Hiring a private investigator can be very expensive, especially for rare cases like missing persons. The average cost of hiring a private investigator in Australia is $70-$120 per hour. However, the cost will largely depend on the type of case, the location, and the experience of the investigator.

If you’re planning on hiring a private investigator in Australia, you should expect a bill of at least $1,000 for a basic investigation. However, if your case is more complicated or time-consuming, the cost could be significantly higher. For instance, if you’re hiring an investigator to track someone down who doesn’t want to be found, the bill could be several thousand dollars.

In this article, we will walk you through some of the average costs of hiring a private investigator in Australia. We’ll also provide some details on what makes it so expensive to hire an investigator, as well as some tips on how to save money.

What Makes Private Investigators So Expensive?

The cost of hiring a private investigator can be quite high, especially when compared to other types of service providers. There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of private investigators:

1. The cost of licensing.

In order to work as a private investigator in Australia, you must have a license. The process of obtaining a license can be quite expensive, and it requires passing a background check and completing a training course.

Usually, in order to become a licensed private investigator, you must first work as an apprentice for two years. During this time, you will be paid a lower wage while you learn the ropes. After you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you will then need to take a licensing exam. The cost of the exam can vary, but it is typically around $500.

2. The cost of insurance.

Private investigators must carry professional liability insurance in case they’re sued for negligence or if they cause damage to their client’s property. The cost of this insurance can be quite high, and it is often passed on to the client in the form of higher rates.

You may think that this is an unnecessary expense, but it is actually very important. If an investigator makes a mistake during an investigation, the insurance will help to cover any damages that are caused.

3. The cost of equipment.

Private investigators use a lot of expensive equipment, such as surveillance cameras, listening devices, and GPS tracking devices. The cost of this equipment can be quite high, and it is often passed on to the client in the form of higher rates.

In addition to the cost of equipment, private investigators also have to pay for things like gas and car insurance. Overall, the cost of equipment would vary depending on the specialization of the investigator but it would still be a significant expense.

4. Time

Generally, private investigators are paid per hour, which means that the longer an investigation takes, the more it will cost. This is one of the biggest factors that contribute to the high cost of private investigators.

For example, if you’re hiring an investigator to track down someone who doesn’t want to be found, it could take weeks or even months to find that person. In contrast, if you’re hiring an investigator to conduct a background check on someone, the investigation could be completed in just a few hours.

5. Risk

Private investigators often put themselves in dangerous situations, and this can be quite costly. For example, if an investigator is following someone who is suspected of being involved in criminal activity, there is always the risk that the person could turn violent. In addition, if an investigator is working on a case that requires surveillance, there is always the risk of being caught and arrested.

Overall, the cost of hiring a private investigator can be quite high. However, there are ways to save money on the cost of an investigation.

Tips on How to Save Money When Hiring a Private Investigator

1. Do your own research.

If you’re hiring a private investigator to do something like a background check, you may be able to do some of the work yourself. For example, you could start by doing an online search of the person’s name. This could turn up information like criminal records, court documents, and social media profiles.

2. Hire a local investigator.

The cost of hiring a private investigator can vary depending on where you live. In general, investigators who work in larger cities tend to be more expensive than those who work in smaller towns.

3. Get multiple quotes.

When you’re shopping around for a private investigator, it’s important to get multiple quotes. This will help you to compare the cost of different investigators and make sure that you’re getting the best possible deal.

4. Be up front about your budget.

When you’re talking to potential investigators, be up front about your budget. This will help to ensure that you’re only getting quotes from investigators who are willing to work within your budget.

Hire A Private Investigator Today!

Most people wouldn’t understand how costly it is to hire a private investigator until they are in a situation where they need one. However, it’s important to remember that the cost of an investigation can vary depending on the type of work that needs to be done. It’s performed by skilled and licensed professionals, so the costs can be high.

At Sydney Private Investigators, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible deal on your investigation. We are a team of highly experienced and qualified investigators who are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible service. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and get a free quote.