The Michigan Professional Investigator or PI Agency DBA Only Bond is required to:
📌 Protect Clients – Ensures that investigations are conducted professionally and legally.
📌 Prevent Fraud – Holds investigators accountable for deceptive practices.
📌 Ensure Legal Compliance – Guarantees that investigators follow Michigan’s PI licensing laws.
📌 Provide Financial Protection – If a PI violates state laws or contracts, the bond provides compensation to affected clients.
In my experience, securing this bond not only fulfills a legal requirement but also enhances credibility, showing clients that your business is trustworthy and financially responsible.
The cost of a Michigan Professional Investigator or PI Agency DBA Only Bond depends on two main factors:
The required bond amount is determined by LARA based on Michigan PI licensing regulations. Most PI and PI Agency DBA bonds are set at:
$10,000 - $25,000 for individual PIs operating under a DBA.
$50,000+ for larger PI agencies managing multiple investigators.
Your licensing authority will specify the exact bond amount needed for your DBA registration.
The premium (the price you pay for the bond) is usually 1% to 5% of the total bond amount.
✔️ A $10,000 bond may cost $100 - $500 per year.
✔️ A $25,000 bond may cost $250 - $1,250 per year.
✔️ A $50,000 bond may cost $500 - $2,500 per year.
Most surety providers review your credit score to determine your premium rate.
🔹 Good credit (700+) → Lower premiums (1-2%)
🔹 Fair credit (600-699) → Moderate premiums (3-4%)
🔹 Poor credit (<600) → Higher premiums (5%+)
I’ve worked with many PIs—including those with credit challenges—to find affordable bond options.
Getting your bond is a fast and simple process. Here’s what you need to do:
✔️ Contact LARA to determine the exact bond amount required for your PI or PI Agency DBA license.
✔️ Provide basic business and personal details to a surety bond provider.
✔️ Based on your credit score and bond amount, you’ll receive a bond premium quote.
✔️ Once approved, pay the bond premium to finalize your bond.
✔️ You’ll receive your bond certificate, which must be submitted with your PI or PI Agency DBA license application.
I’ve found that applying early helps prevent delays in getting your business licensed and operational.
Failing to obtain a Michigan Professional Investigator or PI Agency DBA Only Bond can result in:
❌ License Denial or Revocation – You won’t be able to legally operate as a PI or PI agency under a DBA.
❌ Fines and Penalties – LARA may impose financial penalties for non-compliance.
❌ Legal Action – Clients or the state may file claims if your business engages in unethical or fraudulent activities.
❌ Loss of Business Opportunities – Without a bond, clients may hesitate to hire you for sensitive investigations.
I’ve seen businesses face unnecessary setbacks due to delays in securing their bond. To avoid these issues, it’s best to get bonded as soon as possible.
Most Michigan PI and PI Agency DBA Only Bonds can be issued within 24-48 hours. If your application is straightforward, you may even receive approval the same day.
To speed up the process:
✅ Have your business and licensing details ready.
✅ Work with a trusted surety provider to get the best rate.
✅ Apply early to avoid delays in your business operations.
If you’re a professional investigator or PI agency DBA in Michigan and need a Michigan Professional Investigator or PI Agency DBA Only Bond, I can help you get bonded quickly and affordably.
💡 Need assistance? Contact me today for a free quote and expert guidance! Let’s ensure you stay compliant and keep your investigation business running smoothly.