How Much Does a Private Investigator Cost?

How much does a PI cost?

There are several reasons you might need to engage a private investigator. Whether it’s to do an
employee background check, provide surveillance, locate missing relatives or reveal infidelity,
the overall fees can vary substantially.
Before you engage a private investigator for whatever reason, it’s crucial to understand how
much a private investigator cost. There are a couple of things that might effect the cost of a
private investigator such as whether they charge a flat or hourly rate, the sort of service, and
whether they ask for a retainer. Before engaging an investigator, it is necessary to be aware about
price and expectations. If you need to discover a trustworthy investigator, start by searching on
PI today.

Rates: Flat or Hourly

Certain private investigators charge flat prices for their basic services, which may include the
following:
 Background checks
 Phone number identification
 Vehicle registration searches
 Criminal record searches
 Bug sweeps
 GPS tracking
For these types of services, investigators charge fixed prices because they are straightforward
and rarely deviate from normal protocol. The investigator has most likely calculated the time
required to accomplish these services, resulting in a set, flat rate.
Most private investigators charge an hourly rate for larger projects such as locating people,
investigating adultery, or anything else that requires extensive study or observation. Hourly rates
range from $40 to $200 per hour, with an average of $50 to $75. Your inquiry may run between
2 and 8 hours (or possibly longer), depending on your situation and requirements. Certain
investigators will cut their hourly rate if you hire them for a longer period of time.
This figure does not include the cost of additional equipment or travel expenses such as gas or
hotel accommodations. Mileage costs are typically approximately $.45 per mile. Renting a GPS
tracker often costs between $50 and $75 a day, and frequently, photos and videos are also
included. Additionally, difficulties in the field could potentially result in an increase in fees. If
this is the case, your investigator should inform you of the adjustments and the rationale for
them. Often, the cost of equipment is already included in their hourly rate, so be sure to inquire
about any additional charges you may be unaware of.
Type of Service
The amount you pay a private investigator is mostly determined on the sort of investigation you
require and the location of the investigation. In general, expenses climb in direct proportion to
the amount of time and resources an investigator devotes to research, surveillance, and other
investigative procedures. While some investigations can be completed with only basic research
done from behind a computer, others necessitate the use of surveillance equipment and are more
prone to difficulties.
The following are examples of common types of investigations and their associated costs:
 Locating a person costs $300-$600 per hour.
 Infidelity monitoring ranging from $300 to $1000; locating birth parents or children
ranging from $100 to $700
 In-depth investigation - $300-$600

Retainer
Private investigators, like lawyers, will frequently want a retainer, or a lump sum payment in
advance of their services. The majority of private investigators that request retainers will charge
against your retainer and reimburse any excess money. Retainers might range from $1,000 to
$5,000, depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, data study may necessitate a
$500 deposit, whereas an infidelity case may want a deposit of more than $5,000. A fee of
$1,000 to $3,500 may be required for criminal defence work.
If you hire a private investigator through an attorney, the private investigator will almost never
ask for a retainer as long as the attorney agrees to be responsible for making sure the private
investigator's invoices are paid on a timely basis.

Why a Professional Investigator is Worth it?

However, while it may be tempting to employ a more affordable and inexperienced investigator,
remember that an inexperienced investigator may take longer to complete the same case that a
professional could accomplish in half the time. It is also possible that the results will not be of
good quality or will not be admissible in court if the necessity arises. By employing a
professional investigator who is knowledgeable about all aspects of investigation, from
legislation to equipment, you will more than likely save time, money, and stress.
Inquire with a private investigator about their fees and how long they expect your case to last
based on the answers you require before making your hiring decision. These initial consultations
are frequently provided at no charge. Also, make certain that you have a precise contract and that
you complete the case with an itemised list of expenses and records of actions so that the
associated charges are understandable and transparent. Your investigator should also advise you
of any additional costs that may be incurred over the course of the investigation.
A quality investigation can successfully answer your questions, even if the prospect of engaging
a private investigator is intimidating and the costs appear to be prohibitive. The benefits of
having peace of mind and uncovering the truth generally outweigh the cost of engaging a skilled
private investigator in most cases.

