Looking to Hire a PI? READ THIS FIRST!!!!!

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One private investigator will not be an expert in all investigative fields and not all private investigators are licensed, insured or have the necessary experience you need. Also, cost should not be your guiding factor when contracting with a private investigator. You will be asking them to handle an important, potentially sensitive issue for you. This is not the time to contract with the lowest bidder. You will need to become a bit of a private detective yourself when you start the search to find the right private investigator. Following are some steps you need to consider when looking for the private investigator or private detective to handle your case. 
  • Find a known, experienced investigator. One of the best ways to find a private investigator or private detective is through referrals. Ask around, talk to local lawyers, friends that may have had experience with an investigator, search the internet and visit the state licensing board. Look up their license and see if they have any complaints.Visit our information page for licensing boards, if they are required, for your state.
  • Make sure your PI is experienced in your investigation type. Not all private investigators and private detectives are skilled in all types of investigations. Be prepared to ask some specific questions; "What type of cases do you commonly handle?", "How many of my type investigations have you handled in the past 3 months?", "Do you have references that employed you for my type of investigation?". (NOTE: Many PI's may hesitate as they will protect client confidentiality.) "What is your background?", "How many years have you been in business?"
  • Ask them their ideas on how they will approach the case. What information will they need from you, how long do they think it might take to complete the case, ask if the case is really an investigative case at all? Reputable private investigators will let you know very quickly if they feel their services would be of no service to you. 
  • Verify that the investigator is bonded or insured to protect themselves and you as a client. Ask the private investigator if they have insurance and how much coverage do they have. They should be able to provide you with a copy of their insurance coverage. 
  • Determine the upfront costs and how additional services will be billed or estimated. It is important to understand that depending on the investigation the costs will change. Even though you asked for an estimate, travel costs, staff hours, fees for copies and records searches may not be known until they start the investigation. Additional costs will probably arise as the conduct the investigation. 

The time you invest to seek out the right private investigator or private detective for you is well worth the effort. Be prepared that your search may take some time. Of course if you have an attorney, make sure you consult with them first before you contract with any private investigator or private detective.