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Surety Bond Information Center


Featured Surety Bond Articles

What is a Surety Bond?

What is a Surety Bond?

Learn the surety bond basics with an easy-to-read overview of surety. You'll be an expert in no time!

Licensed, Bonded and Insured: Understanding the Differences

Licensed, Bonded and Insured: Understanding the Differences

What does “licensed, bonded and insured” mean? We explain the differences between these three terms and why all three are important for construction contractors.

Surety Bond Companies & What They Do

How Do You Choose a Surety Bond Company? Choosing a specialized surety agency...

A Beginner's Guide to Contract Bonds

For many construction and maintenance contractors, contract bonds are...

How to Get a Car Dealer's License in Texas

Find out how to get a dealer’s license in Texas and start selling...

Recent Blogs

How to Get Your Illinois Roofing License From The IDFPR

How to Get Your Illinois Roofing License From The IDFPR

Learn the requirements for getting your Illinois roofing license. This post helps clear up the steps and makes them easy to follow. 

Nevada Consumer Protection Bond (Bill no. 39) For Residential Contractors

Nevada Consumer Protection Bond (Bill no. 39) For Residential Contractors

Nevada passed Bill 39 creating a new surety bond requirement for residential contractors, but this bond can help your business. Find out the details here.

Who Pays for a Probate Bond And How Much Do They Cost?

Yes you do have to purchase the probate bond. But it's not what it seems....

Nevada Contractor License Requirements and Surety Bonds

Nevada's contractor license requirements are easy enough to follow. But there...

Texas Auto Dealer License And Bond Requirement

Are you getting your first Texas Auto Dealer license? I've condensed the...

Recent Videos

What is the Florida Auto Dealer Surety Bond?

What is the Florida Auto Dealer Surety Bond?

If you're getting a Florida auto dealer license, you need to know about the Florida auto dealer bond. Learn what it is, why you need it, and how to buy it.
What is the Georgia Used Auto Dealer Surety Bond?

What is the Georgia Used Auto Dealer Surety Bond?

If you're getting a Georgia used auto license, you'll need an auto dealer bond. Learn about the bond, why you need it and how to buy it for less.
What is the Colorado Auto Dealer Bond?

Colorado requires all auto dealers to purchase a surety bond. Here's what...

Oregon Contractor Bond

Watch this short video explaining the Oregon contractor license bonds. Each...

Washington State Contractor License Bond

If you're getting a Washington contractor license, you'll need a contractor...

FAQ

What is a fidelity bond?

A fidelity bond protects an employer from losses due to employee-dishonesty, or fraudulent acts, such as theft of monies or securities.

What is personal indemnity?

Indemnity is an agreement to provide financial reimbursement to another party in order to offset a loss or damage incurred. Surety companies require the indemnity of the owners of closely held businesses as part of the surety bond application. This ensures that the surety can access personal assets if required for reimbursement in the event of a loss.

Who prepares my surety bond form?

Surety Bonds Direct will prepare the required surety bond form on your behalf. The information required on the form will be pre-populated by our systems. In most cases, you will simply need to sign the bond form.

See More FAQ »

For Freight Brokers

Freight Broker Insurance Requirements & Recommendations
Freight Broker Insurance Requirements & Recommendations

Let's break down the different types of insurance freight brokers are required to buy. Plus the one requirement that is like insurance but not really. Learn more today!

Oversize Load And Overweight Permits To Transport Loads In Texas
Oversize Load And Overweight Permits To Transport Loads In Texas

Transporting heavy loads across Texas require special permits based on the load being carried. Learn more about getting permits and bonded for heavy load trips.

NVOCC vs Freight Forwarder: The 5 Major Differences And How To Get Licensed
NVOCC vs Freight Forwarder: The 5 Major Differences And How To Get Licensed

An NVOCC and Ocean Freight Forwarder may seem the same. But they're difference in 5 major ways. Let's look and learn how to get licensed in both.

Freight Broker Bonds – Filing & Registering with the FMCSA
Freight Broker Bonds – Filing & Registering with the FMCSA

Find out more about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) required surety bonds for freight forwarder or broker of freight registration.

For Contractors

How to Get Your Illinois Roofing License From The IDFPR
How to Get Your Illinois Roofing License From The IDFPR

Learn the requirements for getting your Illinois roofing license. This post helps clear up the steps and makes them easy to follow. 

Getting Your Virginia Contractor's License In 6 Steps
Getting Your Virginia Contractor's License In 6 Steps

Getting your Virginia contractor's license has about 6 steps. This post outlines each step making it easy to understand the process and get your application done.