Find a Trusted Private Investigator?

A pre-screened, qualified private investigator can be found in the shortest amount of time
through PI Now. Find reputable private investigators in your area who have been pre-screened
and vetted by searching by location and investigation type.

How to Pay?
Another question I frequently receive is, "How do I pay a private investigator for their services?"
The majority of agencies will accept payments in a variety of forms. Cash, cheque, and money
order are just a few examples of acceptable payment methods. Credit cards such as Visa,
American Express, MasterCard and Discover can also be used to make a payment. Some
agencies can also give you an electronic invoice, which you can pay online through an automatic
deduction from your checking account. Of course, the kind of payment you accept will differ
depending on who you choose to work for you. Make certain to inquire about the sorts of
payment they accept up front.
 Private Investigator Services

Following is a list of the different types of services that a private investigator may provide:

Adoption Inquiries, research, and locates

Adoption questions entail more than a simple genealogical search. It's critical to understand the
documents created during an adoption while conducting a post-adoption search. It's critical to
know the state and federal laws in effect at the time of the occurrence and your search. Knowing
state access laws prepares you as a genealogist in case access is mistakenly refused.
To start an adoption search, interview extended family members and gather information from
home. Request an original birth certificate and court documents if adoption records are open or
closed. Sign up for your state's adoption registry or medical information exchange. In some
states, the original birth certificate's non-identifying information (OBC).
You may contact the agency or court supportive services to request non-identifying information.
• Conduct an examination of orphanage records.
• In the case of Roman Catholic adoptions, enquire about baptism.
• Sacramental records are accessible to all parties involved and may include
identifiable information about birth family members.
• Check for records if the birth mother resided in a maternity home. Inquire at the
hospital for your personal medical records.
• Using an online family tree, create timelines for each family member. Keep track of
locations, ages, and other identifiers, and update the timelines when new information
becomes available.
• Be prepared to pay fees
Finally, you must plan for any scenario. The finest outcomes for adoption searches in your
family history are jointly agreed upon, so remember that a little flexibility goes a long way.

Address History and Address Verification

All clients who desire a full criminal background check service should have an address history
verification. This solution will help validate data, lead criminal background checks, and provide
behavioural insight.
The addition of an address history verification not only validates the already obtained address
information, but also often includes new addresses and individuals that need to be examined for
probable criminal behaviour.

Adult / Child Abduction (see Missing Persons)

Globalization and social media have made it easier to meet new acquaintances, lovers, and
spouses. Sadly, predators may easily seek and communicate with potential victims, whether they
are lonely adults, confused teens, or little toddlers. GPI has spent 40 years rescuing children and
perpetrators, and it is feasible to recover part, if not all, of the victim's money.
GPI frequently sees missing individuals and children in the news. When a loved one goes
missing, the family must act quickly and engage the services of a competent and experienced
investigator. GPI has been reuniting children with their families for decades. Our hardworking
crew has an unbeatable success rate.

Asset search and recovery

Asset Recovery reveals a person's or company's financial profile. The Asset Recovery can help
with many business decisions. Asset recovery investigations range from simple public records
searches to in-depth “deep” asset investigations that uncover hidden assets like offshore
accounts.

Bankruptcy verification
A bankruptcy, insolvency, or credit check is a broad inquiry and check of an individual or
company's financial solvency. You can find out if someone has been declared bankrupt or
insolvent in the past, or if they've had serious credit troubles. These checks can help you
understand how this person or company manages (or mismanages) their finances.
Bankruptcy occurs when an individual or company is legally unable to pay their creditors.
Insolvency is the inability to pay one's debts on time.
Those who have been declared bankrupt may not be allowed to assume responsible positions.
Bankruptcy can also disqualify someone from pursuing direct or indirect managerial roles in a
corporation. Our bankruptcy and insolvency check determines if a candidate is excluded.

