Find a Private Investigator near you
The average rating for Bark Private Investigators is 4.86, based on 57,515 reviews
5/5
based on 57,515 reviews
Have you ever needed to dig for information without raising suspicions? That’s where a private investigator comes in. Read on to find out more about private investigators and how much they cost.
Sometimes, you have questions that your friends or family can't answer. Private investigators (sometimes called PIs) are there to help in all sorts of situations, like in businesses or personal issues like finding out if someone's cheating or locating a missing family member. They work to uncover the truth by gathering evidence that can answer your questions. Private investigators are like expert problem solvers you hire when other methods don't work, like when the police can't solve a case or if you have suspicions the police can't help with.
In this price guide, we'll talk you through the average cost of hiring a private investigator. These costs are national averages, so while they're a great place to start, you can get the most accurate for your needs by getting free quotes from private investigators in your area. Let's dive in.
Before we look at prices, let's talk about when and why you might want a private investigator. The most common reasons for hiring a specialist are:
Surveillance and counter-surveillance
Taking pictures and gathering evidence
Interviewing witnesses and carrying out research
Conducting background checks and running credit reports
Process serving
Performing due diligence and debt recovery
Private investigators don't have legal powers beyond those of any normal citizen, and they are not independently regulated, so what you're paying for is their experience and expertise. They will only carry out tasks that are legal. When you're choosing a PI, consider asking about their qualifications and if they're registered with any organisations and see what they have particular experience in, and as this will help you make your choice.
When you're thinking about hiring a private investigator, it's natural to want to know about the costs upfront. Pricing can be difficult to estimate because unlike buying something in a shop, where you know the price, investigations don't have a set price because each case is different and requires different specialisms. Sometimes, it's not clear how long an investigation will take until the PI is stuck in.
Nevertheless, it's important to talk openly about costs before you decide to hire a private investigator. Find someone who won't cut corners, but who can work with your budget to get you the results you need.
The below table shows the average cost of hiring an investigator in the UK, although this could vary depending on a number of factors, including the professional's experience and the complexity of the case.
| Average price (per hour) | £70 |
| Maximum price (per hour) | £120 |
| Minimum price (per hour) | £45 |
The cost of private investigation depends on a few factors including:
Investigator’s level of expertise
The kind of service needed
Additional expenses
Location
It should come as no surprise that hiring the services of a highly experienced private investigator will always cost more than hiring the services of a rookie in the field. Also, private investigators who have a background in law enforcement tend to charge higher than those who do not have this advantage.
The amount that you pay will also depend on the nature of the service that’s required. For example, complex cases, such as acquiring evidence to use against someone in court, will cost far more than hiring a private investigator to help you reestablish contact with a lost friend.
Your private investigator may charge for additional expenses. Make sure you agree in advance what is and isn't includes in the price of the investigation. Common additional expenses include:
Travel
Written reporting
Additional materials needed to complete the investigation
Like most services, private investigator fees are likely to be greater in large cities such as London where the cost of living is higher. So remember to bear this in mind if you live in the big smoke!
When it comes to how private investigators charge for their services, they typically use an hourly rate. This means they charge for each hour they spend working on your case. Since every investigation is unique and requires different resources, the amount of time needed can vary, but on average you cane expect to pay £70 per hour. If you're on a budget, it is possible to find a PI for significantly less depending on their packages and experience.
Less common, but still possible, is a 'flat fee' for a project with clearly defined boundaries. These packages set a fee for a specific number of hours they estimate is needed to complete the investigation successfully. This can help clients understand the expected cost upfront and plan accordingly. So, whether it's hourly rates or package deals, private investigators strive to tailor their services to meet each client's specific needs and ensure they get the best results possible.
Similar to lawyers, private investigators might ask for a retainer or upfront payment before they start working on your case. This is pretty standard and helps cover the costs of the service you're asking for. Don't worry, though, any money you pay upfront will usually be taken off the total fees later on.
When it comes to payment, most investigators will accept all major credit or debit cards, making it convenient for you. If you come across any who insist on cash or bank transfers only, it might be a good idea to be a bit cautious. Many client prefer to pay with cash for privacy reasons, which is fine, but if your PI insists on a cash payment make sure you're happy that you trust them, as in the unlikely event of a scam, lost cash is almost impossible to recover.
Many freelance or agency investigators will offer a free consultation, usually by telephone. They'll use this call to find out what you need, how complex the case is, and to give you an estimate of costs. This is a great way to help you set your budget before you commit to choosing your professional.
Remember, cheaper isn't always better - you want someone who won't cut corners, who knows what they're doing, and who will always act legally.
Whatever the situation, if you’re struggling to obtain the information you need then a private investigator can be an incredibly valuable resource. By discretely gathering crucial information and evidence, they can help you to solve a range of sensitive or complex problems.
While it comes at a price, the service of a private investigator is worth its weight in gold when it comes to getting to the bottom of whatever it is that you need to uncover.
The average rating for Bark Private Investigators is 4.86, based on 57,515 reviews
5/5
based on 57,515 reviews
