ÿWhat Does it Cost to Hire a Private Investigator?

When you are thinking of using the services of a private investigator, you may be worrying about what the cost will likely be. Across the nation, private investigator fees differ from place and kind of services. For investigators with extensive experience and education, be prepared to cover higher rates.

Before you hire a detective, understand all costs and fees for the services you require. Most private investigators offer a free preliminary consultation. Here are a few things to ask a prospective detective involving fees:


1. Will the private detective take a flat fee for services?

A number of private detectives can estimate a set amount for certain standard services like background checks, research work, and specialized tools such as GPS units. Additional services that commonly are charged a set fee include:

· identifying a cell phone number (about $90)
· motor vehicle identification search (about twenty dollars)
· public record search (roughly $40)
·"bug sweeps" of residence or vehicle (about $350)
· GPS surveillance (approximately $250 each week)

2.What are the detective's hourly fees?

Hourly fees change based on where the detective is based, the difficulty of the investigation, and whether the investigator will need the assistance of other private investigators.

Across the country, fees range from $40-100 an hour. The average hourly cost is around $50-55 per hour. Understand that there might be additional charges attached to the hourly fee. A standard addition is often mileage charges, typically about $0.45 per mile.

That hourly rate can increase significantly if an additional private detective's services are needed in order to complete your case. For example, if your investigator requires the help of an associate overseas, the hourly rate can be extremely high. In some parts of the world, private investigators charge as much as three hundred dollars hourly.

3. Will the private eye require a retainer in addition to the private investigator rates?

A number of investigators require a retainer to be applied against rates for services. A number of private investigators may set a retainer based on certain requirements. For example, data investigation might require a deposit while a cheating case may require a deposit of as much as $5,000. Criminal defense work may require a deposit of $1,000-3,500. The following factors influence the level of necessary deposits:

· travel required
· airline/hotel costs
· estimated surveillance time
· setting
· urgency

If you're using a private detective's services by means of a lawyer, the private investigator will usually not require a deposit so long as the attorney acknowledges accountability for guaranteeing payment.

As soon as you hire a private investigator, be sure that the investigator maintains a record of his/her activities and ask for itemized invoices . Remember to sign a contract with the detective detailing the services expected.

**The costs presented are averages and vary by investigator, location as well as features offered.