Criminal defense investigation

A PI is an important part of a criminal defence case. Every defence lawyer and defence team
needs help building a case to demonstrate reasonable doubt and acquit their client. ASG's
tenacious private investigators have years of expertise gathering evidence and locating witnesses
for attorneys. Our staff has worked on state and federal fraud, CSC, robbery, embezzlement, and
murder cases.

Criminal investigation
PI Services only employs and uses ex-cops with years of investigative experience. We at PI
Services recognise that the victim has experienced losses, and our goal is to recover those losses
at a reasonable rate.

Digital Video Surveillance

Monitoring of changing information, usually of individuals, to influence, manage, lead, or
protect them. This includes remote observation with electronic equipment (like cameras) or
interception of electronically transmitted data (like internet traffic or phone calls).

 Building Monitoring
 IP CCTV
 CCTV

Collection of Debts
Debtors and creditors should be aware that the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regulates debt
collection practises. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must observe certain basic rules. The act
prohibits debt collection agencies from using unfair or deceptive techniques to collect debts. If a
consumer has a problem with a debt collector, they can file a complaint with the Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau.
The person can also contact the prosecuting attorney general. Debtors can sue debt collectors in
state or federal court. The FDCPA only covers collections relating to credit bills, medical
obligations, mortgages, and other debts related to family or households.
The truthful Debt Collection Act covers personal debts, but not the collection by a person from
whom the initial debt was borrowed. Debt collectors cannot contact the debtor at inconvenient
times or locations. If the person cannot receive outside calls due to their location, the debt
collector cannot contact them at work.

Covert Surveillance Operations

PI have performed covert surveillance for a wide range of clients and scenarios. In addition to
providing complete reports for every covert surveillance activity, our private investigator can
collect video, photographic, and visual evidence. This proof will offer you with the answers you
need. Our surveillance footage can be used as evidence in domestic, civil, or criminal
proceedings.

Document retrieval
DR is a mandatory method for registering rights, resolving disputes, and filing claims. Moreover,
most documents must be retrieved immediately, as their validity periods are fixed. After all, the
delay between their order and your receipt can be extremely long. Also, dragging out the same
litigation for years, asking for leave from work, and seeking for and receiving all these
certificates and documentation is incredibly inconvenient.

Fingerprinting
Many government, security, and investigative roles, as well as many private sector jobs, need
fingerprinting. ICS can provide you with fingerprinting services for any reason. Our qualified PI
will conduct your fingerprints quickly and accurately.
GPS tracking
GPS tracking devices give efficient and cost-effective evidence. They changed the way PI firms
conduct surveillance and investigations. GPS trackers can locate automobiles within feet. Waits
employs GPS tracking equipment in all of his cases.

Public records search

The government creates public records to record life occurrences. Marriage, a court ruling, home
ownership, and military service are examples. These records might help you learn about a
company or person's background.
Common public records searches include:
 Driving records
 Credit records
 Property records
 Court records
 Records relating to bankruptcies and judgments
 Criminal records
 Prison records
 Records that list assets
 Financial records
 Marriage records

Video Surveillance
Investigations helps develop and install video surveillance systems for our clients. Single
cameras to full-scale systems. Depending on the situation, cameras might be overt, covert, or
both. Experts in surveillance can design systems for both long and short term. Our consultants
will not only design the system but also obtain and install the necessary equipment or work with
your electrical contractor.
Following are several uses for our surveillance systems:
 Loading Docks
 Cash Register Control
 Night Vision Systems
 Fraud & Theft
 Parking Lots
 Hidden Cameras
 Risks of Hiring a Private Investigator

To begin, before we deconstruct all the hazards associated with hiring a private investigator, let's
define the circumstances in which you could truly require one. At times, you may be able to
resolve your issue by utilising our simple spy gear, but other times, you will require the
assistance of a qualified private investigator.
Several circumstances in which a private investigator will undoubtedly assist include the
following:
• Locating undiscovered goods and property.
• Attempting to locate a missing person.
• Conducting background checks.
• Counter-surveillance; • Evidence collection.
These are just a few of the circumstances in which you might require the services of a private
investigator, and we're convinced that they can provide other specialised services.

