How much does it cost to hire a Private Investigator?
Quick Take: How much does a private investigator cost?
In short, most private investigator services are charged with an hourly rate. The average hourly rate to hire a private investigator is $100 to $175 per hour. Curious about what else can impact the cost of hiring a private investigator? This article will explore in detail the costs associated with private investigator services. We'll explore the factors that can influence the overall price, such as the case type, location, and the investigator's experience. Plus, we'll share tips on finding the perfect private eye for your needs and keeping costs manageable while still getting the results you're after. So, stick around to uncover the ins and outs of the private investigation world and make savvy decisions for your case!
How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?
The most common question those new to hiring a private eye ask is: How much does a private investigator cost?
It's an important factor to consider, but there is no single answer and usually depends on the type of case. Rates vary widely based on experience, specialty, services required, expenses incurred, and other variables. However, you can expect to pay at minimum $100 to $175 per hour for basic services from licensed professionals in most regions.
For example, surveillance of a potentially cheating spouse often costs $2,000 to $5,000+ total. The exact price depends on the number of meetups to document, the travel required, and the complexity of proving infidelity.
The quality of the investigation also impacts value. An inexperienced cut-rate PI may not deliver evidence that holds up compared to a seasoned professional charging premium rates.
There are ways to maximize value for your budget as covered in this guide. But the cost should fit the importance of the mission. Keep reading for an in-depth examination of average PI rates, pricing factors, and tips for saving money while still getting quality results.
How much does it cost to hire a PI?
Hiring a PI typically costs between $100 to $250 per hour. The price range depends on the investigator's experience and demand. Top sleuths command a higher rate and often deliver better results.
What Impacts Private Investigator Fees?
When planning for a private investigator, it's important to understand what key factors cause rates and overall costs to fluctuate:
Experience and Specialization
One of the main drivers of PI fees is the experience level and specialty of the investigator. Those with many years of working complex cases and extensive training credentials will charge premium rates, often $200 per hour or more.
Investigators specializing in forensic investigations into topics like corporate fraud or computer crimes will also be at the top end, sometimes exceeding $300 per hour. In addition to the hourly rate, a highly seasoned forensic PI will require a large retainer upfront, potentially $3,000 - $5,000.
Type of Investigation
The complexity of the case and the services required will impact the price. Basic surveillance like following someone for a cheating spouse or infidelity investigation will typically cost between $115-$175 hourly range.
Larger scale corporate investigations as well as more complex cases can command higher rates between $150 to $300 per hour.
Location of the Investigation
Investigators based in major metro areas like New York City or Los Angeles tend to charge higher hourly fees of between $150 per hour and $400 per hour given the cost of running a business there. Additionally, PIs that frequently travel for cases inherently have higher rates to cover expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars. Also, States requiring private investigation companies to comply with licensing and insurance typically demand higher rates.
Location also comes into play for jurisdiction-specific laws. Certain services may only be legally provided by an in-state PI familiar with state regulations.
When Hiring a PI Makes Sense
There are a few common situations where engaging a private investigator for private investigation services is worth the cost:
Infidelity Investigations:
One of the most common reasons people hire private investigators is to investigate suspected infidelity in a relationship. A private investigator can gather evidence of a cheating partner through surveillance, interviews, and other methods. This information can be used in divorce proceedings, child custody battles, or simply to provide peace of mind for the concerned party.
Insurance Claims Investigations:
Insurance claims are an essential part of the insurance process, allowing policyholders to receive financial compensation for covered losses or damages. Private investigators can play a crucial role in insurance claims investigations by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and conducting surveillance to verify the validity of a claim. This helps insurance companies prevent fraud and ensure that legitimate claims are processed fairly and efficiently. Private investigators can obtain video evidence for workers' compensation investigations, auto accident claims investigations, disability claims investigations, and property and casualty.
Child Custody Investigations:
Child custody is a critical aspect of family law that deals with the rights and responsibilities of parents or guardians in the upbringing of a child. Private investigators can assist in child custody cases by gathering evidence of a parent's or guardian's ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child. This may include surveillance, interviews, and background checks to assess the parent's or guardian's character, lifestyle, and living conditions.
