Insurance Investigation, Surveillance, and Private Investigator Careers: Full-Time, Part-Time and Licensed Investigator Paths
Insurance investigation work involves reviewing claims, gathering evidence, and identifying potential fraud through surveillance, interviews, and research. Insurance Investigators, Surveillance Investigators, Private Investigators, and Fraud Investigators may work in the field observing claimant activity or analyzing case details and documentation.
Surveillance and insurance investigator jobs are available in both full-time and part-time roles, depending on case demand and location. In many states, investigators are required to hold a private investigator license or be able to obtain one.
Allied Universal® offers Compliance & Investigations roles across the country and provides training and guidance to help qualified candidates understand role requirements and pursue licensing where needed.
What is Insurance Investigation Work?
Insurance investigation work involves examining insurance claims to confirm their accuracy and identify potential fraud.
What investigators typically do:
• Conduct mobile or stationary surveillance to observe claimants
• Interview claimants, witnesses, or employers
• Review policy documents and claim histories
• Gather and analyze evidence using research and databases
• Write detailed reports to support claim decisions
This work supports insurers by helping verify legitimate claims and identify suspicious activity across areas like workers’ compensation, liability, and property coverage. Many roles combine fieldwork and reporting, with a typical day involving travel to a location for surveillance followed by documenting findings in a report.
Types of Insurance & Compliance Investigation Careers
Within Compliance & Investigations, there are several career paths based on specialization and experience.
Common roles include:
Surveillance Investigator: Conducts covert surveillance to document claimant activity
SIU (Special Investigations Unit) Investigator: Investigates complex or suspicious claims involving potential fraud
Claims Investigator: Reviews documentation and interviews to validate claims
Fraud Investigator: Analyzes patterns and evidence tied to fraudulent activity
Field Investigator: Performs on-site inspections and investigations
These roles support insurance claims across multiple coverage types, including workers’ compensation, auto, property, and liability.
Do Surveillance Investigator Jobs Come in Full-Time and Part-Time Roles?
Yes. Surveillance and insurance investigation roles are commonly available in both full-time and part-time formats.
• Full-time roles typically involve managing a consistent caseload and may include benefits eligibility
• Part-time roles are often tied to case-based assignments or regional coverage needs
Employers in this field, including Allied Universal, offer both formats depending on workload and business needs.
Schedules can vary based on case requirements and may include early mornings, evenings, or weekends when surveillance is needed.
Do I Need a License to Become an Insurance or Surveillance Investigator?
Often, yes. Many Insurance and Surveillance Investigator roles require a private investigator license or the ability to obtain one.
What to expect:
• Licensing requirements are set at the state level
• Some roles require licensing before starting fieldwork
• Others allow candidates to begin training and complete licensing during the hiring process
For example, certain investigator roles require eligibility for licensing and completion of required training before performing independent investigations.
Because requirements vary, candidates should review the expectations listed on each job posting.
Can Allied Universal Help Me Become Licensed?
Allied Universal provides guidance and training to help candidates understand licensing requirements, but licenses are issued by state regulatory agencies.
Support may include:
• Job-specific onboarding and investigator training
• Clear guidance on licensing requirements by state
• Direction on next steps to obtain or maintain a license
Some roles require candidates to already be licensed, while others allow candidates to complete licensing steps during onboarding. This structure helps candidates move forward even if they are new to the field.
Career Paths In Insurance Investigation at Allied Universal
- Senior Investigator or supervisory roles
- SIU (Special Investigations Unit) Investigator
- Claims or Field Investigator
- Entry-level or Surveillance Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is insurance investigation work?
Insurance investigation work involves reviewing claims, gathering evidence, and identifying potential fraud through surveillance, interviews, and research. Investigators help validate claims and flag suspicious activity.
How do you become an Insurance Investigator?
Many Insurance Investigators, Surveillance Investigators, and Private Investigators begin their careers in security, law enforcement, military service, claims, fraud prevention, or other investigative fields. Depending on the role and location, candidates may need to obtain a private investigator license or complete additional training.
Can I apply without prior experience?
Yes. Some entry-level roles are available and may include training to help candidates develop the skills needed for investigation work.
What is an investigator license, and how long does it take to get one?
Many Insurance and Surveillance Investigator opportunities at Allied Universal require a private investigator license or the ability to obtain one, depending on state regulations. Licensing requirements vary by location and may include training, background checks, or additional documentation. The time needed to obtain a license can differ by state, and some Allied Universal positions allow candidates to complete licensing requirements during the onboarding process.
Can Allied Universal help me become licensed?
Allied Universal provides guidance and training to help candidates understand licensing requirements, but licenses are issued by state agencies. Some roles allow candidates to complete licensing during onboarding.
Explore Open Compliance & Investigations Roles
This includes:
• Surveillance Investigator positions
• SIU and Claims Investigator roles
• Full-time and part-time opportunities
