What is a Surety Bond?

A surety bond is a written agreement providing monetary compensation is paid by the surety company should there be a failure by the person bonded to perform specified acts within a stated period.

Applying for a Bond

Please contact our office if you have a bond requirement. One of our service representatives will guide you through the bond application process.

Types of Bonds we issue

Bid Bonds

A bid bond provides financial assurances that the bid has been submitted in good faith, and that a contractor will enter into a contract at the amount bid and post the appropriate performance bonds. These bonds are used by owners to pre-qualify contractors submitting proposals on contracts.

Business Service Bonds

These bonds are designed to protect janitorial or other business service against employee dishonesty. The purchase of a bond is a good sales tool for service-oriented businesses. They protect against fraudulent or dishonest acts of employees who have access to money, securities, and personal property belonging to customers. The bond contains a conviction clause, which requires that the employee be convicted before the bond will pay.

Employee Dishonesty Bonds

Employee dishonesty bonds guarantee that the bonded employee(s) will handle their employer’s money and property in good faith. Small companies can be especially hard hit because they can’t afford extensive safeguards and do not have the financial capacity to absorb the losses.

Guardianship Bonds

A guardianship bond is a surety bond, which guarantees the loyal execution of the fiduciaries’ duties and compliance with the orders of the court. A typical court bond would be an administrator, appeal, executor, guardian, or trustee bond.

License & Permit Bonds

Most businesses require permission from some governmental body to start and to continue in business. Many permits are granted only after the individual or corporation has posted a bond guaranteeing that the laws, ordinances, or regulations relating to that business will be complied with. License and permit bonds fulfill this need.

Notary Bonds

Notary Public bonds guarantee that the notary public will faithfully perform the duties as prescribed by the laws in their jurisdiction.

Pension Trust (ERISA) Bonds

Pension Plans and profit sharing programs are managed by appointed individuals known as plan fiduciaries. The Pension Reform Act of 1974 states that the fiduciaries of a pension or profit sharing fund are required to post a bond for 10% of the amount of funds handled.

Performance Bonds

Performance bonds cover performance of the terms of a contract. These bonds frequently incorporate payment bond (labor and materials) and maintenance bond liability. This protects the owner from financial loss should the contractor fail to perform the contract in accordance with its terms and conditions.

Probate Bonds

Probate bonds are required in relation to the estate of deceased persons, minors, and incompetent persons. It guarantees a faithful performance of duties by executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, and other fiduciaries.

Public Official Bonds

Most public official bonds are required by law and are generally conditioned to guarantee a public officer’s faithful performance of duty. The public official bond is for the protection of the taxpayers and the penalty of amount of the bond should be adequate to protect their interest.

Information Used to Underwrite Bonds:

Some bonds require a background check and/or financial statements before the bond can be issued. Below are some characteristics that you may be asked about when applying for a bond:

Capacity

The applicant must have the skill and ability to perform the obligation.

Capital

The applicant’s financial condition must justify approval of the particular risk.

Character

The applicant’s record must show him or her to be of good character and likely to perform the obligation that he or she assumes.