| If you are thinking of using the services of a | | | | usually around $0.45 per mile. |
| private investigator, you may be wondering what | | | | That hourly rate may increase significantly if |
| the cost of hiring an investigator will be. Around | | | | another private investigator's services are needed |
| the country, these fees vary by location and | | | | in order to complete your case. For example, if |
| type of services. For investigators with extensive | | | | your PI needs the assistance of an associate |
| experience and training, expect to pay higher | | | | overseas, the hourly rate may be high. In some |
| fees. | | | | parts of the world, investigators charge as much |
| Before you hire an investigator, find out all costs | | | | as $300 per hour. |
| and fees for the services you require. Most | | | | 3. Does the private investigator require a deposit |
| professionals offer a free initial consultation. Here | | | | or retainer in addition to the private investigator |
| are some questions to ask a prospective private | | | | fees? |
| eye regarding fees: | | | | Many investigators require a retainer or deposit to |
| 1. Does the private investigator charge a flat fee | | | | be applied against fees for services rendered and |
| for services? | | | | expenses. Some professionals may set retainer |
| Some professionals can quote a flat fee for | | | | fees depending on specific services. For example, |
| certain basic services such as background checks, | | | | data research may require a deposit of $500 |
| research work, and specialized equipment such as | | | | while an infidelity case may require a deposit of |
| GPS units. Other services that commonly are | | | | up to $5,000. Criminal defense work may require |
| charged a flat fee include: | | | | a retainer of $1,000-3,500. The following factors |
| - identifying a cell phone number (approximately | | | | determine the amount of required deposits: |
| $90) | | | | - travel involved |
| - vehicle registration search (approximately $20) | | | | - airline/hotel costs |
| - criminal record search (approximately $40) | | | | - estimated number of surveillance hours |
| - "bug sweeps" of home or car (approximately | | | | - location |
| $350) | | | | - urgency |
| - GPS monitoring (approximately $250 per week) | | | | If you are using an investigator's services through |
| 2. What are the hourly fees? | | | | an attorney, the private investigator will usually |
| Hourly rates vary based on where the | | | | not ask for a retainer as long as the attorney |
| investigator is located, the difficulty of the | | | | acknowledges responsibility for ensuring payment |
| investigation, and whether the private investigator | | | | of the invoices. |
| will need the assistance of other private | | | | Once you hire a PI, make sure that the |
| investigators. | | | | investigator keeps a record of his/her activities |
| Throughout the country, fees range from | | | | and ask for itemized lists of the work that has |
| $40-100 per hour. The average hourly rate is | | | | been completed. Don't forget to sign a contract |
| around $50-55 per hour. Keep in mind that there | | | | with the investigator detailing in writing the |
| may be additional fees attached to the hourly | | | | services to be performed. |
| rate. A common addition is mileage expenses, | | | | |