Surety Bonds
Helping you obtain the bond you need
A surety bond can be required by a government agency, licensing authority, court, contract, or other organization as a guarantee that certain obligations will be met.
I help individuals, professionals, contractors, and businesses identify the appropriate bond, navigate the application process, and obtain bonding through established surety markets.
If you have been told that you need a bond but aren't sure what type, you can send me the bond requirement and I'll help determine the appropriate next step.
Types of Surety Bonds
License & Permit Bonds
Many professions and businesses are required to obtain a surety bond as part of a licensing or permitting process.
Depending on the requirement, available bonds may include professional licenses, local business licenses and permits, contractor licensing, and other regulatory requirements.
Contract Bonds
Contract bonds help guarantee certain obligations associated with a contract, particularly in the construction industry.
Common examples include:
Bid bonds
Performance bonds
Payment bonds
Supply bonds
Bonding requirements vary by contract and by the qualifications of the business. Contract surety programs are available for contractors with different levels of bonding needs.
Professional & Occupational Bonds
Certain professionals may need a bond to obtain or maintain a license or satisfy a regulatory requirement.
Examples may include:
Notary bonds
Tax preparer bonds
Process server bonds
Legal document assistant bonds
Insurance professional bonds
Other occupations and professions where licensing authorities or government agencies require a bond to ensure professionals act in compliance with industry regulations
Motor Vehicle Bonds
Certain businesses and individuals involved in motor vehicle-related activities may be required to obtain a bond.
Depending on the applicable requirement, this can include bonds associated with:
Motor vehicle dealers
Registration services
Vehicle verifiers
Defective or certificate-of-title requirements
Other motor vehicle licensing requirements
Court & Probate Bonds
Courts may require a bond to protect the interests of beneficiaries, estates, or other parties involved in a legal proceeding.
Examples include certain probate, conservatorship, and guardianship bonds.
Fidelity & Dishonesty Bonds
Fidelity and dishonesty bonds address risks involving dishonest acts such as theft or fraud.
Depending on the circumstances, available products may include employee dishonesty bonds, ERISA fidelity bonds, and specialized dishonesty bonds for certain organizations.
Mortgage & Financial Bonds
Certain mortgage, lending, servicing, and other financial activities may involve bonding requirements.
I can help identify the bond required by the applicable licensing or regulatory authority and determine the information needed to apply.
Other Specialized Bonds
Some bonding requirements are highly specific to a particular profession, business activity, government agency, or regulatory program.
If you have been given a specific bond requirement that doesn't fit neatly into one of the categories named here, contact me. I can review the requirement and determine whether an available surety market may be able to accommodate it.
How the Bond Process Works
Tell me what you need Send me the bond requirement, application, licensing instructions, contract, or other documentation you've received.
Determine the appropriate bond I’ll review the requirement to identify the bond type, obligee, bond amount, and other information needed for the application.
Complete the application Depending on the type and size of the bond, the surety may require information about you or your business, financial information, licensing, experience, or other documentation.
Underwriting & approval The surety reviews the application and determines whether the bond can be issued and on what terms.
Receive your bond Once approved and issued, you’ll receive the bond documentation needed to satisfy the applicable requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a surety bond?
A surety bond is a three-party arrangement involving a principal, obligee, and surety. The bond provides a guarantee to the obligee concerning the principal’s obligation.
Is a surety bond the same as insurance?
Not exactly.
A traditional insurance policy generally transfers a covered risk to an insurer. A surety bond instead provides a guarantee of the principal's obligation to the obligee. The specific rights and obligations depend on the bond and applicable law.
How much does a surety bond cost?
The cost depends on the type of bond, required bond amount, term, applicant, and underwriting considerations. Some license and permit bonds may be relatively straightforward, while larger or more complex contract bonds can require substantially more underwriting.
How long does it take to get a bond?
The timeline varies considerably.
Some straightforward license and permit bonds can be processed quickly, while contract bonds and other more heavily underwritten bonds may require additional documentation and review.
Do I need to know my bond amount?
If the licensing agency, government authority, court, or contracting party has specified a bond amount, provide that information when requesting a quote.
If you’re unsure, send me the requirement and I'll help identify what is needed.
Not Sure What Bond You Need?
You don’t necessarily need to know the name of the bond before contacting me.
If a licensing agency, government department, court, contracting party, or other organization has told you that you need a bond, please send me the requirement. I can help identify what is being requested and determine the next steps.
Let’s take care of your bond requirement
Whether you need a straightforward license bond, a contractor bond, a professional bond, or a more specialized surety solution, I can help you determine the appropriate next step.
At this link, please select Bond under the Commercial category when submitting your quote request.
Carriers I offer coverage with:
Surety bonds available in*:
California
Texas
Washington
*Licensing does not guarantee that every insurance product or carrier is available in every state. Carrier appointments, underwriting requirements, product availability, and eligibility vary by state and by individual risk.
If I am not currently licensed to offer the insurance solution(s) you are seeking in your state, I may be able to obtain the necessary licensing or connect you with a licensed professional who can assist you.