How Much Does it Really Cost to Hire a Private Investigator?

When it comes to finding out the whole truth, sometimes we need professional help. Private investigators are skilled individuals who specialise in gathering information, conducting surveillance, and solving mysteries. Whether you’re dealing with a personal matter or a complex legal case, hiring a private investigator can provide valuable insights and evidence.

However, one question that often arises is, “How much does a private investigator cost?”

At NTF Investigations, we provide expert private investigative services with transparent pricing. In this article, we will be breaking down the real costs of hiring an expert for your investigation and so much more.

Factors that affect the cost of hiring a private investigator

The cost of hiring a private investigator can vary significantly depending on several factors.

Let’s look at the main factors below.

• Complexity of the Case: Investigations that require extensive research, surveillance, and interviews may incur higher costs compared to simpler cases.
• Location: The geographic location can also impact the cost, as investigators in metropolitan areas typically charge higher rates due to the higher cost of living.
• Length of Investigation: The length of the investigation will play a significant role in the pricing. The longer the investigation lasts, typically the more expensive it will be.
• Experience and Reputation: Seasoned investigators with a proven track record, like us at NTF Investigations, may charge higher fees compared to those who are just starting in the field. The level of expertise and specialisation required for the investigation can also contribute to the overall cost.

Services provided by private investigators

Private investigators offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients.

Some of the most common services include:

1. Background checks: We can conduct comprehensive background checks on individuals, providing valuable information about their personal, professional, and criminal history. These checks are often requested by employers, landlords, or individuals who want to ensure their safety when dealing with someone new.
2. Surveillance: Surveillance is a vital tool in many investigations. We use various techniques to observe and document the activities of a person of interest, providing valuable evidence for legal cases or exposing fraudulent behaviour.
3. Missing persons investigations: We are often called upon to locate missing persons. Whether it’s a long-lost relative, a runaway teenager, or a debtor, investigators we use our skills and resources to track down individuals and provide closure to concerned parties.
4. Matrimonial Investigations: We offer matrimonial investigations to people who are looking to find out if their partner is being unfaithful.
5. GPS Tracking: We also offer GPS tracking services for people who want to track vulnerable adults or their own children.

Can’t find what you are looking for? At NTF Investigations we provide numerous services to help you, find out the full list of services on our website today.

Working With Us

At NTF Investigations, we understand the reservations that come with hiring a Private Investigator. That’s why we strive to ensure our services are accessible to everyone. We believe that no one should be denied professional assistance when they genuinely need it.

Our team of private investigators at NTF Investigations is committed to customer satisfaction. We work diligently to deliver timely results that provide excellent value for your money. Our clients keep coming back to us because we consistently offer a top-notch, professional private investigation service that is unmatched in the industry.

At NTF Investigations, we treat each case as unique, understanding that there is no such thing as a ‘typical investigation’. We are transparent in our pricing, with no hidden costs. From the onset, we will explain everything to you, ensuring that there are no surprises along the way.

Regardless of your location, residence, or individual status, we do not adjust our costs. We are confident that our competitive investigation costs and fees are setting the standard in the industry.

The costs for different types of investigations

All our services are cost-effective, starting at a minimum of 4 hours and including the first 20 miles travelled by each investigator. We offer a range of different services, and below we have briefly outlined the cost of each service we provide.

Matrimonial Investigations

We offer discreet and professional matrimonial investigations to help you address your concerns about infidelity. We understand that it may be unreasonable to pay for a full day of surveillance for just a few hours of an investigator’s time. With our services, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will receive a report detailing your partner’s movements and actions within 24 hours. We request payment upfront through a recognised payment procedure, such as card or bank transfer.

Pricing starts at 4 Hours for £216 (inclusive of VAT)

Surveillance Costs and Fees

Surveillance operations can be complex and vary in nature. Once we have discussed your needs, we can provide a costing plan to fit. All costs include providing a detailed report upon conclusion of the day’s events.

Prices range depending on your needs.

GPS Tracking

Our GPS tracking service is specifically tailored to meet the needs of your investigation while also being cost-effective. With our service, you have the option to view the tracking panel on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, providing you with real-time updates and convenience.

The cost of our GPS tracking service is competitive, starting as low as £130 per week when used in conjunction with surveillance. For standalone deployments, the cost is £360 per week, with additional charges for fitting and removal based on the deployment location. If you opt for longer deployments, we offer reduced upfront payment options, such as £480 for two weeks or £650 for four weeks, inclusive of VAT at the current rate.

Pricing starts at £130 per week.

Process Serving

Our service package includes the preparation of a detailed report. If you need a document served in a different location within the UK, kindly get in touch with us for a personalised quote. Our objective is to complete the service within three days from the receipt of your instruction. The pricing structure consists of a set fee of £47. For any distance exceeding the initial 10 miles from our office, there will be an additional charge of £0.45 per mile for mileage to the location.

Pricing starts at £47 (does not include mileage).

Private Security

Our Personal security officers are highly trained to deliver top-notch protection and ensure your peace of mind around the clock. We provide personalised quotes based on the number of staff, hours, and specific duties required for your security needs.

Please contact us for a quote.

Additional expenses to consider when hiring a private investigator

While the investigator’s fees are a significant component of the overall cost, there are additional expenses to consider when hiring a private investigator.

These expenses may include:

1. Travel expenses: If the investigation requires the investigator to travel, you are responsible for covering their travel expenses, including transportation, and accommodation if needed.
2. Equipment and technology: We often utilise specialised equipment and technology to gather evidence and conduct surveillance. Depending on the nature of the investigation, you may be responsible for covering the costs associated with these tools and resources. Speak to us.
3. Legal fees: In some cases, the evidence gathered by a private investigator may be used in legal proceedings. If this is the case, you may need to hire a lawyer to handle the legal aspects of your case. Legal fees can vary greatly, depending on the complexity of the case and the services required.
4. Human resource Investigations: CIPD membership ensures that we have excellent knowledge as a Human Resource Professional. We can also assist your HR department and ensure that, by working together and adhering to guidance and legal parameters, you get the right result. If you do not have a HR department we can advise and provide you with experienced HR Professional services.

Questions to ask when hiring a private investigator

When hiring a private investigator, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. At NTF Investigations, we want our clients to be informed about any of the services they require, and you need to be able to do your due diligence when choosing the right investigator for you.

Here are some questions to consider:

1. Can you provide references? Request references from past clients to get a better understanding of the investigator’s professionalism and success rate.
2. How will you communicate with me during the investigation? Clear and timely communication is crucial throughout the investigation process. Discuss the preferred mode of communication and how often you can expect updates.
3. Are you insured? It’s important to work with a private investigator who carries liability insurance. This protects both parties in case of any unforeseen incidents or damages during the investigation.

If you are looking to work with an experienced private investigator firm, then check out our services today on our website. Our team of skilled investigators is committed to providing professional and affordable services, tailored to meet your unique needs.