low angle photo of city high rise buildings during daytime

Surety Bonds for Contractors & Businesses

Instant Quotes and Immediate Issuance Online!

What is a Surety Bond?

A Surety Bond is often required to get your business license or to win a construction contract, but it is frequently misunderstood.

Unlike standard insurance (which protects you), a Surety Bond is a financial guarantee that protects the public or your client. It promises that you will follow state laws and fulfill your contractual obligations.

It is a three-party contract:

  1. The Principal (You): The business purchasing the bond.

  2. The Obligee: The government agency or client requiring the bond (e.g., The Nevada State Contractors Board).

  3. The Surety: The insurance company backing your promise.

Important Note: If a claim is paid out on your bond, the Surety company will look to you for reimbursement. It is essentially a line of credit for your professional integrity.

Industries That Require Bonds

We can issue thousands of different bond types instantly. Here are the most common bonds we write:

Construction & Contractors

  • License & Permit Bonds: Required by the California CSLB, Nevada NSCB, and Arizona ROC to maintain your license.

  • Bid Bonds: Guarantees you will sign the contract if you win the bid.

  • Performance & Payment Bonds: Guarantees you will finish the job and pay your subcontractors.

Automotive Industry

  • DMV Dealer Bonds: Mandatory for used car dealers, wholesalers, and auto brokers.

  • Defective Title Bonds: Required to register a vehicle when the title is lost.

Service & Commercial

  • Janitorial Service Bonds: Protects your clients from employee theft (often called a "Business Service Bond").

  • Notary Bonds: Required for public notaries.

  • Freight Broker Bonds (BMC-84): Required by the FMCSA for trucking brokers.

  • Probate & Court Bonds: Required for guardianships or estate administrators.

Get an Instant Quote Online

Don't wait days for an underwriter to review your file. Through our partnership with Bond Exchange, you can get a quote and issue your bond in minutes.

  • Step 1: Submit get a Quote Below!

  • Step 2: Search for the specific bond you need (e.g., "Nevada Contractor").

  • Step 3: Enter your info and get an instant price.

FAQ (Bonds)

What is the difference between a Bond and Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance pays for damages you cause to others (like backing a truck into a wall), and you generally don't have to pay the insurance company back. A Bond guarantees you will follow rules/contracts. If you break the rules and the bond pays out, you are legally required to reimburse the surety company.

How much does a Surety Bond cost?

The cost (premium) is usually a small percentage of the total bond amount. For standard license bonds, it might be a flat fee (e.g., $100 per year). For larger contract bonds, the rate is typically 1% to 3% of the bond amount, depending on your credit.

Does my credit score matter?

Yes. Because a bond is a financial guarantee, underwriters view it like a loan. Strong credit usually results in a lower premium. However, we have "Bad Credit Programs" that can get almost anyone bonded, though the premium may be slightly higher.

Can I get a bond if I have a new business?

Absolutely. Most license and permit bonds (like Contractor License bonds or DMV bonds) are available to new businesses instantly. Larger Performance Bonds for construction projects may require us to review your business financials.

How quickly can I get my bond?

For most commercial bonds (License, Permit, Notary, Janitorial), the process is instant. You can quote, pay, and print your bond directly from our website using the button above or below.


What happens if someone files a claim against my bond?

The Surety company will investigate the claim. If the claim is invalid, they will deny it. If the claim is valid, they will pay the claimant up to the bond amount. Afterward, they will come to you to collect the amount they paid plus legal fees. This is why it is vital to resolve disputes before they become bond claims.