Hiring a private investigator is a significant decision. The person you choose will have access to sensitive personal information, will be operating on your behalf in potentially delicate situations, and may produce evidence that has legal consequences. Choosing the right investigator is not something to rush.

This guide covers everything you need to evaluate before hiring a PI.

Non-Negotiable Must-Haves

Before considering anything else, every PI you speak with must have:

  • Valid state license: In Pennsylvania, private investigators must be licensed. Ask for the license number and verify it. Kanenson PI holds PA License #691MD2022.
  • Professional liability insurance: This protects you if the investigation causes harm through an error or oversight. An uninsured PI is a significant risk.
  • Experience in your specific case type: A PI who specializes in workers' comp fraud may not be the best choice for a missing persons case. Ask directly about their experience with cases like yours.

Green Flags: Signs You've Found the Right PI

  • Clear communication: They explain their process clearly, answer your questions thoroughly, and don't leave you confused about what will happen next.
  • Realistic expectations: A good PI is honest about what they can and cannot find, and doesn't promise guaranteed results. Investigations have genuine uncertainty.
  • Transparent pricing: You receive a clear, written scope of work and cost estimate before any work begins. No vague hourly estimates without a cap or expectation.
  • Structured intake process: A professional consultation where they gather detailed information before making any recommendations.
  • Ethical standards: They clearly explain what they will and won't do, and decline requests that would cross legal or ethical lines.

Red Flags: Warning Signs to Walk Away

  • "I don't need a license" or evasiveness about licensing — walk away immediately
  • "I can get you anything" — no PI can obtain illegally-gathered evidence without exposing you both to legal risk
  • Unclear or no pricing structure — this almost always leads to surprise bills
  • No intake process or consultation — professional investigators don't just "jump in"
  • Promises of guaranteed results — no legitimate investigator can guarantee outcomes
  • Pressure to start immediately without proper documentation or agreement

7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring

  1. Are you licensed and insured in Pennsylvania? (Request the license number and verify it with the state.)
  2. Do you have experience with this type of case? (Infidelity, custody, fraud, missing persons, and legal cases each have different skill requirements.)
  3. How do you structure your fees? (Hourly? Flat rate? Retainer? What expenses are additional?)
  4. How and how often will you update me? (Daily written reports? Weekly calls? What's the communication structure?)
  5. Is my information fully confidential? (Who else has access to your case information? How is it stored?)
  6. Will the evidence you gather be court-admissible? (How do they document chain of custody?)
  7. Can I speak with past clients or see examples of your reporting format? (Some investigators can provide redacted samples.)

Why Kanenson PI

Marion Kanenson has been a licensed Pennsylvania private investigator since 2011 with over 25 years of investigative experience, including a decade as a Special Investigator for the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General. The Kanenson PI team is all-female, offering a unique combination of investigative expertise and genuine empathy for clients navigating difficult situations.

We offer a free initial consultation, transparent pricing, clear communication throughout every case, and ethical investigative standards that ensure everything we do is legally sound and court-admissible.

Ready to speak with a licensed investigator? Contact Kanenson PI for a free consultation — no commitment, complete confidentiality.