A private investigator in the UK typically charges between £40 and £80 per hour, depending on the type of service, complexity of the case, and the experience of the investigator. Some tasks are billed at an hourly rate, while others may be offered at a fixed or daily fee.

Understanding the cost of a private investigator is an important step in deciding whether to move forward. Below, we break down typical pricing, explain what influences the cost, and outline why bespoke quotes are essential for providing real value.

Typical Private Investigation Costs

Private investigation costs vary depending on the service required. Here’s a guide to the most commonly requested services and their starting prices:

Surveillance: From £200 – Charged at £40 per hour, with a 5-hour minimum. This is ideal for gathering evidence on infidelity, fraudulent claims, or employee misconduct.
Background Checks: £150 to £500 – Ranging from basic checks to detailed reports on assets, criminal records, and hidden histories.
Person Tracing: From £150 – We locate missing persons, debtors, or individuals avoiding legal responsibilities.
GPS Vehicle Tracking: From £300 per week – Includes professional fitting, removal, and a full activity report.
Process Serving: From £120 – Includes up to three attempts to serve legal documents, plus proof of service.
Bug Sweeping (TSCM): From £450 – Using professional-grade equipment to detect hidden cameras, microphones, and GPS trackers in homes, vehicles, or offices.

What Affects the Cost of Hiring a Private Investigator?

Several key factors influence how much you’ll pay:

Duration of the Investigation – Longer cases naturally incur higher fees, especially for surveillance tasks.
Location – Travel time and operational environment (urban vs rural) can affect pricing.
Manpower Required – Some operations, particularly surveillance or corporate investigations, may require two or more operatives for effective coverage.
Equipment – Specialist tools like drones, GPS trackers, or digital forensics can add to the cost.
Urgency – Urgent or last-minute jobs may incur a priority fee, especially if they require weekend or evening work.

Bespoke Quotes for Cost-Effective Results

At Prometheus Investigations, no two cases are the same. From suspicious partner investigations to complex corporate surveillance or technical countermeasures, our services are highly diverse. That’s why we never offer a one-size-fits-all price list.

Instead, we provide bespoke quotes tailored to your specific needs. This ensures:

You only pay for what you need – nothing more
Your case is handled with the right level of attention and resources
You receive cost-effective results without compromising on quality or professionalism

During your free consultation, we’ll discuss your situation in detail, recommend the best approach, and outline a clear cost structure. You’ll never be hit with hidden fees or unnecessary extras.

Our goal is to deliver results while maintaining transparency, discretion, and affordability.

Are Private Investigators Worth the Cost?

Hiring a private investigator can feel like a big step, but in many cases, it’s the most effective—and sometimes the only—way to uncover the truth. Whether you’re facing a personal concern, legal dispute, or business issue, the evidence and clarity we provide can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Our clients often tell us that the peace of mind alone is worth the investment. Add to that the value of concrete evidence, and the cost becomes a wise and justified expense.

Get in Touch for a Free Quote

At Prometheus Investigations, we’re committed to transparent pricing, professional results, and total confidentiality. We offer nationwide coverage from our base in Birmingham and can act quickly on urgent cases.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll provide honest advice and a tailored quote that fits your needs and your budget.