Nevada Consumer Protection Bond (Bill no. 39) For Residential Contractors
Nevada Consumer Protection Bond (Bill no. 39) For Residential Contractors

Nevada passed Bill 39 creating a new surety bond requirement for residential contractors, but this bond can help your business. Find out the details here.

5 Steps To Obtain Your South Carolina Residential Builder License
5 Steps To Obtain Your South Carolina Residential Builder License

Getting your South Carolina Residential Builder license only takes 5 simple steps. This post outlines the steps and helps with the surety bond requirement.

For Auto Dealers

Texas Auto Dealer License And Bond Requirement
Texas Auto Dealer License And Bond Requirement

Are you getting your first Texas Auto Dealer license? I've condensed the steps and explained concepts like the surety bond. Let's get your licensed!

The 9 Steps To Get Your Dealer License In North Carolina
The 9 Steps To Get Your Dealer License In North Carolina

To get your dealer license in North Carolina, there are only 9 steps to follow. North Carolina makes this pretty easy so it should not take you long. Let's go!

Georgia Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Guide
Georgia Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Guide

Any business or individual seeking to become licensed to sell or otherwise deal in used motor vehicle transactions in the state of Georgia must furnish a dealer surety bond to the state.

Maryland Recreational Vehicle Dealer and Manufacturer Surety Bond Requirement
Maryland Recreational Vehicle Dealer and Manufacturer Surety Bond Requirement

Maryland is on the brink of passing surety bonding requirements for recreational vehicle dealers and manufacturers. Here the facts and how to prepare.

For Insurance Professionals

Get Your Illinois Public Adjuster License In 4 Steps
Get Your Illinois Public Adjuster License In 4 Steps

Learn how to get your Illinois public adjuster license in 4 easy steps. Plus learn about the surety bond requirement and how to pay less for it. Let's go!

HOA Fidelity Bond Requirements And Pricing
HOA Fidelity Bond Requirements And Pricing

If you're an HOA you maybe be required or elect to be bonded. This is called a fidelity bond. Learn how to get bonded and protect your association.

Everything You Need to Know About the Surety Underwriting Process
Everything You Need to Know About the Surety Underwriting Process

What can you expect from the surety bond underwriting process, who are the surety bond parties, and how do the various elements of the process interact?

Why Do Surety Bond Costs Vary So Much?
Why Do Surety Bond Costs Vary So Much?

Review the key factors that impact surety bond prices and specifics on how each factor affects the price you will pay for the bond.

For the Medical Industry

OMMA Surety Bond Required By The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority
OMMA Surety Bond Required By The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority is now requiring a reclamation surety bond for Oklahoma marijuana growers. Here's how to get y our bond for a low cost.

Florida Medical Marijuana Performance Bond
Florida Medical Marijuana Performance Bond

New Florida Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers are required to purchase a 5 million dollar performance surety bond. Learn why and how much this bond costs.

Heath Club or Spa Bonds
Heath Club or Spa Bonds

Over 30 states require surety bonds for gymns, martial arts studios, spas, or other health clubs.

How to Become a DME Supplier
How to Become a DME Supplier

Wondering how to become a DME supplier? Want to supply medical equipment to your community? Here’s what you need to know.

For Mortgage/Loan Originators and Brokers

Licensing Requirements for Mortgage Loan Originators
Licensing Requirements for Mortgage Loan Originators

It's simple getting a mortgage originator license right? Not so much. Learn the steps including how to get your surety bond.

Mortgage Broker Bonds & the NMLS
Mortgage Broker Bonds & the NMLS

Find out about the NMLS filing process which most often utilizes e-filed bonds instead of traditional printed paper documents.

What Is a Mortgage Broker?
What Is a Mortgage Broker?

What is a mortgage broker, and how do they help people get a mortgage for their homes?

How to Become a Mortgage Broker
How to Become a Mortgage Broker

Becoming a mortgage broker can be a fun and highly fulfilling career.

For Probate Court Matters

Who Pays for a Probate Bond And How Much Do They Cost?
Who Pays for a Probate Bond And How Much Do They Cost?

Yes you do have to purchase the probate bond. But it's not what it seems. Learn why you have to buy one, where the money comes from, and how to save money!

Getting Your Process Server License
Getting Your Process Server License

Becoming a process server is a great career choice. But the rules are different from state to state. I will help lay out the steps to get your process server license.

What Is a Notary Bond and Why Do You Need One?
What Is a Notary Bond and Why Do You Need One?

When you're required to purchase a notary bond, it can be confusing. What is a notary bond? Why do you need this? Let's answer this because it's serious!

The Role of a Legal Immigration Service Provider and How to Become One
The Role of a Legal Immigration Service Provider and How to Become One

To ensure that they conduct their business honestly, immigration service providers often have to obtain an immigration service surety bond.