The Risks
Reliability
Again, suppose you obtain the necessary evidence or knowledge. Before acting on it, you should
determine its reliability. If the evidence is required to advance specific legal proceedings, you
must determine its credibility and, if necessary, determine whether it is admissible in court.
Another circumstance in which reliability may be questioned is when you do not know the
complete picture. Simply because the investigator established that a stranger left the house while
you were away does not necessarily signify that your husband is cheating on you.
This relates to our previous advice - avoid making quick decisions and provide your PI with
detailed information about your objectives. Facts may not always imply a causal relationship,
and uncontextualized evidence is not always credible.
The Value
Another consideration if you want to minimise discontent is the worth of the information you're
paying for. Simply ask yourself, "Is the investment in the investigation worthwhile?" Will it
resolve your issue if the private investigator obtains the evidence you seek? Finally, are you
capable of resolving the issue on your own?
The danger we're referring to here is getting taxed for something that offers little in return.
Always evaluate the importance of the information you're attempting to obtain and be truthful to
yourself.
If it turns out to be far more expensive than you anticipated, you generally do not need to engage
a professional investigator. Although the majority of PIs will explain why they charge a certain
amount and you should not haggle if a fee is excessive, you should ask yourself again: "Is it
worth it for me?"
Lack of Evidence
You may require evidence that your ex is concealing money, that your legal adversary colluded
with your rival, or that particular testimony was fraudulent. However, there are occasions when
you must deal with negative truths, such as your ex is not concealing money, the competition
was collaborating against you, and the evidence was true. Unlike in the movies, these events do
not always end happily.
Lack of Expertise
Numerous investigators pride themselves on their ability to be all things to all people, citing their
experience in everything from executive protection to bomb-sniffing dogs to cyber investigations
and computer forensics to lie detection and questioning skills. It is physically impossible to excel
at everything.
Liable for Illegal Actions
Numerous instances exist of investigators supplying unlawful information to their clients, which
ultimately resulted in their demise. A few years ago, a Massachusetts lady who engaged a
Virginia private investigator to locate hidden assets had her case dismissed because the private
investigator's "evidence" on certain offshore bank accounts "did not exist and was 'manufactured'
for profit."
Unclear Outcome
When you employ an accountant to prepare your taxes, you anticipate that they will be
completed upon his completion. However, you can spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars
on a private investigator and still end up where you started—with a lack of understanding.
Secret Sources
While secret sources may sound exciting, they add issues of reliability into a study. If the hidden
source cannot be independently reviewed or validated, it is impossible to verify whether the
information was received unlawfully, under dubious circumstances, or as a figment of someone's
imagination.
Confidentiality
If a person hires a private investigator directly (rather than through an attorney), the private
investigator's emails, text messages, reports, surveillance tapes, and notebooks are not privileged.
Through the attorney–client privilege and attorney work product, hiring a private investigator
through an attorney establishes protections.

