Don’t see your California Surety Bond? Complete a general application and we’ll track down what you need.

Bond Types Click to Apply
AFTRA Talent Agency Surety Bond
Alcoholic Beverage Tax Bond
Auctioneer/Auction Company Bond
Bail Agent Bond
Bill Payer Bond
BMC-84 Surety Bond /Freight Broker / ICC Transportation Bond
Bond of Check Seller
Bond of Insurance Adjuster
Bond of Insurance Broker
Bond of Public Insurance Adjuster
Bond of Qualifying Individual
Bond of Special Lines’ Surplus Line Broker
Bond of Traffic Violator School Owner
Business Service Surety Bond
Cannabis Bonds
Car Wash Bond
Cemetery Brokers Bond
Certificate of Title Bond
Check Seller Bond
Cigarette Tax Bond
Collection Agency Bond
Commercial Requester Bond
Communications Service Provider Performance Bond
Community Care Bond
Contractor LLC Employee Bond
Contractor’s License Bond
Cosmetology School Bond
Court Bonds – Fiduciary (Probate) Bonds
Court Bonds – Non fiduciary
Credit Services Organization Surety Bond
Dance Studio Surety Bond
Defective Title Surety Bond
Deferred Deposit Surety Bond
Disciplinary Contractors License Bond
Driving School Surety Bond
Easy Application Performance Bonds
Employment Agency Surety Bond
Employment Counseling Surety Bond
Encroachment Permit Bond – City of West Sacramento
Encroachment Surety Bond
ERISA Surety Bond
Escrow License Surety Bond
Farm Labor Contractor Bond
Federal Distilled Spirits / TTB Surety Bond
Financing Law License Bond
Fish and Wildlife License Agent Sales Bond
Foreclosure Consultant Surety Bond
Grading Permit Surety Bond – City of Los Angeles
Grading Permit Surety Bond – City of Riverside
Grading Permit Surety Bond – City of Roseville
Grading Permit Surety Bond – City of Sacramento
Grading Permit Surety Bond – City of San Diego
Grading Permit Surety Bond – County of Los Angeles
Grading Permit Surety Bond – Monterey County
Guide License Bond
Guide License Bond
H-2A Farm Labor Contractor Bond
Health Studio Bond
Home Care Organization Dishonesty Bond
ICP Web User Bond
Immigration Consultant Bond
Insurance Adjuster Bond
Interstate Carrier Bond
Janitorial Surety Bond
Job Listing Service Bond
Legal Document Assistant Bond
Leave of Absence Salary Continuation Bond
Los Angeles Parking Lot License Bond
Los Angeles Parking Occupancy Tax Collection Bond
Lost Cashier’s Check Bond
Lost Stock Certificate Surety Bond
Lost Title Bond
Lost Trust Deed Bond
Medicare / DMEPOS Surety Bond
Milk Handler Bond
Miramar Landfill Deferred Payment Bond
Mobile Home, Coach, Camper or Floating Home Bond
Money Transmitter Bond
Mortgage Lender Bond
Motor Club Bond
Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond
Motor Vehicle Wholesale Dealer Bond
Nonresident Surplus Line Broker Surety Bond
Nurses Registry Surety Bond
Other / Don’t Know Surety Bond
Patient Trust Surety Bond
Pawnbroker Surety Bond
Performance and Payment Bonds
Performance Bonds and Payment Bonds
Performance Bonds Up to $400k
Performance- Commercial Property or Private Work
Pest Control Surety Bond
Prepaid Rental Listing Service Surety Bond
Process Server Bond
Process Server Surety Bond
Produce Dealers Act Surety Bond
Professional Club and Promoter’s Bond
Professional Photocopier Bond
Prorater Surety Bond
Reconveyance Surety Bond
Registration Service Bond
Registry of Charitable Trusts Surety Bond
San Francisco Parking Tax Collection Bond
Seller of Travel Surety Bond
Stop Notice Release Bond
Subcontractor Surety Bond – Performance Bond
Surety2000 Electronic Surety Bonds
Surplus Line Broker Surety Bond
Talent Agency Surety Bond
Tax Preparer Surety Bond
Telephonic Seller Surety Bond
Tobacco Manufacturer and Importer Surety Bond
User of Fuel Surety Bond
Utility Payment Bond
Utility Payment Surety Bonds
Vehicle Verifier Bond
Verification to Patient Trust Fund Bond
Veteran Affairs Custodian Bond
Waste Tire Hauler Bond
Waste Tire Hauler Surety Bond
Wholesale Pharmacy Dealer Bond
Yacht and Ship Broker Bond


Comprehensive Guide to California Surety Bonds

Surety bonds are a critical component of many industries in California, ensuring that businesses and individuals comply with state laws and regulations. Whether you’re a contractor, auto dealer, or any other professional required to obtain a surety bond, understanding how theyCalifornia Surety Bonds work is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about California surety bonds, including their purpose, types, costs, and how to obtain them.

What is a California Surety Bond?

