Is It Worth It to Hire a Private Investigator?

Yes, hiring a private investigator (PI) can be worth it if you need information that is hard to find on your own. Whether it’s a personal matter, such as suspected infidelity, or a legal issue like fraud, a PI can help you gather facts quickly, discreetly, and legally. Their skills can save you time, stress, and even money while providing reliable evidence you can trust.

At On-Call Legal Process Servers, our licensed private investigators have over 10 years of experience in delivering results that are lawful, ethical, and court-ready without breaking the bank. We provide advanced surveillance and investigative services to help you find the information you need, whether it involves surveillance, background verification, or locating evasive individuals. Schedule a free consultation with us now to discuss your needs.

This blog explains what private investigators do, whether it is worth it to hire a PI, the pros and cons of hiring one, typical costs, and tips for choosing the right investigator.

What Does a Private Investigator Do?

A private investigator (PI) is a professional who gathers information and uncovers facts in cases that require deeper research or surveillance. Their work is usually done for individuals, law firms, or businesses that need reliable information but do not have the tools or skills to obtain it themselves.

One of the main services offered by private investigators is surveillance and monitoring. This involves discreetly following someone, documenting their movements, or collecting photo and video evidence. It is often used in cases of suspected infidelity, child custody disputes, insurance fraud, or workplace misconduct.

Another critical service PIs provide is research and background checks. They search public records, databases, and other sources to uncover details and provide valuable insights about people or companies. They may also verify employment history or check criminal records. This type of service is common in both personal matters and business due diligence.

Furthermore, many people hire investigators to find missing persons, such as long-lost relatives or runaway teens. They can also help locate debtors trying to avoid payment. PIs may also help track down hidden assets in divorce cases or business disputes.

Moreover, lawyers often use PIs for legal support in court proceedings. They may collect witness statements, gather evidence for trials, or confirm details that support a legal claim. Their reports and testimony can sometimes be presented in court. In some cases, private investigators can serve legal papers to recipients who are difficult to locate.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Private Investigator?

Yes, hiring a private investigator can be worth it if you need trustworthy information that you cannot easily get on your own. Whether it’s for legal or business reasons, their skills can save you time, stress, and even money. Still, it is important to consider the benefits against the costs and limits before making a decision.

Pros of Hiring a Private Investigator

There are many good reasons why hiring a private investigator is worth it. The benefits include the following:

• Professional expertise: Private investigators are trained to notice small details and patterns that you might miss. They know how to follow people discreetly, locate hidden assets, collect crucial evidence legally, and prepare clear reports. This experience is especially valuable if you need proof for a legal case or want reliable information instead of guesswork.
• Access to information: As they conduct background checks, PIs often have access to databases, records, and networks that are not available to the public. For example, they can research property ownership, past criminal activity, or financial records more effectively. This makes their findings more thorough and dependable.
• Legal case support: Lawyers often hire PIs because the evidence they collect can be used in legal proceedings. A PI may interview witnesses, take photos or videos, gather critical information, and verify facts. Their professional approach helps ensure that the information is admissible, making your case stronger. Additionally, PIs can use skip tracing and other advanced surveillance techniques to locate hard-to-find individuals and serve them court documents.
• Time and efficiency: Investigating someone takes time, skill, patience, and effort. When you hire a PI, they can focus fully on the case while you continue with your daily life. This not only saves you time but also increases the chances of getting useful results quickly.
• Discretion: If you try to investigate on your own, the person might notice and change their behavior. But PIs are trained to stay hidden and collect evidence without drawing attention. That way, the investigation is more likely to succeed without alerting the subject.

Cons and Risks of Hiring a Private Investigator

As you consider the benefits of hiring a PI, you should also be aware of the various disadvantages or risks that can come with it. Some of the most common drawbacks include:

• Cost: Most times, private investigator fees are not cheap. Many PIs charge by the hour, and the costs can rise quickly if the investigation takes days or weeks. On top of the hourly rate, you may still need to pay for travel, equipment, and reports. For some people, this can become too expensive compared to the value of the information gained.
• No guaranteed results: Even with skills and tools, a PI cannot promise success. Sometimes the information you want simply does not exist, or the involved parties are careful enough to avoid being caught. In such cases, you could spend a lot of money without getting the answers you hoped for.
• Legal boundaries: PIs must follow the law. They cannot break into homes or hack computers. There are also other ethical concerns, such as recording private conversations illegally or intimidating their target. Because of these limits, they might not be able to uncover everything you want. It is important to have realistic expectations about what they can and cannot do.
• Emotional impact: The results of an investigation can be difficult to accept. For example, finding out that a partner is unfaithful or that a trusted employee is dishonest can cause stress and sadness for the parties involved. Before hiring a PI, you should consider whether you are ready to handle the truth, even if it hurts.