No Support from Attorney

I've seen some clients take matters into their own hands and engage a private investigator
without the assistance of an attorney throughout the years. If your attorney is opposed, you are
most likely wasting your time.
Lack of Scope
When I ask prospective clients "What are you looking for?" they respond, "Everything!" I am
aware that we may have an issue, in part because determining "everything" may cost
approximately $150,000. Defining the scope of work at the start of an inquiry is critical for
keeping things on track and avoiding surprises later.
Unlicensed
Are you hiring a licenced private investigator in your state? Or is it someone who is merely
promoting their services as an investigator? (Confirm with your state.) Why should you be
concerned? You might find up employing this guy, who was not only operating an unlicensed
private investigation business but also a side prostitution network.
No Guarantees
When you hire a professional to repair your roof, you anticipate that it will no longer leak.
However, if you employ an investigator, the outcome is not assured, and you may find up back
where you started.
Telling You What You Want to Hear
I've met with dozens of potential clients over the years and literally talked them out of hiring a
private investigator because whatever they wanted us to perform was a waste of time and
resources. However, not every private investigator you speak with will attempt to talk
themselves out of employment; use caution before proceeding. Some will feed you what you
want to hear, fully aware that the storey will not end happily.
Negative Publicity
Uber recruited private investigators a few years ago for the purpose of "dirt-digging." To be
honest, many large organisations do the same thing on a daily basis. Uber's investigating firm
ended up employing some fairly dubious practises. Although it is unclear whether Uber was
aware of what it was doing, the harm had already been done. Hewlett-Packard never recovered
from the impact from famously hiring an investigator who spied on its own directors using
dubious tactics (obtaining telephone records).
 Private Investigator Cameras

A surveillance camera used by a private investigator must meet specified standards. Their
primary cameras should preferably include the following features:
• Capable of recording • Optical zoom of x12 • Manual focus
• Features of the night mode
• Viewfinder
While all of the above specifications are typically included in a standard type of security camera,
it is critical to examine other considerations. These may include the brand, the product's quality,
its functionality, its durability, and its price.
While there are other varieties of cameras accessible today, the three most prevalent categories
of spy cameras are as follows:
Hidden Cameras
Spy cameras are designed to be concealed. This frequently means that they must be small enough
to be unnoticeable and built in such a way that they do not resemble a camera. As a result, this
category of cameras encompasses both small cameras and cameras concealed within everyday
household devices such as smoke alarms, alarm clocks, and USB blocks.
Wearable cameras
Occasionally, you may find yourself in a scenario where a wearable camera is required for your
own protection or for other personal reasons. Wearable cameras come into play in this scenario.
Additionally, these ingenious spy cameras come in a range of shapes, sizes, and configurations,
ranging from cameras concealed in pens and tie clips to full-frame body cameras.
Vehicle cameras
Dash cams are an excellent way to capture film while driving. Additionally, they can be used to
monitor activities around your vehicle, chronicle driving behaviours, and serve as video evidence
in the event of an accident or traffic incident.
Cameras are an integral part of a private investigator's toolkit. Because no single camera is
capable of everything, it's critical to select many that specialise in distinct areas.
Canon Rebel T3i
This is an 18 megapixel camera with an articulated screen that allows you to view the viewfinder
from a variety of angles. It can also record video, but can not autofocus in video mode. The only
reason I'm going to purchase a second camera is to obtain one with auto focus in video mode,
such as the Canon 60D or 70D.
Canon VIXIA HF R600 (now use HF R800)
Canon, I believe, is currently the industry leader in terms of camera and video quality.
Additionally, their camcorders remain competitively priced in comparison to their competition.
I've owned Sony and Panasonic cameras in the past, and while I have some positive (and
negative) things to say about each, my Canon VIXIA HF800 has been an excellent camera for
me when on surveillance.
The HF600 and HF700, I believe, are no longer manufactured. You might still be able to find
these on Amazon or Ebay, but in my opinion, the HF800 is the better option. Canon VIXIA
HF800 is available on Amazon and should cost roughly $199 at the time of this article's update.
One feature I enjoyed about this camera in particular is that it allows me to customise the video
quality (4 mbps, 17 mbps, 24 mbps and 35mbps). The higher the quality of the memory card you
use, the faster it will be depleted. Additionally, the video quality significantly improves as you
climb the ladder. Additionally, you can select between AVCHD and MP4 video formats.
HD500 1080P Spy Pen Camera
This camera is slightly more expensive than the majority of spy cameras I recommend, but it
includes a plethora of features that the majority of spy cameras lack. I always carry this camera
with me, and it's an excellent choice.

