Invoice templates for private investigators covering surveillance operations, background checks, process serving, and insurance fraud investigations.
A private investigator (PI) invoice records fees for professional investigation services — surveillance, background checks, infidelity investigations, process serving, insurance fraud investigations, and corporate due diligence. UK private investigators do not require a mandatory licence (unlike the SIA licensing requirement for manned guarding), but professional bodies such as the Association of British Investigators (ABI) promote standards and ethics. PI services are priced by the hour, per day, or as a flat project fee depending on the task. Surveillance work is charged on a daily rate plus expenses. Background and reference checks may be a flat fee per subject. Invoices should be discreet and professional, and must not disclose operational details that could compromise ongoing investigations or reveal surveillance methods to the subject. All PI activities must comply with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, GDPR, and the SRA Code of Conduct if working for solicitors.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance operative day rate (up to 8 hours) | 450 | day |
| Surveillance report preparation | 150 | report |
| Background / due diligence check (per subject) | 250 | subject |
| Process serving | 180 | service |
| Database / credit reference search | 45 | search |
| Travel and accommodation (out-of-area operation) | 1 | actual cost |
| Consultation / client briefing (per hour) | 120 | hour |
Private investigators typically require a retainer payment before commencing work. This covers initial days of surveillance and expenses and protects against clients who cancel after results are obtained. Invoice against the retainer as work progresses, with a final balance invoice on completion of the instruction. Be deliberately general in invoice descriptions — 'surveillance services as instructed' rather than specific operational details. Reports are provided separately to the client and should not be attached to the invoice. For solicitor-instructed work (litigation support, process serving), invoice the firm with Net 14 or 30 terms and include the matter reference on the invoice. These clients have established accounts payable processes.