Why People Hire Private Detectives and the Cost Implications

Private detectives offer a wide range of investigative services, from insurance fraud and criminal cases to personal matters such as infidelity and missing persons. While the reasons for hiring a private detective can vary widely, some of the most common include:

Key Reasons for Hiring a Private Detective

Insurance Fraud

Private detectives are frequently hired to investigate claims of insurance fraud, particularly in workmen's comp and personal injury cases. These investigations can range from surveillance to document verification and can be costly, often depending on the complexity of the case.

Auto Accident Reconstruction

When it comes to complex criminal or civil cases, private detectives can provide critical support through accident reconstruction and other forms of forensic investigation. This is especially important for proving or disproving claims of negligence.

Background Checks for Employers

Companies may hire private detectives for background checks to verify the employment history, criminal record, and other details of potential hires. This ensures that businesses make informed hiring decisions and protect their interests.

Domestic Cases

Private detectives help verify allegations of infidelity, which can be challenging to prove. They may also assist in custody cases, helping to gather evidence to support or refute claims regarding a parent's fitness to care for a child.

Loss Prevention in Retail Businesses

For retail businesses, missing persons cases can involve uncovering instances of shoplifting or other forms of loss. Private detectives can conduct surveillance and gather evidence to prevent further losses and protect business assets.

Finding Missing Persons

Private detectives can assist in locating long-lost friends, relatives, or even biological family members. These cases can be emotionally challenging and require thorough investigation and sometimes strategies to locate individuals.

The Cost of Hiring a Private Detective

The cost of hiring a private detective can vary widely and is not typically standardized. Factors affecting the cost include the type of case, the amount of time required, and any additional expenses such as travel and equipment rental. The article below provides insight into some of the costs and considerations.

A Personal Perspective

Wendy Saslows, a former private investigator, shares her experience in the field. She explains that the cost can vary significantly based on the type of case. For example, cases involving insurance fraud, domestic issues, and surveillance tend to be more expensive due to hourly rates and additional expenses such as mileage and gas.

Wendy gives an example of her experience with a client in Rhode Island. A claimant was suspected of faking injuries, and Wendy followed him back and forth multiple times before gathering enough evidence to confirm the fraud. This case took several months of surveillance and was one of the more costly in her career.

For domestic cases, the cost can also vary. Once proof of the infidelity is established, the client may decide to request the investigation to cease, as it is not as critical as in fraud cases. However, in fraud cases, the investigation can continue for as long as necessary, depending on the circumstances.

Background checks, on the other hand, may be a flat fee that includes the necessary expenses. For example, Linda, a private investigator, often handled domestic and child custody cases, where the cost of the investigation already included fees for DMV records and other relevant documentation.

Conclusion

When considering hiring a private detective, it is important to understand the potential costs and the nature of the investigation. It is recommended to call around and speak with multiple private investigators to determine the best fit for your specific needs and budget.

For more detailed information on this topic, you may refer to the following sources:

Wendy Saslows' Post in No Filter Necessary Linda's Experience with Domestic and Child Custody Cases

By understanding the main reasons for hiring a private detective and the potential cost implications, you can make an informed decision and find the right service provider to meet your investigative needs.