15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Private Investigator

1. What is your license number, and in which states are you licensed?
2. Are you insured and bonded?
3. How many cases like mine have you handled?
4. Who will actually do the work — you or a subcontractor?
5. What is your hourly rate, and is there a minimum per day?
6. How much is the retainer, and is unused retainer refundable?
7. How do you bill mileage, database searches and other expenses?
8. Can we set a budget cap?
9. How and how often will you report progress?
10. Will I receive photos/video and a written report?
11. Have you testified in court, and do you charge for testimony?
12. How do you keep my case confidential?
13. What are the legal limits for my type of case in this state?
14. What happens if you can't get results?
15. Can you provide references or point me to your reviews?

Sources

• Bark – Private Investigator Costs 2026 ($68–$125/hr average; background checks $100–$900; locating a person $700–$1,200; asset discovery $1,000–$1,600; surveillance $600–$1,600/day)
• HireSecurityNow – Hiring a Private Investigator (2026) ($75–$200/hr general; $90–$175/hr surveillance; retainers $1,500–$5,000; 3–6 hr minimums)
• NearbySpy – PI Cost 2026 ($100–$150/hr typical; custody/infidelity cases $1,500–$5,000; rush adds 25–100%)
• ServeCircuit – Process Server Rate Guide 2026 ($65–$125 routine; $100–$250 rush; $150–$400 skip trace + serve)
• U.S. BEA – Regional Price Parities by State (used for state adjustments)
• IRS – Standard Mileage Rates

Last checked October 2026.