If you’re thinking about carrying out a private investigation you should consider insurance. If you’re planning to work as a private investigator for third parties you definately need it but what sort of insurance should you have?

There are several forms of insurance you can consider.

Private Investigator Liability Insurance

If you’re out and about in public, you should seriously consider liability insurance. This protects you from claims for damage and accidents you’re involved in for which they may make a claim against you. You should know however that such policies do not cover for intentional damage. You should also note that different liability policies exist for domestic liability and commercial liability, eg if you are carrying out work for third parties as an employee or self employed the terms of a domestic policy will probably not cover you.

How much a liability insurance policy costs depends on the amount of cover and scope but it’s not uncommon to find policies for around £50 providing several million pounds of cover.

Professional idemnity insurance

This is needed if you’re providing services to customers and working as a private investigator. You could be held liable or a claim made against you for loss if the information you provide is wrong or inaccurate. Private investigator professional idemnity insurance policies are designed to protect you from such claims.

Typically, idemnity cover will be for less than liability insurance but will cost more – over £100 for private investigator cover.

Employee Liability Insurance

In the UK, if you employ other detectives or staff of any kind in a private investigation business, or any business for that matter, you must have employee liability insurance. This is in case the employee’s are injured or fall ill as a result of working for you.

Exact costs depends on a range of factors and it’s recommended you call an insurance broker and discuss your particular requirements.

What cover should I have for private investigations

For DIY personal investigation, where you are carrying out normal activities, you can possibly get by without liability insurance and may be covered under an existing house-hold insurance although you check. If you’re carrying out paid professioanl services, you should have both business liability and professional idemnity cover.
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