SPI's Private Detective Costs
Sentry Private Investigator's professional services are offered at highly competitive industry rates.
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How Much is a Private Detective in the UK?
When asking, how much does a private detective cost in the UK, it’s important to understand the several factors that influence pricing and the costs involved when you hire a private investigator. Sentry Private Investigators charge fees which vary based on the complexity of the case, the duration if expected to run over a long period, the location, the techniques implemented and the equipment used which all can increase the overall cost of the private investigation. We offer services at hourly rates; surveillance with cheating partner cases for example, and other services with fixed fees. The final cost is determined by several other factors including the nature of the private investigation services being provided and the resources required to complete it. Additional costs such as travel expenses, operational expenses, admission fees and equipment may also be included if deemed necessary. Clients should expect to pay for extra expenses incurred by expert private detectives, but they should always be made fully aware of them and discussed in detail upfront. This applies to both private, and corporate investigations. Service fees can mount up as investigations progress when be charged per hour, making it important to obtain an estimate for UK private investigator services when engaging and before hiring. Sentry Private Investigators offer cost effective solutions by tailoring services at competitive rates against other industry private investigator costs. We aim to keep costs low, affordable and fair. Our private detective prices are entirely transparent with no hidden costs or unexpected charges. All investigation costs and pricing structures are discussed in detail during consultations. This leaves clients with a clear understanding of pricing before engaging with Sentry Private Investigators.
SPI's UK Private Investigation Prices
So, how much does a private investigator cost in the UK? Below, is our baseline list of rates we charge per hour, and set fee guides which you can expect to pay. If you are questioning how much does it cost in total, SPI will assess the scope of the investigation and provide information as to whether other types of services may require consideration, which you will ultimately decide whether or not to proceed with.
Covert Surveillance Services
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X1 agent / 1-5 hours: £349
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Additional hours: £60 per hour
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X2 agents / 1-5 hours: £590
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Additional hours: £118 per hour
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Additional Expenses: TBC where applicable
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Includes: Static or mobile 5 hour surveillance services at standard hourly rate, expert private investigators in the UK, operational video evidence and stills imagery providing a comprehensive overview of the surveillance findings. Task commentary included. Formal reports (suitable for legal submission) charged at £60. For long term surveillance tasks which are charged per hour, and certain fixed fee services, please contact us for hourly rate adjustments if applicable. Minor expenses will be covered within the fee. Additional costs for larger operational expenses will be charged at the discretion of Sentry Private Investigators.
Bug Sweeping Services
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Vehicles: £349
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Small Property (1 bed): £549 - (2 bed): £599
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Medium Property (3 bed): £699 - (4 bed): £749
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Large Property (5+ bed): From £999
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Offices: Fees start from £599
Includes: Private/business property bug sweeping, vehicle bug sweeping, analysis through military grade TSCM equipment, formal reporting
Additional charges will apply for private detective TSCM services outside of normal areas of operation.
People Tracing Fixed Fees
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From: £129
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No find, no fee (terms apply)
Includes: Subject identification, current address/occupancy data, telephone searches, Email sweeps, linked addresses, and, where appropriate, checks for criminal records as part of the tracing process. Report complete within 24 hours. Suitable for locating missing friends or long lost family members, to trace debtors or for beneficiary purposes.
GPS Vehicle Tracking Rates
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Cost to Hire Per week: £299
Includes: GPS tracking device deployment/retrieval, panel monitoring, live updates. GPS vehicle tracking can help generate a valuable and cost effective investigative lead for your case, especially with cheating partner investigations. Please note, we do not offer GPS tracking services at per hour rates.
Background Checks and Asset Tracing Fees
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From: £449
Includes: Digital Profile, Behavioural Insights, Social Influences, Potential Threats, Security Recommendations, Digital Footprint Scan, Phone Number Intelligence, Email Intelligence, Username Intelligence, Social Media Intelligence, Facial Recognition, Dark Web Scan, World Compliance Data Base and more. Background checks can provide a crucial investigative lead to support your UK private investigation.
