Private Detective UK

Over 40 years experience throughout the UK and internationally. Our Private Detectives are a phone call away to assist.

Whether you’re concerned about the welfare of a missing family member or want to run a background check on a potential business partner, a private detective for hire can be a discreet way of putting your concerns to rest.

Award-winning and informed by more than 40 years’ experience, our private detective agency covers the whole of the UK and works within the law to ensure a successful and legal investigation.

One of the UK’s leading private detective agencies

We start by understanding your specific circumstances and concerns, then provide clear, honest advice on potential outcomes and the costs involved – with no pressure or obligation.

If you choose to proceed, our experienced detectives make careful, lawful enquiries to uncover facts, verify information, and gather evidence you need, using a full range of modern surveillance and investigative techniques.

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See what our customers have to say

As a private detective agency in the UK, we have an unrivalled success rate and over the years, have received many testimonials from satisfied clients, together with our Trustpilot reviews.

Clients often ask what a private detective agency really does – unlike in films or TV, the work is rarely glamorous, but it is essential when suspicion alone isn’t enough and solid proof is needed.

At Insight Investigations, our UK private detective service is suitable for private and commercial matters, and can be used to help resolve complex and sensitive issues.

Our private detective services

We offer a full range of discreet investigation services, delivered by trained private detectives from diverse professional backgrounds, ensuring we’re well-equipped to handle any situation.

Our enquiries span commercial issues like stock theft, intellectual property breaches, and employee absenteeism, to sensitive relationship and matrimonial matters.

In all cases, we understand that discretion is key. That’s why we follow strict, well-established processes to protect your confidentiality at every stage.

Matrimonial and Relationship

We work to give you peace of mind if you have suspicions. Want to get to the truth? Need to know what’s happening?

Corporate and Commercial

Put your company in a position of strength by obtaining the facts that are required to make an informed decision.

Employee Theft/Fraud

With ever-growing problems in times of economic hardship and change, we provide a range of services all of which are discreet, effective and help you protect your business.

Surveillance

There are numerous problems that can arise during a Surveillance operation, and there are various factors that must be in place in order to overcome these. All our team are experts in their field, many with Police or Military backgrounds – together with Investigators who have worked in Surveillance for many years.

Relationship Surveillance

Establish the facts to resolve your concerns and put you in the position of being able to make an informed decision.

Infidelity Issues

Being in a situation where you suspect that you have an unfaithful partner is a stressful time of mixed emotions and uncertainty. Nobody wants to be in this position. Establish the truth.

Company Background Checks

For analysts and executives who want to learn more about a company they are dealing with. This can assist in giving you the knowledge to make an informed decision.

Private Background Checks

For private individuals who may need to find out the history or motivations of a new person to join their personal or family circle.

Tracing Investigations

We assist in tracing down friends, someone from your past, a relative or family member or debtor. This can involve confirming their whereabouts or gathering information before providing appropriate details to help establish contact.

Internet Dating

For safety-conscious daters who want to be sure the person they are meeting is who they claim to be. We can check their professional or personal history, helping you avoid unnecessary heartache or complications.

Criminal Defence

For legal teams and individuals seeking exonerating evidence that will assist with an upcoming case or to determine a person’s innocence. Our private investigators are meticulous with their search techniques.

Criminal Appeals

Even with a good defence, cases go wrong, liberties are restricted. You may need to gain vital evidence to assist an appeal against conviction.

Process Serving

We act on your behalf to serve individuals or companies with legal documents at any location in the UK, following the strict rules that can apply.

Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle tracking is a complex service that we provide, ensuring lawful & legally compliant live and historical tracking.

Insurance Investigations

There are growing problems as a result of fraudulent insurance claims.
We can help rectify unnecessary payouts through several types of investigation;
Industrial injury claims, Accident, Sickness and Personal Injury claims.

Other Services

If you require a service that isn’t on the list, contact us to provide an overview of your situation. We often provide a bespoke service that can address your precise needs.

Why choose Insight Investigations as your private detective?

Highly experienced

With more than 40 years’ know-how, there are few problems that we haven’t seen. Whatever your circumstances or investigation requirements, we listen to your problem and offer help and advice, all in a free initial consultation.

Trusted by the media

Insight’s investigators have provided expert commentary for various trusted media outlets including The Guardian, Huffington Post, BBC News, and Channel 4, covering topics of cultural, political, and legal significance.

Award-winning

With a strong commitment to delivering results, Insight Investigations has earned significant recognition. This includes a Special Achievement Award presented to our Director of Operations at the 2015 WAPI Annual Awards.

Affordable and transparent

Our private detective agency in the UK is renowned for providing affordable and innovative solutions to sensitive and complicated problems – regardless of whether the issue relates to corporate, legal, or matrimonial matters.

If we can’t assist you, or what you ask for is not legally possible, we’ll tell you, not charge you.

Understanding

Crucially, we’re easy to talk to. We have male private detectives and female private detectives who are experienced, backed by industry standard training, and used to handling sensitive situations.

Learn more about why you should work with us

Frequently asked questions

Who can hire a private detective in the UK?

From individuals to businesses, lawyers, and even families, anyone can hire a private detective in the UK. Private detectives can be enlisted to support with a wide range of issues.

Are private detectives legal?

Yes, private detectives are legal in the UK. While the industry is unregulated, members must still operate within the confines of the law and uphold ethical standards. Most reputable private detectives are insured and follow strict codes of conduct set by recognised trade bodies, such as the:

• The Association of British Investigators (ABI)
• The World Association of Professional Investigators (WAPI)
• The Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI)

What can a private detective legally do in the UK?

While UK private detectives can’t impersonate law enforcement or access private records without consent, they can:

• Utilise publicly available records
• Conduct surveillance
• Carry out background checks
• Gather open-source intelligence

How much does a private detective cost?

In most cases, private detectives will offer free initial consultation to understand your requirements then put together a quote.

Many charge an hourly rate, typically between £30 and £95, with an average of £50 to £75 per hour. However, flat fees may be offered in some cases.

Typical costs for common investigations are:

• Surveillance: £35 – £85 per hour
• Tracing people: £250 – £650
• Background checks: £55 – £95 per hour
• GPS tracking: £300 – £800

For a more accurate idea of private detective costs, simply give us a call or explore our detailed private investigator costs breakdown here.

Explore more private detective FAQs

Get free, confidential advice now

To enlist the expert services of a professionaldetective agency, why not call us today?

We’re available 24 hours a day and can help you to make a more informed decision after learning more about your specific circumstances.

For a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team:

Call: 0800 069 8377

Email: info@investigate.co.uk

We also welcome online enquiries – simply fill in the form below and we’ll reach out soon to find out more.

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