What Is the Average Cost of a Private Investigation?

The average cost of hiring a private investigator in the United States usually ranges from $50 to $200 per hour. While most PIs charge hourly for certain tasks, others may charge flat fees depending on the scope and complexity of the investigation.

Note that the prices on this blog refer to general costs and do not refer to our fees at On-Call Legal Process Servers. For a more concise quote tailored to your specific private investigator service needs, contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your needs in detail.

Hourly Rates vs Flat Fees

Hourly rates are most common for cases where the amount of time needed is unpredictable, such as surveillance or monitoring ongoing activity. These rates typically fall between $50 and $200 per hour. The benefit is that you pay only for the hours the PI worked. However, the hourly costs can accumulate to a significant amount if the case takes longer than expected.

On the other hand, flat fees are usually applied to specific, clearly defined tasks like background checks or locating a person. This method of billing helps you budget more accurately because you already know the total cost upfront. Most times, flat fees start around $200 for simple work. The drawback is that if the case becomes more complex, the flat fee may not cover all the additional effort, which could result in new charges.

Average Costs for Common Types of Investigations

The cost of hiring a private investigator depends heavily on the type of service you need. That is because each kind of investigation requires different skills, time, and resources. Therefore, you need to understand the typical costs for different types of investigations to help you set realistic expectations before hiring a PI. Let’s look at the most common services and their average price ranges.

Surveillance

Surveillance is one of the most requested PI services, often used in cases of suspected infidelity, child custody cases, fraud, or employee misconduct. Because surveillance involves hours of careful observation, travel, and even documentation, it is billed hourly. The average cost ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. However, there might be additional expenses if the job requires multiple investigators or special equipment.

Background Checks

Background checks can be basic or highly detailed. A simple check, which includes criminal history and employment verification, typically costs $200 to $600. More advanced background checks, covering financial history, lawsuits, and detailed social media reviews, can cost over $1,000. These are often charged as flat fees since you can estimate the scope in advance.

Missing Persons or Asset Searches

Private investigators are often hired to locate missing relatives, debtors, or hidden assets in divorce or business disputes. Simple searches in this category may cost around $200 to $500. On the other hand, complex cases that involve multiple jurisdictions, extensive databases, or in-person investigations can cost much more. Ultimately, the costs depend largely on how difficult it is to track down the person or property.

Corporate Investigations

Companies sometimes hire investigators to uncover fraud, embezzlement, money mismanagement, or other forms of misconduct. These cases are usually complex, requiring financial analysis, interviews, and legal coordination. Sometimes, PIs can also be hired to gather evidence and other valuable resources in a legal battle. The costs are usually higher than personal investigations, often running into several thousand dollars, depending on the scale of the problem and the time required.

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Private Investigator

Several factors influence how much you pay for the services of a PI. The cost generally depends on the location of the job, the experience of the PI, the specific services required, and the duration.

1. Experience and Specialization: Investigators with many years of practice or expertise in niche areas, such as digital forensics or financial fraud, often charge higher rates.
2. Location: PI fees may vary by region. PIs in large cities or high-cost states often charge more due to higher living and operating expenses, while those in rural areas may be more affordable.
3. Type of Investigation: Some services are simple and quick, such as a basic background check, while others, like long-term surveillance, require significant time and effort. The type of case plays a major role in determining cost.
4. Complexity of the Case: Investigations that involve interstate travel, multiple subjects, or coordination with lawyers or financial experts will almost always be more expensive than straightforward cases.
5. Duration and Resources Needed: The more hours an investigator spends, the higher the total cost. Moreover, the use of advanced tools like GPS tracking or specialized databases can also increase the cost.
6. Urgency and Scheduling: Rush assignments or after-hours work often come with premium rates. Hence, expect to pay more if you need a case handled immediately, during evenings, or on weekends.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Beyond standard PI fees, there are additional costs that may increase the overall costs of investigative services. Such additional expenses may include mileage and travel expenses, administrative costs, database access fees, special equipment or resources, etc. Before hiring a private investigator, it’s best to ask about these extra costs to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

For mileage and travel expenses, investigators may apply the IRS standard mileage rates to estimate the cost per mile for different states in the country. These costs cover travel expenses such as meals, lodging, and airfare.

