Long gone are the times when a professional investigator's meat and drink meant pursuing couples in seaside resorts for (surprise!) evidence of infidelity in divorce cases.
Since then, caseloads have expanded in line with humanity's enlarged digital footprint. So today's investigators may be tasked with following a trail that involves anything from corporate fraud and employee dishonesty, to missing persons.
There's no doubt private investigators need a keen eye. But while you're focused firmly on a case, who's keeping an eye on you in case of trouble? If the answer's 'no one', then maybe it's time you looked at the evidence in favour of private investigator insurance.
Because although writing reports and carrying out background checks sounds straightforward enough, it's also risky. Pinpoint the wrong person and you could end up with a defamation claim against you. Overlook some evidence crucial to your client's investigation and you could be sued for negligence.
The last thing you need is to be investigated yourself. Especially considering all the privacy and data laws you have to negotiate. And that's where professional investigator insurance can help.
What does private investigator professional indemnity insurance cover?
Fears about private investigators 'operating in the shadows' and invading privacy have put PIs under more scrutiny than ever.
PI (professional indemnity this time) insurance doesn't cover anything illegal, of course. But it does cover a whole raft of errors and unintentional negligent acts, including defamation, breach of confidentiality and loss of documents or data.
If someone says you've done something wrong and makes a claim against you, your PI insurance is there to fight your corner. It pays for a legal expert to defend you and also covers any compensation you're liable for. Case closed.
As further proof of PI's worth, the ABI (Association of British Investigators), which works to raise standards in what is still an unregulated industry, says its members must have at least £500,000 worth of cover. It sees it as a necessary mark of their professionalism.
What other insurance do professional investigators need?
There’s a lot about your work that involves other people. Also, unpredictable situations and unusual locations. Put the two together and you have plenty of potential for accidents and injuries.
Public liability insurance is there for if someone gets hurt or their property gets damaged and points a finger your way. It covers things like slips, trips, and other accidental mishaps.
Say you drop a client’s laptop when trying to retrieve data and render it useless. Or your surveillance camera falls onto a passer-by’s head. PL pays any resulting legal costs and compensation you owe.
Your kit is also part and parcel of what you do. Think: phone, laptop, recording device, camera, tablet and anything else you rely on.
If any of the gadgets you take around with you are lost, stolen or damaged, it can quickly put the brakes on an investigation. And considering you’re frequently out and about, the risk is real.
All that kit costs money, but portables insurance has it covered. It pays to repair or replace your equipment and get you back on the job quickly.
The same goes for the fixtures and tech in your office - even if it's a home office. A burst pipe or a burglary could spell serious trouble. Happily, contents insurance makes sure everything that’s damaged or stolen is repaired or replaced.
Searching for clues
We wouldn't be so crass as to try and tell you how to do your job. But there are certain things you can do to make it less risky (from an insurance point of view, that is). Just think of the following as some practical steps towards self-preservation:
Protect your interests. Draw up a contract that spells out your terms of work and payment plus any complaints procedures. Remember to include a section detailing your client's reasons for the investigation, what they expect from it, and what they intend to do with the information you give them. This reduces your liability in case of later disputes.
Vet your staff. If you're head of a surveillance company, you need to check all your staff are licensed, including employees, employers, managers, supervisors, directors and partners, and any other PI firms you work with. The maximum penalty for failing to do this is a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in prison.
Know the law. If you find yourself straying into unknown legal territory, or in need of a recap on specific areas of law, professional bodies like the Association of British Investigators or the the Institute of Professional Investigators offer plenty of courses to warn you of the pitfalls.
Stay up to date. The government stated as far back as 2013 it's intention to regulate the private investigation industry and require all operators to be licensed. Since then, plans have been delayed again and again. It'll happen eventually though, so make sure you stay alert to any developments.
So that's the case in favour of professional investigator insurance. You can get a quick quote here. Or call us on 0345 222 5391.
Image used under license from Shutterstock.
managing risknegligenceprivate investigatorsrules and regulations