Private investigator pricing
Standard investigations are priced flat-fee where possible. Custom matters are scoped in writing before work begins — you will never start without a written quote.
How much does a private investigator cost?
At Howler, standard background investigations start at $299, locate investigations at $499, asset investigations at $750, and process serving at $125. These are starting fees for different services, not an estimate for every investigation. Your objective and the agreed scope determine the final quote.
Standard work is priced as a flat fee where possible. Custom investigations are quoted after a free consultation; when hourly terms apply, the rate is $250/hour. Use the service cards below to compare the work and deliverables before choosing a starting point.
Standard flat-fee services
Published starting prices for our most common engagements. Final fee confirmed in your written scope before work starts.
Common variants
Some use cases price above the category floor. Pre-employment, pre-marital, and tenant screens start at $299 with the standard background package.
Custom-scoped investigations
Quoted in writing after a free consultation. Custom work bills at $250/hour.
Accident & Death Investigations
Custom quoteScoped per case
Independent investigation of accidents and deaths. Vehicle accident reconstruction, accidental death review, second-look investigations for families who have questions the coroner's report did not answer, wrongful-death evidence gathering for civil claims, and insurance-related death claim investigations.
Legal & Litigation Investigations
Custom quoteScoped per case
Investigation support for attorneys and litigants. Pre-suit investigation, witness location and statements, asset checks for collectibility, background investigations on parties and counsel, evidence gathering for civil matters, and case file analysis.
What can change the total investigation cost?
A starting price is useful only when the service fits your question. The written scope confirms the work, deliverable, timeline, and final fee before work starts. Discuss these details during your consultation:
- The question you need answered. A standard background check differs from business partner due diligence; an asset check differs from tracing a complex asset trail.
- The people, entities, and records involved. Identify the subjects, relevant locations, available identifiers, and records you already have so the quote reflects the research needed.
- Field work and delivery needs. Explain whether you need records research, physical verification, witness work, or a particular deadline. Ask whether your request needs a custom scope.
What is included, and what should I confirm?
Each service card describes the starting package. Follow its details link to review the research and work product for that service. For example, the standard background package describes identity verification, records and employment checks, and a sourced PDF report.
Before signing, ask whether record retrieval, travel, third-party charges, or expedited work would apply to your matter and whether they are included in the quoted fee. Any rush availability or fee should be confirmed for your specific request; the published starting price does not establish rush terms.
How can I plan and control my budget?
- Bring one clear objective, your deadline, and the information you already have.
- Ask for a written scope showing the deliverable, fee basis, and any separate expenses.
- For hourly work, ask for estimated hours and discuss a spending limit or review point.
- Confirm how any additional work and its cost would be approved in writing.
Book a free scoping call to identify the service that fits your question and request a written quote.