When you need to guarantee the performance of someone else, a surety bond is often the solution. This type of bond is issued by a bonding company, and it acts as a financial guarantee that the obligee will meet their obligations. In this blog post, we’ll discuss who issues a surety bond and what types of businesses might need one.
Tell me the meaning of a surety bond
A surety bond is a financial instrument that acts as a guarantee between three parties: the principal (the project owner or contractor), the obligee (the party who requires the bond), and the surety (guarantor). The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that the principal will fulfill its contractual obligations to the obligee, such as completing a specified project on time and within budget. If the principal fails to meet its obligations, the surety will be liable for any losses incurred by the obligee up to the amount of the bond.
When do you need a surety bond?
Surety bonds are required in a wide variety of industries, from construction and finance to legal services and government contracting. They provide a guarantee that if you fail to fulfill your contractual obligations (such as paying a debt or meeting the terms of an agreement) then the surety company will pay out on your behalf. In certain cases, surety bonds are required by law, such as for court filings, tax collection, or public works projects. In other cases, surety bonds may be required by the other contracting party to provide additional assurance that you will fulfill your obligations.
Who does a surety bond protect?
A surety bond protects the obligee or the party who requires the bond. It guarantees that the principal (the bonded individual, business, or contractor) will perform a specific obligation and fulfill any contractual agreement. The surety acts as a guarantor if the principal does not fulfill its obligations; in such cases, it is responsible for covering any losses incurred.
Types of surety bonds
Types of surety bonds can be classified into two primary categories: contractual and commercial. Contractual surety bonds are required by law, such as a court-mandated bond for a court case or an auto dealer bond. Commercial bonds are not legally required but may be used to demonstrate financial responsibility and trustworthiness in the marketplace. Examples of commercial surety bonds include license and permit bonds, contractor bid bonds, and fidelity bonds.
Who buys surety bonds?
Surety bonds are typically needed by certain businesses and organizations that are required to provide a guarantee of performance or assurance of financial responsibility. These entities can include contractors, subcontractors, service providers, suppliers, developers, lenders, and governments. The entity that purchases the surety bond is referred to as the principal while the entity guaranteeing their performance is called the obligee. In some cases, the principal is also the obligee and thus the surety bond serves as a form of self-insurance for them.
Who issues a surety bond?
Surety bonds are usually issued by a surety company, which is typically an insurance or financial institution. The surety company issues the bond on behalf of the principal—the business or individual seeking to obtain the bond—and guarantees that the principal will fulfill their obligations under the bond agreement.
How long does it take to get a surety bond?
The time it takes to obtain a surety bond varies greatly and can be dependent on several factors, including the size of the bond requested and the applicant’s creditworthiness. Generally speaking, smaller bonds are easier and faster to acquire than larger ones; in some cases, small bonds may be issued in only one business day. For larger bonds—particularly those requiring extensive paperwork or lack of financial stability—it can take anywhere from one to six weeks for the bonding process to be completed.
How much does a surety bond cost?
The cost of a surety bond varies depending on the type of bond needed, the amount of the bond, and your credit history. Generally speaking, higher-risk bonds require more collateral and will be more expensive.
Can I purchase a surety bond with bad credit?
The simple answer is yes – you can typically purchase a surety bond with bad credit. However, it may require some extra effort or a higher premium payment. Securing a surety bond despite bad credit depends on several factors:
• The amount of the bond and your industry – Larger surety bonds usually have stricter credit requirements as the bond issuer assumes a higher risk. Different industry types may also have different credit requirements.
• The surety company – Every surety company has its own set of underwriting guidelines and approval processes, so some may be more accommodating to those with bad credit than others.
• Your reputation and ability to pay – If you have a history of making on-time payments and the ability to pay back any losses covered by the surety bond, you may be able to secure one despite the bad credit.