Average Cost of Hiring a Private Investigator

Typical Costs

Private investigator prices can range anywhere from an average cost of $175.00 to $300.00 an hour, depending on the casework needed and the complexity of the case.

Factors Affecting Pricing

Each PI service has its level of expertise, and some are even full-service agencies. The location of the investigation is critical. If it's a bug sweep, the square footage affects the price for homes. At Martin Investigative Services, we cover all aspects in our initial no-fee consultation.

Hidden Fees:

Be aware that your private investigator advises you of additional fees like travel expenses, which can add to the final investigation cost. Each PI charges varying prices, especially if they also have to outsource the work. Try to retain an agency that does all the work themselves and has no need to bring in investigators not affiliated with their agency.

Due Diligence:

As the consumer, do your due diligence and always request to meet your private investigator in person if they are local. An experienced investigator will typically have an office. Request a detailed breakdown of the fees to verify that the cost is what's expected. Lastly, private investigators must have a license. Martin Investigative Services, Inc., also known as Thomas G. Martin Investigations has California PI license number PI 9077.

Cost vs Benefits:

Like Martin Investigative Services, you should hire a professional private investigator with accolades and experience. When you take your time and do your due diligence, you will save time and money. You will get peace of mind knowing that you are in good hands.

Overview of Private Investigator Costs

Typically, the better the private investigator, the more they will charge you. They will also have access to more information, saving you time and getting you the most information for your money. Hiring a PI will also keep you out of legal problems because they understand the law and its boundaries.

Typical Hourly Rates

Hours and rates depend on the type of service that is needed. Make sure you research and obtain a free consultation with a professional investigator.

Location Impact

Private investigator services will vary based on your location. This is why we say to do your due diligence to pick someone close but ensure they have many 5-star ratings. Only select a licensed private investigator.

Case Complexity

Depending on how complex the case is will also determine how much the private investigator will charge. Suppose the case is highly complex and requires lots of hours of surveillance; then the hourly rate of your PI will build up, and prices may vary. If your matter is just a simple background investigation or an asset search, those will typically be billed by a legitimate agency at a flat rate.

Hidden Costs and Additional Fees

Before hiring a PI, you want to ensure you know about some costs and additional fees. Therefore, ask for a free consultation and review their testimonials.

Travel and Mileage Charges

If the PI will need to travel to your location, you may expect a fee. Make sure you cover this topic. Here at Martin Investigative Services, we are upfront and can guide you with solid referrals should we not be able to help you.

Report Preparation Fees

A detailed report must be made after all cases. This includes preparing a comprehensive report on all work completed. The report should include additional fees such as court appearances, the cost of compiling evidence, printing documents, and finalizing the report.

Surveillance Equipment Costs

If you need surveillance, ensure the PI has the latest surveillance equipment. Ask about the process, and any PI will gladly explain their equipment. If they don't, move on and look for another professional.

Evaluating the Worth of Hiring

Benefits of Professional Services

The benefits of hiring a professional private investigator offer many advantages such as:

Expertise

The private investigator has to have the skills and the experience to handle your case.

Legal compliance

A professional PI is always aware of his boundaries and law enforcement regulations. An experienced PI reduces your risks of legal problems.

Resource Access

A professional private investigator will have access to databases and tools that other private investigators cannot access. This provides the highest and most up-to-date database information, giving excellent results.

Peace of Mind

Lastly, hiring a sophisticated and trustworthy PI firm is essential for peace of mind. The reason why you hire a PI is to solve a problem that you have that needs to be answered. The last thing you want is a private investigator who has not completed his proposed plan. Ensure you hire a PI with prior experience with the government or intelligence agencies. This will help ensure you have the right talent to solve your case. When you hire Martin Investigative Services for your private investigation service needs, you will have complete peace of mind because we have over 50 years in the industry with former FBI, DEA, IRS, and Secret Service agents. Do you want a free consultation? Give us a call at 1-800-577-1080.

Mistake Considerations

When you're weighing out the cost against the benefits, you want to make sure that you're looking out for the following:

Licensed

A licensed private investigator reduces the risk of getting into legal trouble and losing money. If your private investigator is not licensed, do not continue further and find yourself a licensed private investigator.

