FAQ_
How much does a private investigator cost?
For surveillance-based investigations (cheating spouses, child custody, etc.) in the state of North Carolina the going rate is around $75 an hour for one investigator. Depending on the agency, there may be additional charges for mileage, travel, expenses, and administrative time. At A List Investigations, we charge a flat-rate of $125.00 hour with a 4-hour minimum requirement, with mileage (under 100 miles), travel, and report included. So you can expect to budget for a minimum of $500 to start any surveillance-based investigation, and $125.00 for each additional hour.
Do I have to pay for the entire investigation up front?
It varies among agencies. Some will offer an estimated cost for the entire investigation, usually using a daily rate, and require the entire payment up front. But you can almost always expect to pay at least some retainer up front before the investigation starts. At A List Investigations, we offer a simple pay-as-you-go option, broken down into simple 4 to 8 hour blocks that can easily be paid through our website.
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What should I look for when hiring a private investigator?
The landscape can be tricky, and full of deceptive marketing, for that reason, word-of-mouth referrals are probably best. If you know someone who has used a private investigator and had a positive experience, you should try to use that person. If you know an attorney who uses investigators, you can ask them as well.
In North Carolina private investigation agencies are required to display their license number on all marketing materials, our license number is #NC897593, and they all follow that format. So if you don’t see the license number on their website, move on immediately.
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I suggest using a local agency they know the area best. They have knowledge of restaurants, bars, hotels, as well as the traffic (exits, lights, changes in construction, parallel roads…the nuances of following someone are endless). And lastly, if they’re close by, you can actually meet with them.
