Hiring a private investigator (PI) is a crucial step in gathering the objective facts you need to make critical legal, financial, or personal decisions. Whether you are an attorney seeking litigation support, a claims examiner validating a case, or a private individual needing discreet information, selecting the right investigative partner is paramount.

This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you, the client, with everything you need to know about the process, costs, and expectations when retaining a professional private investigator.

Where Do You Start? The First Steps to an Investigation

When you realize you need a PI, the first step is always research, not immediate action. The investigative industry covers a vast array of specialties, and the right professional for a child custody case may not be the best fit for corporate due diligence.

1. Define Your Goal and Your Needs

Before calling any firm, clearly articulate what you need to know and what purpose the information will serve.

• Is it for court? Evidence must be legally obtained (lawful surveillance, public record searches, etc.).
• Is it for a decision? (e.g., vetting a business partner, hiring a key executive).
• Is it a high-risk situation? If your case involves serious criminal activity, your first, safest, and most cost-effective option may be contacting law enforcement.

2. Seek Specialization

Look for a firm whose primary expertise aligns with your needs. A full-service agency, like R&D Investigations, will list its specializations, such as:

• Insurance Investigations & Surveillance
• Legal Investigations & Litigation Support
• Corporate & Business Investigations (Due Diligence, Executive Backgrounds)
• Personal & Private Investigations (Child Custody, Missing Persons)

3. License and Insurance Verification

The single most important step in the vetting process is ensuring the PI or firm is properly licensed, bonded, and insured in your jurisdiction. State and provincial laws vary widely, and most regulatory bodies maintain an online portal to verify licensure. You may also ask a potential investigative partner to provide proof of their license and insurance. This protects you, ensures the PI is accountable, and, crucially, guarantees that any evidence gathered is obtained legally and is admissible in court. 

How Much Do Private Investigators Cost?

Unlike many services, private investigation is billed for time and expertise, not for guaranteed results. This is critical to understand: an investigator is paid for the hours spent on a case, regardless of whether they successfully capture the desired evidence (such as a subject engaging in activity or locating a missing person).

Typical Cost Structure:

1. Hourly Rate: This is the standard billing method. While prices vary by region, experience, and specialization, expect a minimum rate of $100 per hour in most areas of the U.S. Complex or high-risk cases may command significantly higher rates.
2. Minimum Retainer: Most firms will require an upfront retainer, or minimum deposit, before work begins. This is an estimate of the initial hours and expenses required to start. Depending on the scope, this can easily start at $1,000 or more.
3. Expenses: You are typically billed for pre-authorized expenses, which may include:
   • Mileage (often billed separately from the hourly rate).
   • Special equipment rental or fees (e.g., specialized databases).
   • Court/filing fees, if applicable.

Protecting Yourself with a Contract:

A professional firm will always provide a detailed written contract. To ensure transparency and manage your budget, the contract should explicitly state:

• The services being provided.
• The exact cost per hour.
• Pre-discussed budget amount and confirmation that the firm will notify you before exceeding that amount

What Should I Look for in Different Private Investigative Firms?

Beyond specialization and cost, the quality of a firm rests on its professionalism, ethical standards, and ability to deliver clear, credible findings.

Area of Inquiry	Why It Matters	Must-Ask Questions
Licensing & Insurance	Guarantees legal compliance and protects you from liability.	“What is your license number and regulatory body?”
Legal Compliance	Evidence gathered illegally (e.g., unauthorized access to private messages, hacking, or ‘pinging’ a cell phone) will be thrown out of court, potentially leading to criminal charges.	“What legal methods do you use to obtain digital information?”
Experience & Specialization	A history in a specific field (e.g., former law enforcement for criminal defense, or claims background for insurance cases) ensures expertise.	“Have you handled a case like mine before? What was the outcome?”
Reporting & Communication	The final report must be professional, detailed, and ready for use in court or business decisions.	“What format is your final report in? Will the investigator testify in court if needed?”
Discretion	Protecting your confidentiality and the integrity of the investigation is crucial.	“How do you ensure discretion and confidentiality during the investigation and reporting?”

What Even Are My Options? Understanding PI Services

Private investigators possess advanced skills and access to resources beyond what the average client can achieve. They utilize legal, sophisticated methods to uncover facts.

Investigative Service	What It Entails	Purpose
Surveillance	Discreet, physical observation to document a subject’s activities via video, photo, or written log. Includes manned and unmanned methods.	Verifying claims (workers’ comp, disability), documenting infidelity, or establishing lifestyle/routine for legal cases.
Background Checks	Goes beyond simple online searches. Includes deep dives into public records, litigation history, financial assets, driving history, and professional licenses.	Due diligence for hiring, vetting business partners, or assessing an opposing party in court.
Asset Searches	Locating and documenting tangible or intangible assets held by an individual or corporation (e.g., property, vehicles, businesses, bank accounts—where legally permissible).	Used in divorce, debt collection, or judgment recovery proceedings.
Social Media Investigations	Legally researching and archiving content from public social media profiles and online activities.	Gathering evidence of activity, lifestyle, or conflicting statements for insurance or legal matters.
Witness Interviews & Locates	Finding, interviewing, and obtaining written or recorded statements from key witnesses.	Essential for civil and criminal litigation support.

In Conclusion

A great investigative firm should not only conduct the investigation but also offer insights, ensuring you have the “clear, credible findings you can stand behind.” By prioritizing professionalism, understanding the contract, and vetting their experience, you can forge a successful partnership and move forward with confidence.