One of the most common questions we receive at Priority Investigation is: "How much does a private investigator cost in Michigan?" It's a fair question, and the honest answer is — it depends. But we can give you a clear understanding of what drives costs and what to expect.
Understanding Private Investigator Pricing
Private investigators in Michigan typically charge using one or more of these pricing models:
Hourly Rates
The most common pricing structure for PI services in Michigan is an hourly rate. For experienced, licensed investigators in Michigan, hourly rates generally range from $75 to $150 per hour, depending on:
Some investigators charge different rates for different services. For example, basic background research might be billed at a lower rate than field surveillance.
Flat-Fee Services
Certain investigation services are offered at a flat fee, particularly for well-defined tasks like:
Flat fees work well when the scope of work is clearly defined from the start.
Retainer-Based Pricing
For larger or ongoing investigations, many Michigan PIs require a retainer — an upfront deposit that the investigator draws from as they work. This is common for:
The retainer amount varies based on the estimated scope of work. Any unused portion of the retainer is typically refunded.
Factors That Affect Investigation Costs in Michigan
Type of Investigation
Different investigation types require different levels of effort, time, and resources:
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|
| Surveillance (per day) | $800 – $2,500 |
| Personal injury investigation | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
| Background investigation | $200 – $700 |
| Insurance fraud investigation | $2,000 – $8,000+ |
| Workers compensation investigation | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
| Witness location | $200 – $1,000 |
*Note: These ranges are estimates. Actual costs depend on case specifics.*
Duration and Complexity
A straightforward background check takes hours. A comprehensive surveillance operation could take days or weeks. The more time an investigator spends on your case, the higher the total cost.
Geographic Location
Investigations in metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, and other urban areas may cost differently than those in rural parts of Michigan. Travel time to remote areas adds to the total.
Equipment and Technology
Professional investigators use specialized equipment including:
These tools are part of delivering quality results, and their costs are factored into rates.
Number of Investigators
Some surveillance operations require two or more investigators to maintain effective coverage without detection. A two-person team doubles the hourly labor cost but significantly improves results and evidence quality.
How to Get the Best Value from Your PI
Be Clear About Your Objectives
The clearer you are about what you need to accomplish, the more efficiently an investigator can work. Provide:
Start Early
The earlier you engage an investigator, the more options they have. Evidence deteriorates, witnesses move, and memories fade. Early involvement often means fewer hours and better results.
Choose Experience Over Price
The cheapest investigator isn't always the best value. An experienced PI who specializes in your type of case will work more efficiently, produce better-quality evidence, and provide reports that hold up in court. A lower hourly rate from an inexperienced investigator often results in higher total costs and weaker evidence.
Ask About All Costs Upfront
A reputable Michigan PI will provide a clear fee agreement that outlines:
Why Invest in a Professional Investigation?
The cost of a private investigation is often a fraction of what's at stake in your case. Consider:
A professional investigation that uncovers key evidence or exposes fraud typically pays for itself many times over.
Get a Free Cost Estimate
At Priority Investigation, we believe in transparent pricing. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation where we'll discuss your case, outline a recommended investigation plan, and provide a detailed cost estimate before any work begins.
We've been serving Michigan attorneys, insurance companies, and individuals since 2009 with professional, thorough, and affordable investigation services.