How much does a private investigator cost? People ask this in many ways when doing a google search, the only answer is it depends on location. Larger cities have more demand for services which drives up costs. On the flip side a very rural setting is going to require someone drive a distance to complete your case. You also have to consider if they are a national firm which hires subcontractors and they adjust prices based on what sub-contractor they have in that area. The travel distance to the site of the investigation also adds to cost. Similarly each firm has overhead and operational costs that factor into their rate.
Just like a car mechanic, lawyer and doctor. The integrity of those individuals or firms should dictate a standard hourly rate for any similar case. We do not charge more simply because we feel that we can. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching.
Budenz investigations in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne charge the same rates for each case type, the only thing that causes variations is travel and unusual costs incurred between 2 different case which is spelled out in our contracts.
When getting a quote from an investigations firm, ASK if the billing starts when they arrive at a location or what travel costs you are going to be billed for. Also Make sure you have a contract spelling out the agreement. You don’t want to be surprised by a huge bill that has been run up on what you believed was a simple 1 or 2 day contract. You should control the expenditures and have steps in place to hold them in check.
Please contact us with any particular questions. And as we tell people get two quotes, talk with the guy working the case and make sure you are comfortable with them and their service.
