An executive perk is a benefit given to executives of a company, usually in addition to their salary. Common executive perks include bodyguards, chauffeurs, stock options, company sedans, golden parachutes, and expense allowances. Bodyguards are individuals hired to protect an executive from physical harm, while chauffeurs are drivers hired to transport the executive. Stock options are financial instruments that give the executive the right to purchase a certain number of shares of the company at a predetermined price. Company sedans are cars owned by the company and used by the executive for business purposes. Golden parachutes are large severance packages given to executives if they are laid off or leave the company. Expense allowances are funds given to executives to cover business-related expenses.