A private investigator is a professional who are usually hired by individuals or groups to perform investigatory law services for them. While many private investigators often work for attorneys in regards to their civil cases, many PIs work for individuals or businesses that need various investigatory law services performed for their needs. 

Private investigators essentially privately investigate another party for their client’s purposes. Those purposes often vary, but many typically have a lot to do with gathering evidence for legal reasons. Though, some people might think it’s too expensive to hire a private investigator for their own needs.

So, in this article, we’re going to answer some frequently asked questions about the cost of hiring private investigators.

If you need a private investigator for any reason, you’re probably thinking about the cost first and foremost. Fortunately, private investigators have varied services that have varying costs. And, once you look around the country, you’ll see that the cost of hiring a private investigator varies on a state to state basis.

What’s the first cost-related thing to expect if I’m planning to hire a PI?

First and foremost, expect to pay higher fees for experienced private investigators. These professionals typically have the skills and experience to charge higher flat and hourly fees for any of their services.

With that out of the way, know that many private investigators do offer free initial consultations. That way, you don’t have to spend money out of pocket when you first talk to any PI of your choice.

What’s better for hiring a private investigator – flat fees or hourly fees?

As for flat or hourly fees, it depends on what you prefer and the professional that you’re considering to hire.

Some private investigators charge flat fees for basic services. These services generally include research work, background checks and the use of special equipment like GPS units for GPS monitoring. Other basic ‘flat fee’ services include criminal background searches, vehicle registration searches, cell phone number identification, ‘bug sweeps’ of a home or vehicle and other miscellaneous services unique to the professional.

Hourly fees are a little different in that regard they’re charged for private investigators of a higher skill level and for cases that are extensive and time consuming.

Fees vary around the country. Most professionals will charge anywhere between $40 to $100 per hour for their services. The average, however, is around a modest $50 to $55 per hour. Some private investigators will charge additional fees for mileage expenses and other minor expenses, so do keep that in mind before hiring a PI.

Your fees may be subject to increases if your private investigator work with others on your case.

Do I need to worry about making a deposit or retainer upon hiring private investigators?

Many private investigators do charge a deposit or retainer upon hiring. Some may set these fees based on the type of services you hire them to do. Time-consuming cases will require a higher deposit than those that are considered relatively simple to complete.

When you’ve hired your PI, don’t forget to request them to keep a record of their activities, while also requesting a list of the work they’ve completed. Of course, any private investigator worth their salt will have that – and the contract – taken care of no matter what.