How much does a Private Investigator cost?
Private Detective Prices
There's a world of confusion when it comes to the niche service area of private investigations. Hiring a private eye is something most people will only ever do once or twice in their lives, so there's a lack of awareness around what private eyes do and what costs are involved.
Understanding Investigation Costs
Whether you need to identify a fraudster, catch a cheating partner, locate a family member, detect a forgery or solve some other problem, prospective clients of an investigator will often be fraught with emotion. Making sensible decisions in a frantic state of mind is difficult enough and unfortunately, clients are faced with the added risk of unscrupulous providers: investigators who take advantage of the industry's weak regulations.
Research Your Investigator
The first step towards getting a good price is to research your investigator to make sure he or she is licensed, experienced and gets results. To ensure you don't make your difficult situation worse, you need to do some investigating yourself and confirm your Private Investigator operates in an ethical manner.
You can be confident however that many of Australia's private investigators are licensed, reputable professionals who are able to provide you with excellent investigative services within a clear timeframe and budget that works for you.
How much do private investigators cost?
Is it surveillance you're after or a simple background check? Perhaps you need a signature analysis or a computer investigation. The Cost of a Private Investigator comes down to the kind of investigation you need and other variables, such as location. The very best ways to keep costs down is to communicate clearly at an early stage with an investigator so the matter can be planned and carried out strategically.
Investigators to Avoid
Keep reading to find out how a professional private investigator will ensure work is carried out in a cost-effective and competent way. Be aware of investigators like Frank Monte who had his licence cancelled, or Brett Sutcliffe of Spousebusters who was convicted of impersonating a Federal Police officer.
Fixed Fees
Missing Persons / Background and Asset Checks
Investigations into missing persons, such as debtors or long-lost family members, as well as background checks and asset checks primarily involve database searches. This means they can usually be accommodated within a fixed schedule of costs. You can enter into an agreement with an investigator for a particular type of work to be carried out in exchange for a fixed fee. This means you know exactly what you will spend before you enter into an agreement.
Just how much a missing person search will cost depends on a few variables. Your private investigator should be able to let you know what these are and how they'll affect your fees. For example, locating a John Smith is much more difficult than locating a person with a unique name!
Handwriting or Signature Analysis
This is another area where an investigator can work to a fixed fee. Once a handwriting expert has looked at the documents you wish to compare, he or she can advise you of the cost of preparing the kind of report you need. There may be court attendance fees later on, but they will only be incurred if you choose to use the report that has been provided within an agreed-upon budget.
Hourly Rates
Matters involving field work, such as surveillance engagements, are sometimes charged at a flat rate but are usually charged based at an hourly rate along with any associated expenses.
Surveillance Costs
Even if the costs are charged at an hourly rate basis, you can still get a pretty good idea of the rough budget before proceeding. The cost is usually variable to some extent because it's often not possible to accurately predict how long an investigation will last, how far the investigator will need to travel or how much footage will be taken. An investigation is, by definition, concerned with the unknown.
Once you have discussed the strategy with your investigator, regardless of whether you are offered a flat rate or an hourly rate, ensure you are clear about the expected cost. Although the overall cost will rarely be precisely predicted if charged at an hourly rate, this doesn't mean that the fees are calculated at random.
Budget Planning
In most cases, the budget for the work can be accurately anticipated. A professional investigator should be able to show you how hourly surveillance rates and kilometre rates are incurred. In some cases, you will be perfectly happy to exceed the expected cost because the evidence you are getting is exactly what you need. Ensure your investigator keeps you updated about developments during a surveillance operation so you can keep control over costs.
Want more information? 3 Steps to Hiring a Private Investigator
Location Affects Cost
The location of your matter can also affect how much a private investigator costs. Location usually won't affect fixed fee matters (see above) but in investigations involving field work, the more remote the location, the higher the fee. This is because there are few investigators in rural areas and so travel time needs to be incurred. The best way to get a clear idea of costs in your location is to contact us by phone or email and outline your matter to us at no cost.
Multiple Investigators
In field work, sometimes more than one private investigator is needed. The overall cost of your investigation will depend on how many operatives are utilised.