A surety bond is a three-party agreement that guarantees compliance with specific obligations. The three parties involved are:

  • Principal: The individual or business required to obtain the bond (e.g., a contractor or auto dealer).
  • Obligee: The entity requiring the bond (usually a government agency or regulatory body).
  • Surety: The insurance company that issues the bond and guarantees the principal’s obligations.

In California, surety bonds are often required to protect consumers, ensure compliance with state laws, and provide financial recourse in case of misconduct or failure to fulfill contractual obligations.

See our “What is a Surety Bond” Video.

Why Are Surety Bonds Required in California?

California surety bonds serve several purposes, including:

  • Consumer Protection: Bonds protect consumers from financial loss if a business fails to meet its obligations.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Many industries in California require bonds to ensure businesses adhere to state laws and regulations.
  • Financial Security: Bonds provide a financial guarantee that obligations will be met, such as completing a construction project or paying taxes.

Types of California Surety Bonds

California surety bonds fall into several categories, depending on the industry and purpose. Here are the most common types:

If your license or profession has no surety bond requirement attached to it but one still wants to “be bonded”, Surety1.com offers a Business Service Bond at a very affordable price.

How Much Do California Surety Bonds Cost?

The cost of a surety bond in California depends on several factors, including:

  • Bond Amount: The required bond amount set by the obligee.
  • Credit Score: Applicants with good credit typically pay lower premiums (1-3% of the bond amount). Those with poor credit may pay higher premiums (5-15% or more).
  • Industry Risk: Higher-risk industries may result in higher premiums.
  • Bond Type: Some bonds are considered higher risk and may cost more.

For example, a contractor license bond in California typically costs between 1% and 3% of the bond amount. If the bond amount is $15,000,the Premium could range from $15o to $450.

How to Get a California Surety Bond

Obtaining a surety bond in California is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine the Bond Requirements

Identify the type of bond you need and the required bond amount. This information is usually provided by the obligee (e.g., the California Contractors State License Board or the Department of Motor Vehicles).  If you still are not sure, complete our general application and we will try to figure it out.

Step 2: Apply for the Bond

Complete our easy to navigate, basic application or our industry specific applications:

Step 3: Underwriting Process

For many bonds, the staff at surety1com have the authority to issue the bond. If necessary, Surety1 will submit the application to one or more of its 20 markets. The surety company will evaluate your application, including your credit score, financial stability, and industry risk. This process determines your premium rate.

Step 4: Pay the Premium

Once approved, you’ll pay the premium to activate the bond. The surety company will issue the bond, which you’ll submit to the obligee.

Step 5: Maintain the Bond

Keep your bond active by renewing it annually or as required. Failure to maintain the bond can result in penalties or loss of licensure. Surety1.com will send renewal reminders as needed.

See our “How does the Surety Bond Process Work” Video

What Happens if a Bond Claim is Filed?

If a claim is filed against your bond, the surety company will investigate the claim. If the claim is valid, the surety will pay the claimant up to the bond amount. However, as the principal, you are responsible for reimbursing the surety for any claims paid out.

Why Choose Surety1.com as your bond broker:

  • Experience: Surety1 has been in business since 2003, specializing in surety bonds nationwide, with specific experience in Florida.
  • Variety: We offer a wide range of Florida surety bonds for various professions and industries.
  • Competitive Rates: We offer competitive rates and work with over a dozen surety bond companies to find the best price for you.
  • Easy Online Application: Our user-friendly and secure online application process make for for quick and convenient bonding.
  • Licensed Nationwide: Licensed in all 50 states to serve all your surety bond needs.
  • Fast Service: We offer fast turnaround times for bond issuance.
  • Support: Surety1 has a team of surety bond professionals available to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
  • Positive Reviews: Surety1 has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews online.
  • Surety Bond Only Agency: Surety1 only provides surety bonds. Benefits of Working With a Surety Bond Only Agency

Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Representing over a dozen surety bond companies, Surety1.com is the premier online provider of surety bonds nationwide since 2003. All we do are surety bonds.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I get a surety bond with bad credit?
A: Yes, but you may pay a higher premium. Some surety companies specialize in bad credit bonds.

Q: How long does it take to get a surety bond?
A: The process can take as little as 24 hours or less for simple bonds, but more complex bonds may take longer.

Q: Do I need collateral for a surety bond?
A: Collateral is typically not required for most bonds, but it may be requested for high-risk applicants or large bond amounts.

Q: Can I cancel my surety bond?
A: It depends on the bond type. For instance, a contract bond or court bond cannot generally be cancelled. Most License and Permit bonds can be cancelled. 

Conclusion

California surety bonds are a vital tool for ensuring compliance, protecting consumers, and providing financial security. Whether you’re a contractor, auto dealer, or public official, understanding the types of bonds available, the costs involved, and the process for obtaining them is essential. By working with Surety1.com, you can secure the bond you need to operate legally and successfully in California.

If you have further questions or need assistance, Contact Surety1.com.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of California surety bonds. For specific advice or assistance, Surety1.com is here to help. Phone (877)654-2327 or email info@surety1.com

California Driving School Surety Bond

How to Get Bonded

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Surety1 was founded in 2003 and helps thousands of clients find the best prices on their surety bonds. We take pride in our work so that we can give you great service. Learn more about Surety1.

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