Michigan professional investigator bonds.
$100 flat.

Michigan requires every licensed professional investigator or investigator agency to file a $10,000 bond, conditioned for the faithful and honest conduct of the business. Ours is $100 flat, issued instantly — identical for everyone.

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Required under the Professional Investigator Licensure Act (Act 285 of 1965), MCL 338.829 — administered by LARA

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Fixed amount, fixed price — $10,000 bond, $100, no quote process

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Conditioned for the faithful and honest conduct of the business — protects people harmed by wrongful acts

A-ratedA.M. Best carriersInstantunderwriting process1–3 yrterms available

Trusted by industry leaders

How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

License bonds are the simplest thing in surety. Here's the entire process:

NOW · ONLINE

Apply online

Business details and an effective date. That's the application — no financials, no credit section, no follow-up scavenger hunt.

MINUTES, USUALLY

Pay & e-sign

License bonds like this are among the thousands of bond types that issue right after purchase.

SAME DAY

File with your license

Your executed bond and power of attorney arrive by email, ready to file with your LARA professional investigator license application or renewal. Wet-ink original mailed on request.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the bond actually guarantees

Michigan licenses professional investigators and investigator agencies under the Professional Investigator Licensure Act (Act 285 of 1965), administered by LARA. The license is conditioned on a $10,000 bond, executed and filed with the department, conditioned for the faithful and honest conduct of the business.

It's a guarantee that backs your conduct: under MCL 338.829, any person injured by a willful, malicious, and wrongful act of the licensee may bring an action on the bond in their own name to recover damages. The investigator is the principal, the surety stands behind the bond, and the public is protected.

It is not insurance for you — if the surety pays a claim, you repay the surety. The act also allows a qualifying liability insurance policy in lieu of the bond; most investigators choose the bond because it is the cheapest way to satisfy the requirement. The bond must stay active for the life of your license.

MCL 338.829 (Professional Investigator Licensure Act)Under the Professional Investigator Licensure Act (Act 285 of 1965), MCL 338.829, a license applicant must execute, deliver, and file a $10,000 bond conditioned for the faithful and honest conduct of the business, approved by LARA. Any person injured by a willful, malicious, and wrongful act of the licensee may bring an action on the bond. A qualifying liability insurance policy may be furnished in lieu of the bond.

You need this bond if you're

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Applying for a MI professional investigator license — individual or agency

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Renewing your investigator license and your bond is expiring or your surety non-renewed

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Forming an investigator agency that must be licensed and bonded

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An out-of-state investigator getting licensed to work in Michigan

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual issuing fields — no credit section, because this bond doesn't have one.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Michigan professional investigator bond?The premium is $100 — set by our carrier's rate book for the fixed $10,000 bond amount, the same for everyone. The $10,000 is set by statute, so there is no quote process, and the price you see is the checkout price.

Do I pay the $10,000?No. You pay $100. The $10,000 is the surety's maximum liability if a valid claim is made against the bond — not a deposit, and nobody holds your money.

What does the bond protect against?It is conditioned for the faithful and honest conduct of your business. Any person injured by a willful, malicious, and wrongful act of the licensee can bring an action on the bond to recover damages — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

Can I use insurance instead of a bond?Yes — the act allows a qualifying liability insurance policy naming the licensee and the state in lieu of the $10,000 bond. Most investigators choose the bond because at $100 flat it is the cheapest way to satisfy the requirement.

When does it renew?The bond must stay active for as long as you hold the license. You can buy a 1, 2, or 3-year term; we send renewal notices 60 and 30 days out, with autopay available, so your license never lapses over a missed email. The bond requirement is set by MCL 338.829.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

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$100 flat, no credit review, bond often issued in the same sitting. Free until issued.

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