Credentials

When hiring a private investigator, review their license. All websites should have it near the bottom of the site. Here at Martin Investigative Services, we have over 50 years in the space and have former FBI, CIA, and DEA agents who conduct our investigations. Our California license number is PI 9077.  

Types of Private Investigation Services and Their Costs

A private investigator can offer many different types of private investigation services, including the following:

1. Background searches
2. Asset searches
3. Missing person searches
4. Bug sweep detection
5. Pre-employment screening
6. Corporate investigation
7. Surveillance services and more.

Depending on the type of private investigation service you need, the price will be determined, including whether it will be an hourly service or a fixed price. Depending on the private investigation firm that you work with will determine the price. A significant price factor will be prior experience and up-to-date databases. A private investigator with experience will charge more for their services, but in return, you will have peace of mind that you are not getting ripped off.

How Much Does It Cost to Find a Missing Person?

When it comes to finding a missing person, the cost can vary. Be ready to tell the PI if this is a voluntarily missing person or someone who has gone from mainstream America. Finding a missing person involves factors such as the urgency of the case. How many days has the case gone idle? How many resources are needed to complete the investigation? To determine how much it costs to find a missing person, speak to Martin Investigative Services. We are here to help.

How Much Does It Cost to Do a Background Search?

It costs $1,500 to conduct a background and asset search at Martin Investigative Services. This includes a search covering all 50 states and a list found here.

How Much Does It Cost to Conduct Surveillance?

The hourly rate to conduct surveillance at Martin Investigative Services is $175 an hour and 95 cents a mile, with a minimum 4-hour assignment. A $2,500 retainer is required, with unused funds refundable.

How Much Does It Cost to Do a Background Check?

It costs $1,500 for a comprehensive background search covering all 50 States, including a background check list here.

How Much Does It Cost to Perform an Asset Search?

All asset searches cost $1,500, covering all 50 states, including a list asset search searches found here.

Conclusion

Summary of key points about private investigator costs

Private investigators all have their prices and all have their expectations for how they run their businesses. A private investigator will consult your matter and see if you need an hourly service retainer or if you are on a fixed-price type service. Depending on your needs, you should discuss prices with a private investigator and ask if you can connect with him in person. A private investigator can charge anywhere from $175.00 an hour to $300.00 an hour.
At Martin Investigative Services, we have provided private investigation services for over 50 years. We have former FBI, DEA, IRS, or Secret Service agents supervising and completing our casework. Connect yourself with the best to save yourself money and peace of mind. Give us a call here at 800-577-1080.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do private investigators typically charge per hour?

Investigators typically charge $175.00 to $300.00 per hour, depending on the location, the difficulty of the case, and the experience needed.

Are flat rates available for private investigation services?

Flat rates are available, but it depends on the service. Services like asset searches, background searches, and bug sweeps are not on a flat-fee basis cost here at Martin Investigative Services. We are transparent about fees and publish them on our website.

What factors influence the cost of hiring a private investigator?

Factors that influence the cost of hiring a private investigator are mileage, difficulty of the case, and flying expenses.

Are there hidden fees I should be aware of?

Ensure your private investigator gives you a cost breakdown of travel fees, mileage charges, preparation fees, and more.

Is hiring a private investigator worth the cost?

Hiring a highly respected and well-known investigator can well be worth the cost and often life-changing. Before hiring a private investigator, check that he is licensed. Ask for a license number and verify it on the State Agency website, which licenses PIs in that state. We are licensed in California by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services in Sacramento, CA. Click here to verify our license number of PI 9077.

How do I choose a reputable private investigator?

The way to choose a reputable private investigator is to have a consultation. Before you consult with them:

1. Make sure they are licensed.
2. Do not work with a "PI" without a license number. 
3. Ask if they have an office so you can talk with them in person and go over your case.

Here at Martin Investigative Services, we offer free consultation, and you can meet us at our office at 620 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1400, Newport Beach, CA 92660. You can call us toll-free at 1-800-577-1080.