Static Camera Deployment Fixed Fees
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Outdoor Hiring Per Week: £299
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Indoor Hiring Per Week: £399
Includes: Camera deployment/retrieval, panel monitoring, live updates
Advertised price is based on a single full battery use which lasts approximately 1 week, dependent on level of activity in the area of deployment. Static camera deployments require suitability assessments conducted by Sentry Private Investigators prior to provision on service.
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From: £349
Includes: Experienced private investigator in the UK, detailed report, stills imagery, video imagery
Process Serving Fixed Fees
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Standard Service: £299
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Urgent Service (24 hours): £399
Includes: X2 attempts at serve, N215 Certificate
Accepted Legal Documents: Claim Forms - Court Summons - Writs - Court Orders - Statutory Demands - Bankruptcy & Winding Up Petitions - Family & Children Proceedings, Non Molestation Orders - Witness Summons - Divorce Proceedings - Injunctions or Prohibited Steps Orders
Administrative Tasks Rates
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Per Hour: £60
Includes: Report writing, video editing, audio reviewing, OSINT gathering, social media searches
Admin task are charged at the standard hourly rate. Other private investigator costs can be incurred dependent on the task required. Quotations will be provided prior to commencement of work.
Why Choosing an ABI or IPI Member Investigator Offers Better Value for Your Money
It is important to understand that not all reputable private investigators in the UK operate to the same professional standards. Hiring a private investigator who is a member of the Association of British Investigators (ABI) or the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI) ensures you’re working with verified, accountable, and ethically governed professionals. In order to maintain memberships, UK private detectives require rigorous vetting, background checks, and adherence to strict codes of conduct which gives clients peace of mind that their money is being spent on legitimate, lawful, and cost effective investigation services. While some detectives in the UK private investigations industry may advertise lower prices; or in some cases, much higher prices, this often comes at the cost of reliability, legality, and professionalism. Private detectives without memberships are not bound by the same ethical framework or data protection standards, which could place both the client and the case at risk. ABI and IPI members, however, maintain full compliance with UK privacy laws and professional best practices to ensure that all evidence obtained is legally admissible and ethically sourced. In short, choosing ABI and IPI-accredited investigators at Sentry Private Investigators is a smart financial decision. You will pay a fair and transparent rate, but you’re also investing in verified expertise, confidentiality, and credibility, qualities that protect your interests and ensure genuine value for every pound spent. Without government imposed industry regulation, hiring a private investigator in the UK that you have never worked with before can be risky. Sentry Private Investigators remove the risk by ensuring quality and reputable services are delivered with each case.
Discounted Private Investigator Prices UK
Services provided by Sentry Private Investigators stem from former military careers with HM Forces. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and we proudly support serving and veteran personnel. To that end, our UK private investigator services are charged with 10% discounts for services charged per hour and flat fee services. Private investigator costs can be expensive and hiring a private detective itself can be often a difficult decision to make, but we want to lighten the burden for our serving and former military personnel. We regularly review specific service rates to ensure our UK private detective costs remain competitive against other private investigators in the UK. At Sentry Private Investigators, our military background forms the foundation of our professionalism, discipline and integrity. The skills gained through years of service with the British Army, such as attention to detail, operational planning, and situational awareness, translate directly into the precision and reliability of our investigative work. By extending our 10% discount to both serving and veteran personnel when hiring a private investigator in the UK with SPI, we aim to give back to those who have served our nation. This discount applies to our corporate investigations also. We simply ask military personnel to disclose their current status and service numbers during the free initial consultation. Our commitment goes beyond pricing; our private detectives continuously strive to provide a trusted, confidential, and results-driven service. Sentry Private Investigators are proud to stand beside the Armed Forces community, supporting them with respect and dedication. Get in touch with us for a confidential consultation to find out how we can support you.
