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How Much is a Background Check?

There has been an increase in the demand for background checks and other private investigator services in recent times. More individuals and industries are relying on private investigators to provide them with detailed information about the people or companies that they plan to deal with in one way or another.

However, one of the first questions that most people will ask when they're looking for private investigator background checks is how much it's going to cost them. Depending on certain factors, the associated costs can be quite simple or a bit complicated.


What Types Of Background Checks Are There?

There are different types of private investigator background checks that you can request in the UK. However, depending on your dealings with the subject of the check, you may not need a private investigator to perform each of these background checks.

Some of these background checks include:

  • Credit checks: This is one of the most common background checks conducted today. It has been noted that people with poor credit are likely to experience issues such as falling behind on their rent or utility bills. They may also have an incentive to engage in financial impropriety. Thus, employers, landlords and even roommates ask private investigators to perform credit checks.
  • Driving record check: This check is commonly requested for people interviewing for positions that will require a lot of driving.
  • Education Verification: Employers will often perform checks to confirm applicants' education credentials.
  • Criminal background check: Most people who ask private investigators to perform background checks will require some level of criminal background check.
  • Reference check: When an individual gives references to an employer or landlord, they can ask a private investigator to follow up on the references to verify that they're authentic.
  • Employment check: This is a simple check to confirm that you have some form of employment etc.

What Are The Average Prices Of Private Investigator Background Checks In The Uk?

Private investigators base their pricing for background checks based on a number of factors. These include:

  • The specific type of check
  • How in-depth the background check is supposed to be
  • Expenses that will be incurred while performing the background check etc.

For example, a standard criminal check costs £26 but enhanced criminal background checks cost £44. There is also an admin fee charged for every application which starts from £5.

In addition to these costs which are to be paid to the Disclosure and Barring Service, the private investigator will also have to add their own fees for providing the service. Another example of how pricing varies can be seen when checking employment history. Simply checking the reference can cost you a few pounds.

However, with each additional year of employment history that you want the private investigator to check, the fees will keep increasing. It's important to remember that although each individual check may only require a few pounds, you'll probably need the private investigator to perform more than one check. Therefore, ensure you get a quote that considers the cumulative costs, and ensure that the private investigator is thorough.


What Are The Costs For Background Checks Internationally?

The cost of background checks varies widely around the world. In many countries, background checks are yet to become standard for employers and landlords. Therefore, it's not possible to get an accurate pricing of these private investigator services.

However, in countries such as the US, such checks are the norm. Just like in the UK, the cost of these services in the US is determined by how far the check costs.

On average, a state criminal background check can cost you as little as £10. However, an advanced national criminal background check, completed in around 48 hours can cost you as much as £55. Tests such as identity verification can cost you less than £7.



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