Understanding Private Investigator Costs

If you're looking for a missing person, investigating suspicions of infidelity, or trying to find where someone who owes you money, a private investigator (PI) can be your most trusted sidekick. However, one of the first questions you'll hear when considering this option is: How much does it cost?

The cost of hiring a private investigator isn't straightforward. Plenty of factors go into it, like the specific case, the investigator's experience, and where they plan to do the investigation. 

This guide will explore the costs associated with hiring a PI and explain how to pay for one. It will help you get a clearer picture of the process involved.

The Cost Factors of Employing a Private Investigator: An Overview

Private investigators typically charge for their time and expertise using one of two payment models: hourly rates or flat fees. Here's what to expect:

Hourly Rates

However, private investigators generally charge by the hour, especially for events of ongoing search or investigative work. The investigator's hourly rate varies on location and experience, as well as the complexity of the investigation.

• Small Towns/Rural Areas: $40–$70 per hour. Because investigators in these areas have lower living costs and less trouble finding information to challenge, they often command lower rates.
• Suburban Areas: $50–$100 per hour. Depending on your Private investigator.
• Big Cities: $100–$200 per hour. Often, more resources and study must be employed in the urban environment. Depending on your Private investigator.

Costs by Service or Group

To give you a clearer picture, here's a detailed breakdown of specific private investigation services and their associated costs:

Missing Person Investigations

The first response when someone goes missing is to move quickly. A private investigator will combine public records, social media, and databases to find the person.

Factors Affecting Cost: Whether the person actively avoids detection, where they were last known to be, and what resources are needed (e.g., travel). These factors will prolong the search, making you spend more money.

Missing Person Investigation Cost

Here at Martin PI, we use US Unite, our agency's own highly proprietary in-house computer system. The cost for our investigators to perform a "locate" search is $750.00. We use advanced tools to conduct our searches, including:

Background Checks

Background checks can reveal the history of someone who is, for example, vying for employment, an agency, or a partner.

1. Basic Background/Asset Search by Martin Investigative Services:
Covers all 50 states and includes data from our in-house computer system. Turnaround Time: 24 hours or less
Cost: $1,500.00 + $45.00 for FedEx (Total: $1,545.00)
Substitute a corporation/LLC for a subject if needed.
Reports will be forwarded to the address you specify.
Payment: Visa, Zelle, or MasterCard, (details required).

Here's what you need to consider:

The Complexity of the Case

It's not all equal. A simple background check would take a few hours, whereas a complex fraud investigation could take weeks or even months. Costs will skyrocket for cases involving many subjects, international travel, or high-security environments.

Investigator Expertise

Experienced private investigators charge more, but the cost is often worth it. An experienced investigator is more efficient, works well in complicated situations, and produces more quality results. However, a less experienced PI may take longer and produce less reliable outcomes.

Location

The cost of hiring a private investigator depends on where you are. Both factors increase in price due to higher living costs, traffic, and increased privacy measures in urban areas. Rural investigations may be less expensive, but if the investigator is located in a remote location, more travel expenses may be added.

Tools and Technology

Here at Martin PI, we use US Unite, our agency's own highly proprietary in-house computer system. We use advanced tools to conduct our searches, including:

• Database Access: Recorded public records, financial databases, and social media platforms.
• Specialized Software: Tools for data analysis, pattern recognition, and digital forensics.

These resources provide a quality investigation, but they also incur a cost.

Payment Models: Private Investigators Bill

Private investigators offer various payment structures, which can help you choose the option that best fits your budget:

Hourly Billing

The most widely used payment model, particularly for surveillance work, is the hourly billing.

Flat Fees

Flat fees are appropriate for background checks and social media investigations because the work is limited to a discrete deliverable.

Retainers

In fact, many private investigators require a retainer or upfront payment for the investigation's initial costs. The cost of retainers tends to range between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the case.

No Find, No Fee

Instead of offering results-based payment models as abnormalities, investigators can occasionally make "no find, no fee." This usually is only used in cases with a very strong chance of success, such as locating someone with a known address.

How to Hire the Best Private Detective or Private Investigator for Your Needs

Don't take for granted that the choice of the right private investigator is for the success of the case. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Verify Credentials

Make sure that the investigator is licensed and qualified to do his job. Most states require private investigators to complete extensive training and obtain a license to operate legally.

Ask About Experience

Try to find an investigator who has handled these kinds of cases before. For instance, if you're fighting for custody in court, get a lawyer and a PI who has experience investigating family law, like Martin PI.

Request References

A reputable private investigator should provide references. You can also read the reviews or testimonials to learn about how professional and successful they are.

Set Clear Expectations

Before engaging a PI, consider your goals, the time of your search, and its budget. Clear communication means you're on the same page and avoids misunderstandings later.

Beware of Red Flags

Ensure that the investigators you engage are fair about their rates and know how their methods work. DO NOT hire investigators whose rates are too low (and suspiciously so) or who cannot give you reasonable answers about how they work.

Why It Is Important to Act Quickly

Private investigations are all about timing. Missed opportunities are delayed and can roll into missed opportunities, leading to missed evidence and cold leads. The faster you hire a private investigator, the better the chance of success.

Let's say you're looking for a missing person, and by the hour, it will be physically more challenging to find out where this person was. In cases of infidelity, similarly, waiting too long may also give them a chance to change their behavior or to cover their tracks.

Final Thoughts: Hire A Private Investigator: Not Worth It?

But an investment in the truth is hiring a private investigator. Sure, the costs can mount up, but the peace of mind and clarity they provide are sometimes priceless. A professional investigator can be called to deal with a personal matter, a legal issue, or a business dispute; answers are only a few questions away.

Locating someone with limited resources, skills, and knowledge of the legalities involved can be an ordeal. You need to have a professional do all the heavy lifting for you.

At Martin P.I., we serve all 50 states and guarantee positive results. Our team comprises former DEAS, IRS, FBI, and Secret Service agents. For more information, please don't hesitate to contact me at (1800)-577-1080.

FAQs

Martin Investigative Services

Martin Investigative Services office is located at 620 Newport Center Dr Suite 1100, Newport Beach, CA 92660 

Open: 24/7

Phone: (800) 577-1080