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No Hidden Fees and Absolute Transparency
When hiring a private investigator in the UK, transparency is crucial to ensuring you know exactly what you're paying for to prevent any unexpected expenses. How much does it cost to hire a private investigator for an evening? During the initial consultation, SPI's professional private detectives will provide a clear and detailed breakdown of our charges and per hour rates, including any additional fees for specific services such as vehicle tracking or people tracing. This level of openness allows you to make an informed decision and ensure you receive the services you expect from experienced investigators for the price you pay.
Before You Commit
Before committing to any investigation with a private detective, it's vital to discuss your objectives with your private investigator during the free initial consultation. This conversation will help you understand the level of experienced investigators needed, the sensitivity of your case, and the resources required that may be deployed. By having these discussions upfront, you can set clear expectations and avoid breakdowns in communication before hiring a private investigator in the UK.
All Services and Prices Outlined from the Offset
Professional private detectives at Sentry Private Investigators are committed to integrity and transparency in our operations. We will outline all potential unexpected charges, including those for background checks, intelligence gathering, or tracing missing persons. In addition to our main service fees, costs for items such as travel time, equipment and other assets to be deployed, or database access may be charged for, but we will always inform you of these expenses in advance so you can budget accordingly and ensure there are no hidden charges lurking about. We want to make the process of hiring a private investigator in the UK as simple and stress free as possible.
Private Investigation Service Prices Can Vary
Private investigator costs can vary depending on the nature and complexity of the investigation, the level of expertise required, the specific services you need and other several factors that must be considered. Asking how much does a private investigator cost can be a broad question without a simple answer. Sentry Private Investigators offer flat fees for certain services but hourly rates for others. It's important to understand how much time may be required for your investigation and other specialised services you may require. You should always ask questions about any charges you are unsure of. We pride ourselves on transparency and we ensure our clients have a complete understanding the costs involved prior to each investigation.
Confidence With Professional Association Membership
SPI's reputable private investigators are members of recognised UK industry associations, and we adhere to strict codes of conduct. This commitment to professional standards gives you peace of mind and the confidence that you'll receive the highest level of investigative service required when hiring a private investigator at SPI.
Pricing Structures and Potential Outcomes
In addition to ensuring you have a clear understanding of the pricing structure and what we charge per hour, before you hire a UK private investigator at SPI, we will also discuss the potential outcomes of your investigation or surveillance operation. Whether you're seeking to gather intelligence, conduct background checks, or a bug sweep of your property, having a clear understanding of the private investigation and what could potentially unfold will help you plan ahead and achieve your objectives. Our experienced investigators in the UK have a wealth of knowledge to asses a situation and provide the best advice leading to effective courses of action which will be outlined during the free initial consultation.
Maintaining Communication Throughout
Ultimately, when hiring a private investigator in the UK, the best way to ensure transparency is to maintain open communication when engaging private detective services, from the initial consultation and throughout the operation. We understand constant communication with a private investigator can be in an issue in certain situations, so we will work around these issues by providing the information you need a discreet manner if necessary, as any professional investigator should. Furthermore, don't hesitate to ask questions. By doing so, you can be confident that you're receiving the best possible value, service quality and support for your money, with no hidden fees or surprises getting in the way of your investigation. As we charge for certain services per hour, every effort must be made to ensure communication flows. We will always go the extra mile for clients, but if communication stops when the hours have run their course, we will also stop.
Private Investigation Additional Expenses
If you are asking how much does a private investigator cost, you will need to consider the baseline prices for hourly rates or fixed fees, but also the additional expenses that may be involved. In most cases, Sentry Private Investigators includes minor operational expenses within the standard fee. This is not something we can say for many other private investigator companies in the industry. The fee usually accounts for local mileage, routine parking fees, and occasional tolls. SPI consider these everyday costs as part of normal investigative activity and are not typically billed separately. However, when an investigation requires extensive travel outside the local service area, admission tickets are required or dining expenses are necessary for example, additional charges may apply. These larger or unexpected expenses are always reviewed and applied at the sole discretion of Sentry Private Investigators. How much does a private investigator spend on larger expenses? SPI aim to keep expense costs as low, but as reasonable as possible. To ensure fairness and transparency, when hiring a private investigator at SPI, clients are always informed by our expert private detectives in advance, or during the confidential consultation prior to commencement of services. Supplementary other costs are fully itemised on final invoices for clarity and accountability.
