Field investigator for insurers and law firms

Insurance adjusters and claims firms, law firms, small businesses and individuals in family or workplace matters.

Hourly rate plus mileage and expenses, or a fixed fee per case. Most steady work comes from repeat clients such as law firms and adjusters.

• Patience and attention to detail
• Clear, factual report writing
• Discretion and good judgment
• Comfortable driving and working irregular hours

• Licensing: most provinces require individual and sometimes agency licences, and Quebec has its own system, so check your provincial regulator
• Privacy law (such as PIPEDA or provincial privacy acts) and rules on recording, trespass and harassment can limit what you may do
• Insurance coverage suited to investigative work, as standard policies may not cover it
• Irregular hours, long periods in a vehicle, and income that can be uneven at first
• Safety risks if a subject becomes aware of you; plan how you will step away

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the equipment, vehicle needs and insurance you arrange. Your costs will vary with what you already own and the type of work you take on.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many cases you take and whether you charge by the hour or the case. Income can be uneven at first, with at least about 15 hours a week.

Check your provincial regulator, as most provinces require individual and sometimes agency licences, and Quebec has its own system. Also check privacy law and rules on recording, trespass and harassment, plus insurance suited to investigative work.