Hiring a private detective
15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Private Detective
A short conversation before you hire can save a lot of money and stress. These are the questions worth asking.
Key points
- Ask about licensing and who will actually do the work
- Ask how cost is estimated and controlled
- Ask what you'll receive and when
About the detective
- Are you licensed in the state where this work will happen, and under what name?
- Who will actually perform the work?
- How often do you handle matters like mine?
- Do you carry liability insurance?
About the approach
- What approach would you recommend, and why?
- What won't you do, legally or ethically?
- What could make this harder or take longer?
- Will you need to contact anyone?
About cost and timing
- How do you bill: hourly, flat fee or retainer?
- What expenses are extra (mileage, records fees, video)?
- Can we set a budget limit or phases?
- How long will this realistically take?
About results and confidentiality
- What will your report include?
- How will you protect my information?
- Would you be able to testify if needed?
Good detectives welcome these questions. If answers are evasive, that tells you something.
Common questions
What's the most important question?
Whether the detective is properly licensed where the work happens, and whether their proposed methods are lawful.
Should I get a written agreement?
Yes. A written agreement should set out scope, fees, expenses and deliverables.
Can I set a budget?
Yes. Many clients work in phases with a cap, deciding whether to continue after each update.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by state; consult an attorney about your situation. See our legal disclaimer.
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