How much does a Private Investigator cost?

Most private investigators charge in one of two ways:

Hourly rates — Many PI services are billed by the hour. This is common for surveillance, background checks, and skip tracing — work where the time required isn't always predictable. Rates vary depending on the investigator's experience, location, and the complexity of the case.

Flat-rate or case-based fees — Some investigations have a defined scope, and a flat fee makes more sense. Document retrieval, certain background checks, and other straightforward tasks may be quoted as a fixed price.

At Counterpoint, we offer both structures depending on what your case calls for. We'll always be upfront about how we charge before any work begins.

What Affects the Cost of a PI?

Type of investigation. Surveillance typically requires more time than a background check. A complex fraud case costs more than a basic locate.

Duration. Longer assignments cost more. An all-day surveillance job will run higher than a two-hour one.

Travel. Cases that require the investigator to cover significant ground — across Kootenai County, into Spokane, or elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest — may include travel costs.

Urgency. Rush cases may carry a premium.

Experience of the investigator. A licensed, insured investigator with 500+ completed cases and a paralegal background brings a level of expertise that less experienced investigators can't match.

What's Included in Counterpoint's Fees?

When you hire Counterpoint Detective Agency, you're not just paying for someone's time. You're getting:

A licensed and insured investigator (Detective License ID62255) 22 years of military and field experience Discreet, professional service Documented, admissible evidence A paralegal background that helps your evidence hold up in court Clear communication throughout your case

A Note on "Cheap" PI Services

You'll find investigators who charge very little. That might seem appealing, but in investigations, you get what you pay for. Poorly documented evidence, unlicensed operators, and investigators who cut corners can hurt your case rather than help it — especially in legal matters like custody disputes, fraud cases, or attorney support work.

The cost of a bad investigation is almost always higher than the cost of a good one.

Get a Free Consultation

At Counterpoint Detective Agency, we offer a free, confidential consultation before any commitment. We'll listen to your situation, tell you honestly what we can do, and give you a clear picture of what it will cost.

No pressure. No runaround. Just straight answers.

Investigations Division: (208) 473-4094 counterpointda@gmail.com

All inquiries are completely confidential.