Engaging multiple investigators is sometimes not just recommended – it can be absolutely imperative. For example, following a subject person from a busy airport is basically impossible with one investigator. There needs to be one operative inside the terminal to identify the subject getting off the plane and follow the subject to baggage claim and at least one other operative stationed outside in a vehicle or taxi.
The best way to ensure your funds are expended wisely is to take the advice of your experienced investigator. If it is recommended that you need two operatives, in the long run it will probably be cheaper to go with that recommendation and do it properly the first time.
Want real results? Avoid cost-cutters and substandard operators.
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Nowhere is this old Red Adair adage more relevant than in the area of legal representation and investigations.
Choose Based on Service, Not Price Alone
If price is important to you (and let's be honest, when isn't it?) then make sure you choose your private investigator based not on the lowest hourly rate but on the level of service and attention that you receive. Every problem is different and an investigator who offers a one size fits all solution is not going to help you get to where you need to go.
Professional Investigation Planning
Only a careful investigative plan, tailored to fit your budget is going to get you the answers you seek and allow you to move on once and for all from the problem that has caused you to take action. Money is always important and that is the very reason why hiring a private investigator based on price and price alone could be one of the mostly costly mistakes you ever make.
Do Your Research
Do your research, be upfront about your finances and find a reputable private investigator that is qualified to get you the results that make your investment worthwhile. Lawyers and investigators represent people who are at very vulnerable points in their lives and desperate for help. The problems encountered by investigators often require careful, strategic thinking and, where applicable, an understanding of the legal question that the evidence will go to support.
Lyonswood Investigations & Forensic Group
Lyonswood Private Investigations has a national and international capability with investigators located across Australia and around the globe. With operatives active nationwide, we're one of Australia's largest private investigative firms offering the broadest range of investigative services.
You can read more about our firm's experience here.
Contact us:
1300 438 776
61 2 9819 6833 INTERNATIONAL CALLERS
proof@getproof.com.au
For legal notices and service of documents, please see our Registered Office details.
Lyonswood Testimonials
“My cousin received my letter and phoned me within minutes of opening it and reading it. We have had some warm phone conversations. Some years ago she...
Hi Robert, I have read through the report and I am very happy with its findings. Regards Paul Sent from my iPhone
Good morning Lachlan, Well. I rang my brother last night and spoke to him for the first time in many, many years. This reunion has been a long time co...
Dear Robert, I thank you for your excellent work in finding both my sister and brother. We have already been in touch and are united at last. I cannot...
Hi Rob, how are you? Sorry for my late response. Thankyou for the letter. I forwarded it onto ***. I really am unsure of his plans for it. Rob, l want...
Hi Robert, I have read through the report and I am very happy with its findings. Regards Paul
Hi Thomas, Thank you so much for such an extensive investigation report you guys are amazing Thank you for everything Cheers Nathan
Hi Thomas, Thank you so much for such an extensive investigation report you guys are amazing Thank you for everything Cheers Nathan
Hi Lachlan, Thank you for your quick response. Based on the findings we feel there is no need to pursue this matter any further. Please advise me if t...
Dear Lachlan: Thank you very much. The family member confirmed that the finding is Mr. ******* Thank you again for your hard work and the family are t...
Hi Lachlan, When I first rang your firm I felt very nervous. Your office lady made me feel at ease – helpful, polite, very well mannered. I spoke to ...
Hi Lachlan, When I first rang your firm I felt very nervous. Your office lady made me feel at ease – helpful, polite, very well mannered. I spoke to y...
Thanks Lachlan. The Husband admitted his fraud in court yesterday. A job well done.
Hello, Thank you very much for the report it is exactly what I need. Am I able to send the report to my lawyer to see if we can use it for our next ...
Hello, Thank you very much for the report it is exactly what I need. Am I able to send the report to my lawyer to see if we can use it for our next co...
Hi Lachlan, hope you are keeping well. I just wanted circle back with you and let you know the family was able to establish contact with N***. We are ...
Dear Lachlan, Thank you very much for your excellent service. I am very pleased you were able to find him. I immediately remembered his surname when ...
