Surety bonds for contracts, licenses and permits
The bonds you need to win contracts, meet licensing requirements and grow — from contractor license bonds to performance bonds, placed with multiple sureties.
Many smaller bonds issued same day
What is a surety bond?
A surety bond is a three-party agreement that guarantees one party (the principal) will fulfill its obligations to another (the obligee). If the principal fails to meet those obligations, the surety that issued the bond compensates the obligee for its losses.
Unlike insurance, which protects the policyholder, a surety bond protects the party requiring the bond — project owners, government agencies or consumers. Bonds are commonly required for contractors, business licenses, court proceedings and government contracts, and to protect customers and the public.
The three parties in a bond
Principal
The party that purchases the bond and promises to fulfill its obligations — you or your business.
Obligee
The party requiring the bond and protected by it, such as a government agency or project owner.
Surety
The company that issues the bond and guarantees payment if the principal defaults.
Types of surety bonds we place
Contract bonds
Required on construction projects to guarantee performance and payment to subcontractors and suppliers.
- Bid bonds
- Performance bonds
- Payment bonds
- Maintenance bonds
License and permit bonds
Required by state or local governments for professional licenses and business permits.
- Contractor license bonds
- Mortgage broker bonds
- Notary bonds
Commercial bonds
Bonds for business operations, employee honesty and specific industry requirements.
- Fidelity bonds
- ERISA bonds
- Janitorial bonds
- Lost title bonds
Court bonds
Required by courts to guarantee compliance with judicial orders or fiduciary duties.
- Probate bonds
- Appeal bonds
- Guardian bonds
- Executor bonds
Miscellaneous bonds
Specialty bonds for situations that don't fit other categories.
- Utility deposit bonds
- Warehouse bonds
- Customs bonds
- Subdivision bonds
Federal bonds
Required by federal agencies for certain business activities and contracts.
- Immigration bonds
- Freight broker bonds
- Medicare/Medicaid bonds
- SBA surety bonds
Industries we bond
Electrical contractors
Plumbing contractors
General contractors
Roofing contractors
Auto dealers
Freight brokers
Mortgage brokers
And many more
How to get your surety bond
Request a quote
Tell us what type of bond you need and share basic business information.
Review your options
We compare multiple sureties and present competitive options, often the same day.
Complete the application
Sign the application and indemnity agreement; we handle the rest.
Receive your bond
Your bond is delivered electronically or by mail.
Bonding made simple
Fast approvals
Many bonds are approved the same day.
Competitive rates
We work with multiple sureties to find the right rate for your situation.
Options for most credit
Sureties that work with a range of credit situations, including challenged credit.
Guidance
Not sure which bond you need? We'll help you work it out.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a surety bond cost?
Premiums are typically 1–15% of the bond amount, depending on the bond type, your credit and your business financials. For example, a $25,000 contractor license bond might cost $250–$500 a year for someone with good credit.
Can I get a surety bond with bad credit?
Yes. Credit affects your premium, but we work with sureties that specialize in higher-risk accounts. You may pay a higher rate, and some bonds don't require a credit check at all.
What's the difference between a surety bond and insurance?
Insurance protects you, the policyholder, from losses. A surety bond protects the party requiring the bond (the obligee). If a claim is paid on your bond, you're required to reimburse the surety — bonds are not designed to cover your own losses.
How long does it take to get a surety bond?
Many smaller bonds, such as license and permit bonds, can be approved and issued the same day. Larger contract bonds may take one to two weeks, depending on underwriting requirements and the financial documentation needed.
Do I get my money back when the bond expires?
No. The premium is earned by the surety and isn't refundable — it's the cost of the guarantee, not a deposit. If you cancel a bond mid-term, you may receive a prorated refund.
Ready to get bonded?
Request a surety bond quote. Questions first? Our bonding team can help you find the bond you need.
Bond descriptions are general summaries for education. They are not legal advice, an offer or a commitment to issue a bond. Premium examples are illustrative. Bond terms, rates and approval are determined by the surety and are subject to underwriting.