Alimony Termination and Cohabitation:
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a legal obligation for one spouse to provide financial support to the other after a divorce or separation. Private investigators can help in alimony termination cases by gathering evidence of cohabitation or other factors that may impact the need for continued support. This may include surveillance, interviews, and background checks to establish the financial status and living arrangements of the parties involved.
Background Checks:
Private investigators are experts at conducting thorough background checks on individuals or businesses. These investigations can uncover criminal records, financial issues, and other relevant information that may not be readily available through a simple online search. This information can be invaluable when making decisions about personal relationships, business partnerships, or hiring employees.
Missing Persons:
Private investigators can also be instrumental in locating missing persons. They have access to specialized databases and resources that can help them track down individuals who have disappeared, whether due to a family dispute, mental health issues, or other reasons.
Corporate Investigations:
Businesses often hire private investigators to look into internal issues, such as employee theft, fraud, or misconduct. Private investigators can also help companies protect their intellectual property, conduct due diligence on potential business partners, and investigate competitors for unfair practices.
Surveillance:
Private investigators are skilled at conducting surveillance operations to gather evidence for various cases, such as insurance fraud, workers' compensation claims, or child custody disputes. They use advanced techniques and technology to monitor a subject's activities and collect evidence that can be used in legal proceedings.
Private Investigator Services and Private Investigator Cost
Infidelity Investigations Cost
Suspecting your spouse is having an affair? Infidelity investigators are hired frequently to surveil and gather proof of infidelity. Costs typically range from $2,000-$5,000+ depending on the number of meetups to document, if overnight travel is needed, and how discreet the couple is. An experienced investigator may charge $100 to $150/hour or more for these cases.
Child Custody Investigations Cost
In child custody disputes, a PI can provide evidence if the other parent is putting the child at risk through negligence, parental neglect, drug use, and unsafe relationships. Prices range widely based on the extent of surveillance necessary to demonstrate the situation. Costs typically range from $2,000-$10,000+. Child custody cases can be crucial to parents looking out for the best interests of the child.
Alimony Termination Investigation Cost
To end alimony, proof must be established that the receiving ex-spouse no longer requires support, like cohabitating with a new partner. A PI can capture evidence like overnights together. Average costs are $150/hour and up. Alimony termination cases are not built within a week or two. These cases need to be built over a 2 to 3 month period. The investigation is complex and requires private detectives with years of experience to build a proper case that will help bring alimony to a close.
The total cost of terminating alimony can indeed be quite significant, ranging from $8,000 to $20,000. This expense is due to several factors:
Complex process: Terminating alimony involves a detailed legal process, which requires the expertise of lawyers and other professionals. This includes gathering evidence, filing paperwork, and attending court hearings.
Investigation: An alimony termination investigation often lasts between 2 to 3 months, as it involves a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the alimony agreement. This may include interviews with both parties, financial analysis, and surveillance.
Long-term benefits: While the upfront cost of terminating alimony may seem high, it's important to consider the long-term benefits. If you are currently paying alimony, the termination could save you a significant amount of money over time, especially if you were initially ordered to pay for an indefinite period.
Professional fees: The cost of hiring professionals such as private investigators can contribute. You need an agency with the resources to have more than one private investigator to service this type of investigation. The best way to conduct alimony termination investigations is to have an agency with multiple private detectives to service an investigation on Friday nights, Saturday nights, etc.
Workers' Compensation Investigations Cost
Insurance claims adjusters frequently enlist the services of private investigators to scrutinize dubious workers' compensation claims. The investigators aim to determine whether the claimant is genuinely unable to work and if their reported activities align with their injuries. On average, private investigators charge hourly rates ranging from $100 to $150, depending on the amount of video monitoring required. Workers' compensation investigations can span several weeks or even months. In some instances, a case may be opened and closed multiple times to ensure thoroughness and accuracy.
Insurance Claims Investigations Cost
Insurance companies frequently engage professional investigators to scrutinize the legitimacy of high-value claims, such as those involving automobile accidents, auto-bodily injuries, disability claims, and liability claims. These investigations play a vital role in ensuring that the claims are accurate and justified. The average cost for such services typically costs $100 to $150 per hour, and can increase depending on the complexity and scope of the investigation.