Dear Lachlan, Thank you very much for your excellent service. I am very pleased you were able to find him. I immediately remembered his surname when I...
Hi Robert, Just letting you know that I have managed to find ****… She is back living in Brisbane. From her advertisement (found on page 17 of the rep...
For many years we had been receiving abusive letters through the Australian Post. The Police would say we will investigate this and absolutely nothing...
Thanks so much for your help with this Lachlan, sorry for the delay, I had meant to respond sooner but have been swept up in kids and Christmas and, w...
Hi Warren Thanks for the information you’ve passed along, your report regarding Nancy XXXXXXXX and invoice (which we will attend to promptly). I’ve ...
To everyone who was involved in my case, I would like to express my deepest thank you and appreciation for you quick, efficient and discreet work. Hop...
This is amazing. That you so much. This will significantly assist us in protecting many young people and their families. I and many others are so grat...
Well, I’m very impressed with you & your service. I am retired pretty much now. I don’t ‘need’ a job but your business appeals to me. If you nee...
Morning Lachlan, just wanted to follow up to say thank you for your services. The outcome you provided me was exceptional and this has been the smarte...
Mr. Jarvis Thanks a million!! Yes, It's him. You did it again. 10/10 is the score of your professional service. Kind regards
Dear Warren, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help, support and understanding. Your kind words were most appreciat...
Dear Warren, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help, support and understanding. Your kind words were most appreciate...
Dear Warren, I want to thank you for your professional help. Three of the four charges against me were dismissed yesterday and the Complainants were...
Dear Warren, I want to thank you for your professional help. Three of the four charges against me were dismissed yesterday and the Complainants were c...
Hi Lachlan, Thank you so much for the work you did in relation to finding ****. I have managed to contact him through the **** club and we are now ema...
Hi Lachlan, Thank you so much for the work you did in relation to finding ****. I have managed to contact him through the **** club and we are now ema...
Lachlan, Yes, I’d like to visit Australia one day and experience the climate, desert, outback, and the east and south coast cities. I understand that...
Dear Warren, Your further report and invoice now received. Our client will decline the claim so for the time being we need nothing further from you....
Dear Warren, Your further report and invoice now received. Our client will decline the claim so for the time being we need nothing further from you. I...
Hi Lachlan, thank you very much for finding out the information of his address. Unfortunately **** has left **** and when she gets over the hurt of hi...
Hi Lachlan, thank you very much for finding out the information of his address. Unfortunately **** has left **** and when she gets over the hurt of hi...
Hi Lachlan, Thank you for your work last year, the photos your investigator took were used in evidence and made for creating a very clear picture for...
Hi Lachlan. I just wanted to say thank you, the two addresses and the linkedin account you found were all linked to my Dad and he is over the moon to ...
Thank you Lachlan. It was a pretty tough night didn't sleep a wink. I must mention to you that Robert was fantastic, he can't be faulted, he was very ...
Hi Lachlan I’ve now had a good look at the attachment & you did a very thorough search & used all the information I gave you & I thank yo...
Hi Lachlan I've now had a good look at the attachment & you did a very thorough search & used all the information I gave you & I thank you...
Thank you very much Lachlan you're an absolute gem. We will sit down and discuss our next move and I will let you know. Once again thank you.
Good Morning Mr MALLARD, I have forwarded the document to our Crime Coordinator to make determination in regards to whether handwriting analysis is t...
Good Morning Mr MALLARD, I have forwarded the document to our Crime Coordinator to make determination in regards to whether handwriting analysis is to...
Thank you Lachlan. It was a pretty tough night didn’t sleep a wink. I must mention to you that Robert was fantastic, he can’t be faulted, he was ver...
Hi Warren Thanks for the information you've passed along, your report regarding Nancy XXXXXXXX and invoice (which we will attend to promptly). I've pa...
Hi Lachlan, Thank you for your work last year, the photos your investigator took were used in evidence and made for creating a very clear picture for ...
Well, I'm very impressed with you & your service. I am retired pretty much now. I don't 'need' a job but your business appeals to me. If you need ...
Lachlan, Yes, I'd like to visit Australia one day and experience the climate, desert, outback, and the east and south coast cities. I understand that ...
