Are you interested in finding out more about private investigator prices in the UK? Private investigator prices generally start at £30 to £200+ per hour, depending on factors such as service type, location, and resources.
Here at Global Investigations, we’re often faced with questions regarding the costs related to private investigations. It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact price for investigations until further information is provided. However, no matter the case, we always try to provide clients with the ‘bang for your buck’. To learn more about private investigator prices, continue reading.
What Does a Private Investigator Do?
A private investigator (PI), also referred to as a private detective, is a professional who gathers key information, conducts thorough research, and uncovers businesses or legal teams for private clients via a range of services. These often include background checks, surveillance, computer forensics, and more.
Background Checks
A private investigator conducts background checks on an individual to uncover information about their past. This can include information about their criminal history, employment history, and financial history.
Background checks are often used by employers to screen potential employees or by individuals considering entering into a personal relationship with someone. It’s important to note that our background checks are completed more thoroughly and in-depth compared to your standard DBS check, which most employers would do with a new employee.
Surveillance
Private investigators often conduct surveillance to gather information about an individual or a situation. This can involve following someone around, monitoring their activities, and recording their movements. Surveillance can be useful in cases of infidelity, child custody, and insurance fraud.
Asset Searches
A private investigator plays a major role in asset searches. They’re experienced in conducting comprehensive research and investigations, which often lead to uncovering privately held information, as well as obtaining data from public records. Asset searches are generally used in divorce cases, child support cases, and business disputes.
Process Serving
Process serving is the delivery of legal documents to an individual. This can include summonses, subpoenas, and court orders. Through research and investigation, private investigators can locate people who need to be served documents and will physically deliver the documents in accordance with any relevant legal guidelines.
Investigation of Fraud
A private investigator can investigate allegations of fraud, such as insurance fraud and workers’ compensation fraud. These investigations often involve reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, and conducting surveillance.
Computer Forensics
Computer forensics is the process of using computer science to collect and analyse data for use in a legal case. Private investigators can retrieve deleted files, analyse web browser history, and track down the source of online harassment. Computer forensics is often used in cases of identity theft and cybercrime.
How Much Does a Private Investigator Cost?: Common Private Investigator Costs in the UK
In the UK, private detective prices generally range from £30 to £200+ per hour, depending on service type, complexity, resources, and location. Specific services are offered at fixed fees, whereas others can be at more variable fees. Common investigation services vary from finding an individual to completing background checks.
Let’s take a look at private detective prices here at Global Investigations based on the service type.
1 – Finding Someone
Service cost to find someone, commonly known as tracing, starts from £150+ VAT for a Standard Trace, which generally takes 15-20 days to complete.
However, speed of service is available upon request if urgent. Generally, a portion of the fee is needed upfront (non-refundable) to cover the cost of research and administration, with the remaining amount to be paid when we locate your subject. Full name, date of birth, and previous residential address from the last 5 years are required on a standard fee basis.
If you’re unable to provide all or most of the above, the trace will be called a Limited Information Trace and will incur a higher fee. The above applies to UK-based searches and NOT International searches – International Traces will incur a higher fee, and you must call us for searches outside of the UK.
2 – Completing Background Checks
Our basic checks start at £175+ VAT and can be completed in just a few days, while more detailed investigations cost more.
A great deal of our background checks are in relation to personal matters, and we would always ask that you do not alert the individual by acting any differently or advising them of our intentions. Although we have different packages, a large proportion of our clients have specific requirements and we therefore offer a bespoke service.
Our investigations may include due diligence, specialist database investigations, open-source intelligence, telephone research, discreet enquiries and often physical visits to addresses. If the enquiry needs to be expedited, this will incur further cost, as the company will be asked to drop standard work to prioritise the case to return it in a much faster timeframe.
3 – Following or Watching Someone
Service cost to hire an agent to watch or follow someone, commonly known as covert surveillance, starts from £65+ VAT per agent, per hour, from base to base (dependent on assignment – minimum hours apply). This work will include all photographic footage, evidence and reports.
Overall price depends on location and circumstances, not including expenses like entry fees or the purchase of food or drink if the surveillance is being conducted on licensed premises or in a restaurant.
Additionally, we offer car tracking via our GPS trackers, which start at £30+ VAT per day, depending on how long you require the tracker on the vehicle (for 30 days of tracking – the shorter the time, the higher the cost). An extra fee for an Agent to place and remove the Tracker is applicable, but the possibilities of who is available to do so will need to be verified before we undertake the job.
4 – Finding Out if You’ve Been Scammed
Service cost to find out if you’ve been scammed starts at £695+ VAT, depending heavily on the needs and budget of the client.
In this day and age, scamming is a very big business globally, and the threat is growing. Investigations are usually performed on a capped investigation basis, depending on the amount of information you can provide.
At Global Investigations, we’ve been investigating scam cases for several years. Whether it’s a business scam, such as an investment, cryptocurrency, or romance scam, we can assist. We also offer follow-up work on these cases, depending on any pathways that may open to us. Location and intelligence can be essential, and often a capped fee is the best solution.