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Extensive Travel and Mileage Expenses
Clients are responsible for reimbursing Sentry Private Investigators with extensive travel-related costs such as train journeys, taxi costs and flights. These expenses are billed when investigators must travel outside standard service areas or conduct prolonged mobile surveillance. Relevant expenses are applied at the same rate paid by the private detective at the time of the investigation.
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Overnight Accommodation Expenses
If our private investigators require overnight stays in a city centre, or extended assignments in another region, accommodation and other supplement costs will apply as expenses. These expenses ensure SPI can maintain continuous coverage and operational readiness. All lodging and subsistence charges are itemised, and clients are billed only for verified, legitimate costs incurred during fieldwork.
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Specialised Technical Equipment
Certain cases may require the use of specialised surveillance or tracking tools such as GPS devices, hidden cameras, night-vision optics, advanced recording systems or many other different resources. These device deployments are typically conducted as separate services and clients, under Sentry Private Investigators discretion will charged for rental or procurement fees. This ensures access to high-quality, case-specific technology when needed.
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Database Access Costs
Investigations often involve accessing premium databases for background checks, asset searches, or locating individuals. These systems charge private investigators for each search or subscription fee, which is billed directly to the client. These databases provide accurate, up-to-date intelligence beyond what is publicly available, supporting the thoroughness and reliability of investigative results.
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Document and Certificate Filing Fees
When investigations result in legal action or require official documentation, clients will incur expenses for court filings, document certifications, or notarisations. These administrative costs are paid to third parties such as government registries or legal offices. Sentry Private Investigators ensure all findings and evidence are properly filed, authenticated, and legally admissible.
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Reports and Administrative Task Costs
While digital reports are included with certain services, some clients request detailed reports and other administrative work outside of the normal scope from professional investigators. These tasks require additional work and preparation time. Each report is carefully formatted, verified, and securely delivered by Sentry Private Investigators to maintain confidentiality and evidentiary standards.
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Third-Party Specialists Fees
Certain investigations require collaboration with external experts, such as digital forensics analysts, cybersecurity specialists, handwriting examiners, legal consultants, matrimonial specialists or simply other experienced private investigators. When such specialists are engaged, their professional fees are passed through to the client. This ensures that complex cases receive comprehensive expertise beyond the standard scope of field investigation.
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Surveillance Operation Overtime Rates
Surveillance often extends into nights, weekends, or holidays when subjects are most active. Because these assignments require additional manpower and risk, overtime rates charged per hour will apply. These fees cover extended operational hours, fatigue management, and enhanced security measures to protect both private investigators and quality of gathered evidence.
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Venue Admission Fees
When private investigators require entry to venues such as concerts, clubs, sporting events, or conferences, any admission or access fees will be charged to the client. These other costs are necessary for effective surveillance and evidence gathering and are only incurred when directly relevant to the investigation’s objectives. This expense is often incurred by our infidelity detectives when investigating a cheating husband or wife.
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Venue Operational Expenses
During surveillance and other investigative activities, private investigators may need to enter restaurants, cafés, or bars to maintain visual contact with a subject. In such cases, the purchase of meals or drinks may be necessary to avoid drawing attention. These reasonable expenses are billed to the client only when essential to the investigation’s continuity and discretion.
Contact Us to Discuss Our Private investigator costs
How much does it cost to hire a private investigator? Call us for a free, no-obligation consultation and speak directly with one of our experienced private investigators. We’ll discuss your situation in complete confidence, outline potential strategies, and provide clear guidance on costs and timelines. This initial consultation allows you to make decisions without any pressure from our private detectives.
Inquire with a confidential email and receive a discreet, professional response from our team. We treat every email with the highest level of privacy and sensitivity, ensuring your personal or business concerns remain secure. Our expert private investigators will provide guidance, answer questions, and outline potential investigative options tailored to your needs with a free quote.
