Surety Bonds are three-party agreements in which the issuer of the bond (the surety) joins with the second party (the principal) in guaranteeing to a third party (the obligee) the fulfillment of an obligation on the part of the principal. An obligee is the party (person, corporation or government agency) to whom a bond is given. The obligee is also the party protected by the bond against loss.

There are hundreds of different types of surety bonds. The most common are License & Permit bonds. For example, an MVD bond allows a qualified person or entity to obtain a license to sell motor vehicles (please check with your state for eligibility requirements to obtain such a license)

Other types of surety bonds are Performance & Payment bonds. These are used in the construction industry. The bond guarantees that a contractor will perform the project to specifications stated in the contract and that the contractor guarantees payment to their suppliers/subcontractors.

Obtaining a Bond
In order for you to start the process of obtaining a surety bond, you must first contact us for the appropriate application. Any one of our account representatives would be happy to help you with any questions you may have.

Once you supply us with the information required, we can then submit your application to any one of our surety companies.

How long does it take?
It depends on the type of bond for which you are applying. On some bonds the response is immediate and others can take weeks. Your account representative can give you an idea how long it could take.

Cost:
Bond costs or premiums vary from surety to surety. Each surety files their rates with each states Department of Insurance. Surety companies file rates for preferred customers as well as non-standard customers.

Your account representative will be able to give you a ballpark figure on how much your bond may cost.

Lead Time:
Depending on if we have authority to issue the bond from our office, a bond can take from one day to two weeks to issue a bond.

Requirements:
When you receive the original bond, we suggest that you contact the obligee (the entity requiring the bond) and ask them the best way to handle the filing of the bond. They may have a specific address or person that it should be addressed.

Please remember that it is your responsibility to file the bond.

Renewal:
Most bonds renew one year after the bond was signed and dated by the surety. Other bonds renew when the bond form has a specific period. For example, Oklahoma MVD (Motor Vehicle Bonds) expire on December 31 of each year. So, even if your bond was written in June it will still have to renew on December 31st.

If you have any questions regarding the renewal date of your bond, please call your account representative.