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Private Investigator Insurance
Private investigators face risks like allegations of negligence, invasion of privacy, or professional errors — the right insurance helps cover legal costs and protects your reputation.
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APOLLO and Gallagher Partner to Protect Your Business
We've partnered with Gallagher, one of Canada's leading insurance brokers, to provide insurance designed for businesses and business professionals. Get professional liability, general liability, and/or contents insurance designed specifically for your profession.
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3 Kinds of Insurance Every Private Investigator Needs
3 Kinds of Insurance Every Private Investigator Needs
Private investigators can face claims of negligence, invasion of privacy, or providing inaccurate information. Professional liability insurance helps cover legal defence costs, settlements, or damages, ensuring your reputation and finances are protected.
General Liability Insurance
Meeting with clients, conducting surveillance, or visiting third-party locations all carry risk. If someone claims bodily injury or property damage connected to your work, general liability insurance helps cover medical bills, legal fees, and settlements.
Commercial Property & Equipment Insurance
Your investigative tools — from cameras to surveillance equipment and computers — are essential to your work. Equipment and property insurance helps cover repair or replacement costs if your gear is stolen, lost, or damaged by fire, flood, or vandalism.
Private Investigators Face Unique Risks
As a private investigator, your work often involves sensitive information, client trust, and specialized equipment.
Whether you’re conducting surveillance, interviewing witnesses, or handling confidential files, there are always risks you can’t fully control. Even with the best precautions, situations can arise that put your business on the line. A client could claim negligence if they believe your report was incomplete.
The right insurance policy helps cover legal costs, settlements, and equipment replacement so you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket.
A client could claim negligence if they believe your report was incomplete. A surveillance job could lead to an invasion of privacy lawsuit. Or expensive equipment could be stolen during an assignment. These are risks no amount of planning can completely prevent.
How Much Does Private Investigator Insurance Cost in Canada?
Short answer? Usually less than the cost of a single legal dispute. Most private investigators can expect to pay between $50 to $150 per month for a tailored insurance policy, depending on factors like the services you provide, the value of your equipment, your location, and the amount of coverage you choose.
Just like each case you take on, your insurance should be customized to reflect the unique risks of your investigative work.
Here's What Impacts the Cost of Your Policy
The Services You Provide
Do you specialize in background checks, corporate fraud, or surveillance work?
The more sensitive or high-risk your investigations, the greater your exposure to legal claims like negligence, defamation, or invasion of privacy.
Your Liability and Equipment Coverage
Are you only covering liability, or also your cameras, computers, and surveillance gear?
High-value equipment and broader liability protection will influence your premium.
Business Structure
Do you work independently, or run an agency with multiple investigators?
A solo PI typically pays less, while agencies with staff or subcontractors often face higher costs.
Claims History
No past lawsuits or claims? That works in your favor.
If you’ve faced claims before, you can still get insured — but your history plays a role in pricing.
Three Misconceptions About Private Investigator Insurance
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“I don’t need insurance because I follow the law.”
Legal compliance doesn’t prevent lawsuits. Clients or third parties can still accuse you of negligence, invasion of privacy, or errors in your work.
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“My equipment isn’t valuable enough to insure.”
Surveillance tools, laptops, and cameras add up. Replacing stolen or damaged gear out-of-pocket can be costly.
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“Insurance only matters for large investigative firms.”
Even solo investigators face liability risks. One claim could put your entire business and personal finances at risk without coverage.
Liability Quiz
Can I be sued if I make a mistake in a client’s background check or investigation report?
Yes. Clients can claim negligence, errors, or misreporting that leads to financial or reputational harm. Professional liability insurance covers legal defence and settlements in these cases.
Do I need liability coverage when conducting surveillance or onsite investigations?
Absolutely. If someone is injured, property is damaged, or a vehicle accident occurs while you’re on assignment, general liability insurance protects you from personal financial risk.
Are my expensive investigative tools and cameras covered under liability insurance?
No. Equipment coverage or contents insurance protects your tools, laptops, and surveillance gear. Liability insurance only covers claims from third parties, not your own property.
Can a client contract protect me from lawsuits?
Not entirely. While contracts may limit your liability in some situations, they don’t cover every scenario. Insurance ensures you’re protected even when legal issues fall outside of contract terms.
The Cost of Not Having Private Investigator Insurance
Scenario | Out-of-Pocket Cost (Without Insurance) | Covered By Insurance? |
|---|---|---|
A client sues for alleged negligence in an investigation | $10,000 – $150,000+ (legal fees, settlements) | ✔ Professional Liability |
Someone is injured during surveillance or on-site work | $5,000 – $75,000+ (medical bills, legal fees) | ✔ General Liability |
Your surveillance equipment or computers are stolen or damaged | $3,000 – $50,000+ (repair or replacement) | ✔ Equipment/Contents Coverage |
A volunteer or assistant causes property damage during an assignment | $5,000 – $30,000+ (repairs, liability claims) | ✔ Liability Coverage |
Accused of invasion of privacy or breach of confidentiality | $10,000 – $100,000+ (legal defense, settlements) | ✔ Professional Liability |
PRO TIP: Update your policy if you start subcontracting or building a team.
Once other investigators or staff are working under your name, you’re exposed to additional liability for their actions as well as your own. Expanding your coverage protects not just your business, but also your reputation and financial security.
Why Private Investigator Insurance is Important For Your Business
Protects Against Professional Liability – Investigators can face claims of negligence, errors, or breaches of privacy. Insurance covers legal defense and settlements.
Covers Accidents During Field Work – Whether on surveillance or visiting client locations, injuries or property damage can happen. Liability coverage protects you financially.
Safeguards Valuable Equipment – Cameras, computers, and other investigative tools are essential. Insurance ensures you can replace them if damaged or stolen.
Maintains Your Reputation – Handling sensitive cases carries inherent risk. Insurance demonstrates professionalism and builds client trust.
Provides Peace of Mind – With coverage in place, you can focus on investigations without worrying about potential lawsuits or unexpected expenses.
Top 5 Mistakes Private Investigators Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Assuming Compliance Equals Protection
Following laws and regulations doesn’t prevent lawsuits; liability claims can still happen. Always carry comprehensive liability coverage to protect against claims, even if you’re following all rules.
2. Underinsuring Equipment
Expensive cameras, computers, and surveillance gear are often not fully covered. Include all essential equipment in your policy with adequate replacement value.
3. Skipping Liability Coverage For Fieldwork
Injuries or property damage during surveillance can be costly if not insured. Make sure your general liability or professional liability policy covers on-site and field operations.
4. Not Updating Coverage As Your Business Grows
Adding staff, subcontractors, or new services without updating insurance leaves gaps. Review and update your insurance annually or whenever your business changes.
5. Relying On Client Contracts For Protection
Contracts may limit your liability but don’t replace proper insurance coverage. Never assume contracts are enough—insurance is essential to cover claims outside contract limits.