You work in the gray areas. The bond keeps the public protected.
A licensing bond for private investigators
Many states require private investigators and detective agencies to carry a bond as a condition of licensing. It guarantees that you will conduct investigations lawfully and not harm the public through illegal or improper conduct in the course of your work. Harmed parties or the state can claim against it.
What a private investigator bond guarantees
The bond protects the public and the state — guaranteeing you'll operate within the law and compensate parties harmed by unlawful conduct in your investigative work. It is a licensing and consumer-protection guarantee, not liability insurance for your agency; you reimburse the surety for any valid claim.
How much a private investigator bond costs
The bond amount is set by the licensing authority. The premium you pay is a small percentage of that amount — typically around 1%–3% for applicants with reasonable credit, more for weaker credit — so a modest bond often costs a few hundred dollars a year. We market it to multiple surety companies to get you the best rate.
Requirements vary by state
Whether a bond is required, and its amount, are set by each state's licensing authority — and some states bond the agency, the individual investigator, or both. We confirm your exact requirement before quoting.
Private Investigator Bond requirements by state
The required amount and authority differ by state — and sometimes by city or county. We are licensed in all 50 states; request a quote and we will confirm the exact requirement that applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a private investigator bond cover?
It covers losses to the public from a licensee's unlawful or improper conduct in investigative work, and violations of licensing law. You reimburse the surety for any claim paid.
Who needs a private investigator bond?
Licensed private investigators and detective agencies in states that require bonding for the license. Requirements vary by state.
How much does a PI bond cost?
A premium that's a small percentage of the required bond amount, based on your credit.
How do I get a private investigator bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.