Top Private Investigator Services Companies

How to choose a private investigator

Confirm the firm is licensed in the state or country where the work happens and carries liability insurance. Ask about investigators' backgrounds, such as law enforcement, military, journalism or forensic accounting, and match them to your case.

Ask how they keep investigations lawful: no pretexting for protected records, no trespass, no tracking devices where prohibited and no recording without consent where it is required. Request a redacted sample report and ask whether they have testified.

Red flags include promises to obtain bank, phone or medical records, guaranteed results, reluctance to put scope and fees in writing, and investigators who cannot show a license number.

Private investigator pricing

Investigators most often bill hourly plus expenses such as mileage, database fees and record costs, usually against a retainer. Some routine work, such as a standard background or asset search, is offered at a flat fee per subject.

Cost depends on the case type, surveillance hours and number of investigators needed, travel, specialist work like forensic imaging, and the depth of the report. International cases and those needing court testimony cost more. Setting a clear question and a budget cap at intake keeps hours focused on what the case needs.