Administrative costs cover expenses related to report writing, phone calls, emails, meetings, etc. Moreover, PIs may incur additional fees to gain access to specialized databases.

Tips for Choosing the Right Private Investigator

Hiring a private investigator is an important decision, especially if the outcome could affect your personal life, legal case, or business. That’s why you must learn how to choose a private investigator who not only fits your budget, but can also get accurate, lawful, and reliable results. Here are some pro tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Check Licensing and Credentials

Look for a licensed PI with all the required investigation credentials in their state or local jurisdiction. Being licensed is proof that the investigator meets the required standards and follows professional rules. You can verify via your state’s licensing bureau. For example, you can confirm if a PI in California is registered with the California Association of Licensed Investigators.

2. Look for Relevant Experience

Different investigators specialize in different types of cases. Some focus on surveillance and infidelity, while others handle corporate fraud, background checks, or missing persons. Before hiring, make sure the PI has direct experience with the type of investigation you need. Relevant experience will increase the chances of success.

3. Ask About Methods and Legal Boundaries

A professional PI should be able to explain how they plan to approach your case and confirm that all methods are legal. Note that investigators cannot trespass, hack, or break privacy laws. Ask them what techniques they use so you understand what to expect.

4. Understand the Costs Upfront

Before you agree to work with an investigator, request a clear explanation of the payment structure and all fees involved. Some charge hourly rates, while others offer flat fees for specific tasks. Ask if there are additional costs for travel, reports, or equipment. Having everything in writing helps prevent surprises later.

5. Check Reviews and References

Look for online reviews or testimonials that attest to the PI’s trustworthiness. You can also ask the PI for references from past clients. A trustworthy investigator will have satisfied clients who can vouch for their professionalism and results. Additionally, you can ask for referrals from people you trust.

6. Evaluate Communication and Professionalism

Good communication is key throughout the investigation. The PI should listen carefully to your needs, answer your questions clearly, and keep you updated. Pay attention to their professionalism during your first meeting. This is because how they present themselves will show how they will handle your case and protect your personal or business interests.

Need an Experienced Private Investigator?

Hiring a private investigator can provide the clarity and evidence you need in personal, legal, or business matters. As long as you hire the right one following the steps we provided, the fee you paid for their services is likely to be worth it. But before hiring, make sure to weigh the benefits, understand the potential costs, and check the investigator’s credentials to ensure you get reliable and lawful results.

As the best licensed private investigators in California, you can trust our PIs at On-Call Legal Process Servers for investigative services that comply with all relevant legal requirements in your jurisdiction. We’re also professional process servers and can help you deliver your legal documents in California and nationwide. Contact us today to discuss your needs.

FAQ

We understand that hiring a private investigator can raise many questions, especially if it’s your first time considering hiring one. That’s why On-Call Legal Process Servers with over a decade of experience have provided these comprehensive answers to guide you.

How Long Does It Take for a Private Investigator to Gather Information?

The time depends on the type of case and how complex it is. A background check may take only a few days, while long-term surveillance or asset searches could take weeks. In general, the more complicated the situation, the more time the investigation will require.

Are Private Investigators Legally Allowed to Gather Evidence?

Yes, private investigators can gather evidence, but they must follow the law. They can use legal methods such as surveillance, public records, interviews, and financial analysis. But they cannot trespass, hack accounts, or record private conversations illegally.

What Is the Difference Between a Private Detective and a Private Investigator?

In most places, there is no real difference between the two terms. “Private detective” is an older phrase, while “private investigator” is more commonly used today. Both describe professionals who are licensed to investigate and gather information.

Is It Good to Hire a Private Investigator?

Yes, it can be a very good choice if you need reliable information that you cannot get on your own. A PI has the skills, tools, and legal knowledge to gather facts discreetly and effectively. The decision depends on your situation and whether the potential benefits outweigh the costs.

When Should You Hire a Private Investigator?

You should consider hiring a PI when you need solid proof or information for personal, legal, or business reasons. Common situations include suspected infidelity, missing family member, fraud, child support, or background checks. If the matter is important and you need accurate results, hiring a PI can be worth it.