Private Detective Prices Summary
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Finding someone | £150 + VAT |
| Background Checks | £175 + VAT |
| Following or watching someone | £65 + VAT |
| Finding out if you’ve been scammed | £695 + VAT |
Main Factors Influencing Private Detective Prices
There are several key factors that may influence private investigator prices.
Hourly Rate
Many private investigators charge by the hour, with certain rates varying based on different factors. While a less experienced investigator will charge less, more advanced and successful private investigators will charge more.
Complexity
Complex and timely cases will result in higher private investigator prices, especially if the case is quite urgent and needs to be completed as soon as possible.
Services
Depending on the type of service you require, costs could increase. This is something to be aware of while considering a private investigator, as some services require more time and, therefore, more money.
Experience
Undoubtedly, the more experienced the private investigator is, the more you’ll be required to pay in fees. However, despite the high price point, it’s generally advised to work with a more qualified and knowledgeable investigator for the best outcome.
Other Additional Expenses
In some cases, additional expenses may contribute to overall private investigator fees, such as travel mileage.
Understanding Private Detective Prices and Fees
Private investigator prices in 2025 are either charged by the hour or in a more bespoke manner. The payment mostly depends on the investigation type, as some take much longer than others. While some charges may appear high, it’s all for good reason.
The more you’re required to pay, the more experienced the investigator is likely to be. Hiring an expert private investigator to complete your case successfully is essential – otherwise, you may not get the results you want. In the long run, working with a reputable investigator will likely lead to enhanced efficiency and great results – saving you both time and money in the long run.
Legal Dos and Don’ts for Private Investigators
Private investigators in the UK must follow certain legal boundaries. While hiring a private investigator, it’s important to understand and be aware of these before getting started.
Dos
- Accessing Public Records – Can access public records to complete accurate background checks
- Performing Background Checks – Can research criminal records, employment details, etc, to gather information for a case
- Using GPS Tracking – Can legally track vehicles with permission using a GPS device
Don’ts
- Arresting Individuals – Cannot arrest or detain anyone
- Hacking – Cannot hack illegally
- Trespassing – Cannot trespass on private property without permission
- Falsely Impersonate – Cannot falsely impersonate as a government body
Tips to Choose the Right Private Investigator for Your Needs
Finding the right private investigator doesn’t need to be difficult. Follow our top tips and considerations to choose the right private investigator for your specific needs:
- Define Your Needs
Think about what type of investigations you need, whether you need surveillance, and if someone is required to locate a person or obtain certain information. Once you’ve defined your needs, you can begin to narrow down your options. - Consider Your Budget
Private detective prices vary, so it’s essential to consider your budget when selecting one. For example, services such as surveillance can be costly, so it may be worth considering an alternative type of investigation if your budget is lower. - Consider Specialised Areas
When it comes to finding key information, finding an investigator who’s both experienced and specialised in a specific field could make all the difference. Private investigators are equipped with unique skills and backgrounds to provide varied levels of expertise, and selecting a well-qualified investigator will increase your chances of better results. - Check References and Reviews
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, make sure to check references and reviews. There is no harm in asking each private investigator for references from previous clients, and when you have those references, follow up with them to ask about their experience. - Check Reputability
Similarly, read reviews to ensure your chosen investigator is reputable and trustworthy, with success in conducting investigations. Reputability also shows how well an investigator can handle your case while providing efficient customer service.
Is it Worth Hiring a Private Investigator?
Yes, it is worth hiring a private investigator!
In most circumstances, hiring a private investigator can be most helpful. They have the relevant skills, knowledge, and expertise to conduct mostly successful investigations to benefit your case. Key benefits of working with a private investigator include:
- Access to expertise
- Years of experience
- Specialised database and technology
- Discretion and confidentiality
- No third parties
- Peace of mind
Contact Global Investigations for Private Detective Hire Today
At Global Investigations, we have a team of highly experienced and dedicated professionals who are ready to help clients across the UK get the results they need quickly and securely. Our private investigation team has been committed to offering confidential and discreet services for over 25 years:
- Reputable and experienced firm
- Members of the ABI
- Outstanding client satisfaction
- Affordable and effective
If you need help with a case and would like to hire a private investigator, please contact our friendly team to discuss how we can help on 08000 733 772. Additionally, we can further discuss our private investigator prices.
FAQs
Is private investigation legal in the UK?
Yes, it is completely legal to hire a private investigator in the UK. Any experienced investigator will know their limits and legal boundaries to adhere to strict standards.
Can I get a free consultation from a private investigator?
Yes, many private investigators offer a free consultation to better understand your case. At Global Investigations, we offer free consultations to potential clients seeking our services.
Is hiring a private investigator considered harassment?
No, hiring a private investigator is not considered harassment, as long as they adhere to strict legal laws and remain respectful to certain privacy rights.