Best Night Vision Camera

SiOnyx
• THE WORLD'S MOST ADVANCED COLOR NIGHT VISION MONOCULAR -
IR sensor technology optimised for hunting, boating, outdoor, tactical, and military
applications.
• INCLUDES PICATINNY RAIL MOUNT - The picatinny rail mount is optimised for
use with a 1/4"-20 standard mount. Assembling a real night vision scope for you (use
before or after scope). Utilize two Auroras as flip-down night vision goggles / binoculars
for night vision.
• IR NIGHT VISION AT LONG RANGE IN MONOCHROME OR COLOR - As far
as the eye can see, near-moonless starlight is capable of unequalled nighttime
performance. Incomparable full-color infrared night vision.
 • WATER RESISTANT (IP67 RATING) & TIME LAPSE FUNCTIONALITY -
Camera can be submerged in water up to 3 feet for up to 30 minutes and time-lapse
allows you to compress an entire night into a brief, shareable moment. Included is one
lithium-ion battery. Lens 16mm f/1.4, f2.0, f5.6. Warranty period of two years.
• REMOTE VIEWING FUNCTIONALITY - Sync the SIONYX app to your smart
device for wireless video streaming. Can be utilised as a trail camera, game camera,
hunting camera, or navigation device when boating.

Best Overall Camcorder

Sony FDRAX33 4K Handycam
• Capture video in 4K/24P/30P resolutions that greatly exceed those of HD.
• Zeiss lens with Steady Shot picture stabilisation that is optically balanced
• For clean borders and colour gradation, a direct pixel readout is used.
• Diaphragm of Iris: 6 blades
• Ring for manual adjustment of the iris, shutter, exposure, and white balance. manual F1.
8–F9. 6 iris control, manual shutter speed Control of the iris (photo mode) 1/30–1/10000
• Shooting versatility with XAVC S3, AVCHD, and MP4 codecs
• 27-inch electronic viewfinder (201K) with touch screen 3" Exceptional Fine LCD (921K)
• 5. Surround sound microphone with manual audio settings, 1 channel
• Creates a highlight7 video in MP4 format automatically from various footage
• Wireless connectivity, control, backup, and sharing through NFC2/Wi-Fi Broadcast live
from your camcorder using upstream live-streaming

Best Mirrorless Camera

Panasonic GH5
• Photographs and videos taken by professionals: 20.3 Megapixel micro four thirds sensor
with no low pass filter for great dynamic range and artifact-free performance
• Splash and Freeze Resistant Design: Freeze proof to a temperature of ten degrees The
rugged magnesium alloy body withstands repeated field use; Construction that is splash
or dust proof with weather sealing on every joint, dial, and button
• Dual image stabilisation: 5 axis dual image stabilisation compensates for blur and nearly
eliminates body and lens shake in both photo and 4K video recording.
• Capturing 4K video: Record silky smooth 4K 60P by 50P (QFHD 4K: 3840 x 2160;
MOV or MP4) video with internal 4: 2: 2 10-bit 4K recording, as well as exclusive 6K
picture and 4K post focus recording at up to 60 frames per second.
• Connectivity and Ports: 3.5-millimeter audio port; USB 3.0 port for connecting to
devices; full-size HDMI port for connecting to an external display or recorder; Twin SD
card slots (UHS II U3 compatible)

Best Small Camera

GoPro Session
• 4K video and 10MP images are available in single, burst, and time lapse modes.
• Hero5 Session is built to last and is waterproof to 33ft (10M) without a housing.
• This model lacks an LCD display for real-time video watching.
• A single press of the shutter button turns the camera on and automatically begins
recording.