Private Investigation Payment Methods
At Sentry Private Investigators, we strive to make payment for our services as simple, secure, and convenient as possible. We accept bank transfers, allowing clients to pay directly from their accounts in a safe and traceable manner. For card payments, our private detective agency use Stripe, a trusted and secure payment platform which enables clients to pay via debit or credit card with full encryption and protection. Stripe also allows payments to be made quickly and efficiently, providing peace of mind for clients who prefer card transactions. Discreet transactions may be essential in certain situations when hiring a private investigator in the UK. Sentry Private Investigators can accept cash payments. This option is available for clients who require confidentiality or wish to avoid digital traces of payment. Cash payments are handled carefully and documented appropriately to ensure accountability and compliance with our professional standards.
All services provided by Sentry Private Investigators are invoiced for, and clients can pay directly via the invoice with the provided link. This ensures clarity, transparency, and easy record-keeping for both parties. Our flexible payment methods are designed to accommodate client needs while maintaining the highest levels of security, confidentiality, and convenience, making it simple to access professional services without unnecessary complications or delays. To note, we require full payment up front for most private investigation services. This includes set fee services, hourly rate services and where resources required are beyond are standard fees. Should a surveillance operation extend beyond the initially agreed time frame, SPI will invoice at the agreed rate per hour during the operation to enable undisrupted observations.
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Debit/Credit Card Payments
We accept all major credit/debit card payments via our secure Stripe payment system. Payments can be made via invoice URL link.
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Bank Transfer Payments
Bank Transfers are accepted. Payment details will be provided upon invoicing.
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Cash Payments
For confidentiality reasons, we accept cash payments under certain circumstances.
Trusted, Secure, and Professionally Accredited: Why Your Payment is Safe with Sentry Private Investigators
Hiring a private investigator is not something to take lightly. At Sentry Private Investigators, client trust and credibility are at the core of everything we do. Over the years, our private detective agency has supported hundreds of clients across the UK, consistently delivering professional, discreet, and reliable services. Client satisfaction with standard of service and fair hourly rates reflect our commitment to transparency, integrity, and results. Payments with SPI are completely safe and secure. We offer bank transfers, card payments via the trusted Stripe platform, and, in specific cases requiring discretion, cash payments. All transactions are carefully documented, giving clients peace of mind. Additionally, Sentry Private Investigators are professionally associated with both the Association of British Investigators (ABI) and the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI). These affiliations provide clients with further reassurance that our practices meet rigorous ethical and professional standards. Should any concerns arise regarding payment or service, these memberships offer an extra layer of accountability. With our secure payment options and proven track record, clients can be confident that their investments in Sentry Private Investigator's services are safe, transparent, and worthwhile.
Sentry Private Investigator's Terms and Conditions
For more information about private investigator costs and the prices we advertise, get in touch with us to discuss your requirements. If you have any questions about the process of hiring a private investigator in the UK, or anything else related to our private investigation agency, please feel free to enquire before committing. If you are considering professional private investigator costs and service prices are out of reach, SPI offer free professional expert advice by suggesting alternative methods of service that may fall within budget. This allows you to decide without sacrificing service quality. Sentry Private Investigators want to help anyone who is genuinely in need of a PI. We work with clients to achieve results at an affordable price, with no hidden fees. Whether your case involves matrimonial investigations, missing persons, or complex corporate fraud investigations, our private detectives provide tailored solutions to individuals, human resources departments and other key stakeholders. Our team ensures transparent communication, clear reporting, and professional support throughout the entire process, giving clients confidence and peace of mind while accessing expert investigative services. If you are still questioning how much does a private investigator cost, or have questions about our hourly rates, get in touch with us directly for a detailed breakdown. We encourage all clients to review our private investigator costs and Terms and Conditions before engaging with our services. This ensures you fully understand our processes, payment policies, and your rights as a client when hiring a private investigator at SPI. Visiting this page created by our experienced investigators in the UK provides transparency, builds trust, and helps you make informed decisions before making use of our private detective services. Furthermore, it provides confidence that Sentry Private Investigators operates with professionalism and integrity.