How To: Hire A Private Investigator
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3- Insurance coverage
Although this may seem like a trivial, administrative nitpick, bonding and liability insurance coverage is one of the main elements you should lookout for when hiring a PI. Many jurisdictions insist that the licensee be covered by a policy covering a certain amount of money, since it's there to protect clients.It's also an interesting way of telling amateurs apart from professionals. Investigators who are serious about their trade have, for the most part, coverage as high as a million dollars. Since this coverage is also public record, you can make certain it exists.
4- Interview
Now that you know the investigator is street legal, you need to make sure he's competent. A few minutes spent talking with him can be enough to make a sound decision.  Media attention
First of all, look for newspaper clippings or references on the Internet about him to see if he's been in the news. However, don't dismiss the person just because the media hasn't talked about him yet; he may willingly be keeping a low profile.
  Specific experience
Because each case is different, ask if he has any experience with the type of investigation you're hiring him for. For example, if you need to have your cousin located and the PI is an expert at surveillance, he may not be the right man for the job.
  Special skills
In addition to being licensed, your investigator may have another certification. For instance, the National Association of Legal Investigators awards a CLI (Certified Legal Investigator) certification to experts in that field. Detectives specializing in fraud get a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) certification, which is granted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
  Business ethics
Call your local Better Business Bureau or State Attorney General's office to make sure there haven't been any consumer complaints against your investigator or his agency. You should also be blunt and ask your private eye if he provides, and abides by, a confidentiality agreement. You definitely don't want your private information and investigation results being sold to a rival.
  Final questions
Ask any questions you feel are relevant. At any point, if you don't feel comfortable with this person, excuse yourself and leave. As a good indicator of his ethics and proficiency level, ask about how the detective has gotten into this line of work. Also, don't be taken aback if the detective asks you questions. He has to protect himself, and ensure that you're not hiring him to do something illegal.
5- Hiring process
Satisfied with your investigator, you're ready to hire him. The finishing stage is about the discussion of payment. In this industry, the accepted method of billing consists of an hourly rate ($45-$60 US), plus job-related expenses like airline tickets, hotel fees, and long-distance calls.Some detectives are open to working for a flat fee, in which you must provide a deposit. If the person is quite experienced, he may be able to give you an estimate as to how much it'll cost you when all is said and done.
You're better off asking for an estimate regardless, so as to avoid being taken for a ride. Be prepared to pay no matter what; if your girlfriend isn't having an affair after all, you won't be getting your money back!
elementary, watson...
Real-life private investigators are not like Sam Spade, shooting lowlifes in dark alleys, resolving international intrigue, and getting the dame. But if you need someone for some down-and-dirty snooping, now you know who to turn to.- Cheating Insurance Trust