Legal and Divorce Private Investigator Cost
One of the primary reasons clients engage the services of a private investigator is to gather evidence for legal proceedings, such as divorce cases. In such instances, surveillance and information proving adultery or other "at fault" grounds can significantly impact the division of assets in court and is worth the cost of a private investigator. Even in "no-fault states," judges consider a variety of factors, including adultery, when making decisions on equitable distribution. Hourly rates for divorce investigations typically range from $100 to $175 per hour, depending on the complexity of the divorce case and the expertise of the investigator. A private investigator can help your divorce attorney settle divorce legal matters.
Vetting Love Interests
Performing due diligence by hiring a PI to run a background check on a new romantic partner is prudent for some. A background check or social media investigation sometimes is the best way, especially for those with considerable assets or public profiles. It can uncover past misdeeds before emotionally investing further. A flat fee is often charged for background checks and can range from $275 to $400 +.
Corporate Investigations
Businesses often enlist the services of private investigators to conduct thorough research on potential partners, investigate HR issues, or implement robust corporate espionage safeguards. High-stakes cases justify the expenditure, as the consequences of inadequate protection can be severe. These Corporate Investigations encompass various scenarios, including employee theft, internal theft, employee non-compete violations, intellectual property theft, and proprietary code theft.
Given the ease with which employees can access sensitive information, it's unfortunate that some individuals exploit this access to steal valuable data that your business has invested significant time and resources to develop. In such instances, hiring the best private investigator is essential to safeguard your business interests. Corporate Investigations typically involve complex cases that necessitate expertise, often requiring a professional investigator with a business background.
The cost of hiring a private investigator for business investigations is on the higher end of private detective services, due to the specialized background and experience required. Rates typically range from $120 to $200 per hour, reflecting the level of skill and knowledge necessary to effectively handle these cases.
Missing Persons Investigations
When a loved one disappears or can't be located, hiring a private investigator to search for a missing person is a good idea. This is a complex and time intensive type of investigation. Costs typically range from $1,000 on the low end up to $10,000+ for long-term intensive searches.
The price is driven up by the amount of time and resources required to track down leads across jurisdictions. Searches may involve extensive interviews, database records lookups, extensive travel, surveillance at multiple locations, and coordination with law enforcement.
An experienced investigator who specializes in missing persons cases will be at the higher end of the standard hourly rate, likely $115 - $200 per hour or more. Higher risk cases like searching for victims of foul play also warrant premium pricing.
While expensive, a dedicated private investigator may succeed where police lacking resources fall short, providing answers and closure. Weigh costs against the importance of finding your missing loved one when considering hiring a PI.
Tips for Maximizing Your Investigative Services
While PI fees are inherently high for skilled professional services, there are some ways to ensure your dollars stretch as far as possible:
Do your research. Thoroughly vet potential investigators, check reviews, and get references before selecting one. Find someone reputable who will work efficiently.
Provide comprehensive details upfront. Give the PI all relevant information, contacts, locations, schedules, etc so they can build an effective plan rather than wasting time gathering basic intel.
A lower-cost investigator may not be the best choice. Private investigator services can be more challenging than one might initially think. Experienced private investigators, particularly those with decades of experience, often charge premium rates for their expertise. Opting for a less seasoned private investigator could potentially jeopardize your case by increasing the likelihood of them being caught or making critical errors that could compromise the investigation. A seasoned private investigator can also take less time to perform the services you need without additional costs. Many first time private investigators provide initial inexpensive rates but add on additional charges.
Inquire about discounts for volume or repeat services. Negotiate lower hourly fees if hiring for an extended investigation or ongoing needs.
Saving money shouldn't come at the expense of lawful and ethical practices. But following these tips can maximize the value gained for every dollar spent.
If you are in need of a private investigator, we highly recommend contacting Salt Lake Investigations for a free consultation to discuss your needs. Salt Lake Investigations was established in 2003 and has extensive experience and expertise in the field, you can trust that they will handle your case with the utmost care and professionalism. Don't hesitate to reach out and take the first step toward finding the answers you're looking for. Consultations are confidential and free.