Cologne is not the same as several days of travel, changing locations and a specific threat in the background.
That is why every quote starts with a conversation. Only once it is clear who needs protecting, where, when and against what background can the work involved be costed reliably. Flat rates quoted without this groundwork are either set too high or end up not covering what is actually needed.
The main cost factors
These factors have the biggest influence on the work involved, and therefore on the price:
- Duration and timing: a single appointment, a full day, several days or weeks; assignments in the evening, at night or at weekends.
- Number of close protection officers: one officer is enough for many appointments; several locations, large crowds or a heightened threat call for more.
- Preparation: risk analysis, checking locations and routes, coordination with the hotel, event organiser or office.
- Travel and expenses: assignments outside the Rhineland or abroad involve costs for driving, flights and overnight stays.
- Vehicle and security driver: whether transfers are part of the assignment and how many journeys are involved.
Escort protection, close protection, consulting: what each involves
Escort protection focuses on a single occasion, such as an appointment or an arrival at the airport. Preparation and time on duty are modest.
Close protection over a longer period includes risk analysis, a protection plan and on-the-ground protection at several locations, often with several close protection officers. The work involved is correspondingly greater. The article Close protection or escort protection? explains the difference.
Sometimes you do not need anyone at your side at all. A security consultation clarifies which risks are realistic and often leads to simple changes to routes, timings or habits.
How to keep the scope in proportion
Good close protection is not about deploying as many people as possible. It is about covering the right moments.
- Focus protection on the appointments and journeys where the risk is genuinely higher.
- Enquire early so that planning and coordination are not rushed.
- Start with a consultation if it is unclear whether you need anyone at your side at all.
- Combine driving and protection rather than organising them separately.
How to recognise a credible quote
When choosing a provider, it pays to look closely, precisely because price alone says little about quality.
- The provider holds a licence for security services under section 34a of the German Trade Regulation Act (§ 34a GewO).
- Before you receive a quote, the provider talks to you personally about your situation.
- Services, times and the number of close protection officers are described in specific terms.
- There is one responsible point of contact who knows the assignment.
- Nobody promises absolute safety. Close protection reduces risks; it does not rule them out.
How a quote comes together at DERLO
At DERLO, Marc Derlich conducts the initial consultation himself. He clarifies the occasion, time frame, locations and background, assesses the situation and proposes what the assignment really requires. You then receive a fixed quote. Close protection is billed at a day rate; if it is only needed for a few hours, DERLO charges a minimum of six hours. For escort protection, DERLO charges a minimum of four hours.
For larger assignments, he draws on a network of experienced close protection officers on a project basis. Your point of contact stays the same.