Be warned.  A job as a private investigator dealing with insurance and insurance fraud can be very monotonous and detail-specific, but it can be quite rewarding.  You not only get paid to do a job you like, you also help the government and private companies avoid abuse from unscrupulous individuals out to twist the compensation system for workers.  Here’s how you can get a leg in as an insurance P.I.:

Make sure you have the experience.
Most companies or clients want to hire someone who has a track record in insurance-related detective work.  So if you have a background in insurance, you have a good chance.

If you don’t have the right training yet, you might want to begin in the insurance business first.  It’s not just about getting your feet wet, so to speak – it’s about getting a good understanding of the business.  Getting a job in insurance is also excellent for building a network of contacts – people you can turn to for help, assistance or guidance later on when you become a private investigator.

Get your license(s).
You will need to obtain a state-required license as a private investigator.  Otherwise, you won’t be able to work legally.  You might also want to get a license in more than one state.  That way, you can find more jobs and have better flexibility.  Some private investigators dealing with insurance related cases even have licenses in 5 states or more.

Get in touch with insurance companies.
Insurance companies are your lifeblood.  These people are the source of jobs for private investigators, primarily because they are the ones handling the claims and complaints. 

Prepare a professional resume and brochure to highlight your practice and send it to several insurance companies.  It should include your background, a list of clients you’ve worked with in the past (ask for their permission before you include them) and the types of assignment you are capable of doing.

Find a job at private detective agencies.
Many insurance companies prefer to work with established agencies, so you might want to send your resume in that direction.  Agencies have different requirements for insurance-related private investigator hirees, so be sure to check.

Check out job openings online.
This is a good jobhunting method to use especially if you’re a newbie and are working alone.  There are many online sites that regularly post job notices from employers.  These sites are free, by the way, or at least they should be.  You don’t have to pay a fee to find a job.

When looking for a private investigator job specializing in insurance, be proactive.  There’s strong competition going on in this industry and job growth is expected to be positive. 

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Adultery is just one of your specializations as a private investigator but you can be sure that in the right place, you will be enjoying brisk business.  Hiring a private investigator to catch a spouse in the act is often necessary for evidence gathering to help the wronged spouse plan a divorce, but it’s also helpful for closure and peace of mind.  If adultery is the expertise you want to focus on, here are some tips on how to look for a job in this area:

Find a private investigation agency.
Most clients will prefer to knock on the doors of a private investigation agency because they like to work with firms that have already established themselves.  If you work for a P.I. firm, expect to get an entry-level job.  Don’t get discouraged, though because this is a good start.  Most private investigators who have gone off to start their own practice started this way.

P.I. agencies have a variety of specializations such as insurance fraud and claims, civil protection, missing persons, identity theft, computer crimes, etc.  Adultery-related cases will just be one of them.  Arrange to work in cases of this nature to gain exposure and experience.  If you want to specialize in adultery cases as a private investigator, make sure this is an area you’re well versed in.

Find jobs online.
What you’ll find here are not spouses looking for a P.I. to catch their adulterous significant others.  That is extremely rare.  Instead, you’ll find adverts for private investigator jobs that detective agencies post.  This is a good place to jobhunt if you want to work with a private investigator firm.

Work with a legal services firm.
Look for firms that specialize in family law, divorce and child custody cases.  They often hire private detectives or refer their clients to P.I. services to help with a case.

Advertise your expertise.
Approximately 1 out of 4 private investigators are independently employed so starting your own practice is a good choice.  If you choose to become self-employed, advertise.  Let people know who you are and what type of private investigation services you offer. 

Put up an ad in the local newspaper or have your phone listed in the yellow pages.  You can also advertise online, but make sure to use a highly targeted ad because there are thousands of P.I.s who also work in the same industry out there. 

Prepare a set of adverts that includes a brochure, a leaflet and a business card with your contact details.  Leave a set in each mailbox you find in your area.  Do you have a license to operate as a private investigator in another state?  Advertise there as well.  The more people know about your expertise, the better your chances will be at landing a client.

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