Surety bonds are a unique type of insurance that involves three parties. A principal applies for a bond to guarantee their contractual obligations will be fulfilled.
If the bonded principal is found not to fulfill their obligations, a harmed party can file a claim against the bond for up to the coverage amount. The bonded principal must then reimburse the issuing bond company.
How Do Surety Bonds Work?
Surety bonds are three-party agreements that guarantee an obligee’s performance of or payments to a principal if the principal defaults. To secure a surety bond, the principal must agree to pay a premium in exchange for the assurance that they will abide by the bond’s terms and conditions.
The obligee who needs the bond can file a claim with the surety company to seek financial compensation if the bonded principal defaults. The surety company investigates allegations and, if valid, will reimburse the obligee for their loss up to the bond coverage limit.
For contractors, a surety bond indicates trustworthiness and can help them win contracts by showing they have the financial strength to meet contract obligations. Incorporating surety bonds into their product rosters enables insurance agencies to diversify their client offerings and expand their revenue streams. Getting a surety bond is a small price to pay for the many benefits that come with it.
So, what is a surety bond? A surety bond is a three-party contract that guarantees an obligation for a specified amount. It can be beneficial to both parties. For example, a government entity that requires a contractor to be bonded might benefit from the financial compensation provided by the bond’s coverage in case of non-compliance. Similarly, the bonding process might highlight areas where a business can improve, increasing its chances of winning future contracts and potentially leading to greater profits in the long run.
A person or business that purchases a surety bond to protect themselves is known as the “principal.” The principal can be required to pay any claims made against the bond, and if they do not, the surety company is contractually obligated to cover the losses. During underwriting, the surety provider will assess a principal’s financial stability and personal credit history to determine their bonding capacity. Depending on the type of bond, this underwriting may take a few minutes, hours, days, or weeks to complete.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Surety Bond?
Many types of businesses must purchase surety bonds to obtain licenses or permits. For example, auto dealers are typically required to obtain surety bonds to get their dealership licenses. Others include mortgage brokers, insurance agencies, and freight brokers. The obligee requiring the bond wants to be sure that any valid claim made against the bond is investigated and paid quickly.
If a claim is valid, the obligee will be compensated up to the bond’s coverage amount from the surety company. However, if the claim is deemed fraudulent, the surety company can cancel the adhesive. This can also lead to revoking the license or permit, making it difficult for the principal to continue their work. To avoid this, it’s essential always to keep the bond renewed. Applicants with good credit, solid business experience, and no past claims or legal issues will likely be approved for the bond and offered lower premiums.
How Do I Get a Surety Bond?
Obtaining a surety bond involves an application process that depends on the type of bond you need and the terms set by your obligee. Generally, the bond is a three-party agreement between a principal, a surety company (insurance company), and an obligee.
Applicants with great credit and extensive business experience will likely be approved quickly and may have to pay as little as 1% of the bond amount. In contrast, those with poor credit or a history of claims, complaints, or legal violations are more likely to be denied or pay higher rates on their bonds.
Once bonded, you’ll need to provide the appropriate information to the obligee to maintain compliance with the bond’s terms and to keep the surety company informed of any issues that arise. If you’re considering getting a bond, contact the experts at a surety bond agency to learn more about the application process for your specific needs.
