Bonds

What is a surety bond?

A surety bond is a legally bindingagreement involving three parties: the principal (who needs the bond), theobligee (who requires the bond), and the surety (who issues the bond). Itensures that the principal will fulfill their obligations as specified, and ifthey fail to do so, the surety compensates the obligee.

Who are the parties of a bond?

  • Surety- The insurance company issuing the bond
  • Obligee-The party requiring the bond
  • Principal- The person or company purchasing the bond

Who needs a bond?

Bonds are required by various individualsand businesses, including contractors, businesses applying for licenses, estateexecutors, and companies entering into public or private contracts. Thespecific need depends on the type of bond required by an obligee.

How does a bond work?

The principal purchases the bond toguarantee their performance or compliance with an obligation. If the principalfails to meet their obligations, the obligee can make a claim against the bond.The surety pays the claim up to the bond’s limit and then seeks reimbursementfrom the principal.

What is the difference between a suretybond and insurance?

A surety bond is a three-party agreementthat provides a financial guarantee that the principal will fulfill theirobligations. Insurance, on the other hand, is a two-party agreement where theinsurer provides financial protection to the insured against specific risks. Ina surety bond, the principal is ultimately responsible for reimbursing thesurety for any claims paid.

Performance Bond

A performance bond is a type of contractorbond that guarantees the contractor will complete a project according to theterms of the contract. If the contractor fails, the obligee can claim the bondto cover the cost of completing the project.

A Performance Bond guarantees that yourconstruction or development project will be completed according to contractterms. By securing a Performance Bond, you provide peace of mind to yourclients, knowing that any unexpected issues will be handled professionally.Whether you're working on a commercial development or a public project, aPerformance Bond is essential. Protect your reputation and secure your projecttoday.

Payment Bond

A payment bond is crucial for ensuring thatall subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers involved in a project are paid infull. This bond guarantees that if the primary contractor fails to meet theirpayment obligations, the bond will cover the costs. This protection helpsprevent disputes and financial losses among the various parties working on aproject.

For clients and project owners, a paymentbond provides peace of mind. It reassures them that all parties involved in theproject will be compensated for their work, regardless of the contractor’sfinancial situation. This assurance can make your business more attractive toclients who prioritize reliability and risk management.

Bid Bond

A bid bond is a type of surety bond thatprovides financial assurance that a contractor’s bid is accurate and that thecontractor will enter into the contract at the bid price if selected. If thecontractor withdraws their bid, the obligee can claim the bond.

A Bid Bond shows clients that you'reserious about your bids and ready to take on the project if selected. It’s acrucial part of the bidding process, especially for public projects. Don't missout on lucrative contracts—get your Bid Bond today.

License and Permit bond

A license and permit bond is required bygovernment entities as a condition for granting a license or permit to operatea business. It ensures that the business will comply with local laws,regulations, and ordinances.

A license and permit bond is not just alegal requirement; it’s a crucial tool for safeguarding your business, yourcustomers, and your reputation. It ensures compliance, builds trust, andprovides financial security, all of which are essential for running asuccessful and credible business.

How do I apply for a bond?

You can apply for a bond directly throughour website, INSERT BACKLINK. Simply select the type of bond you need, use ourinstant quote tool, and complete the online application. Once submitted, wewill review your application and issue your bond upon approval.

What information do I need to apply fora bond?

The information required varies by bondtype, but generally, you will need to provide details such as the bond amount,your personal or business information, financial history, and any specificrequirements related to the bond.

When going through the application process,be prepared to provide at minimum the following:  

  • Personal Information
    • Full name, Social SecurityNumber, Date of Birth
    • Contact details (phone number,email, home address)
  • Business Information
    • Business name, structure (e.g.,LLC, corporation), and address
    • Federal Employer IdentificationNumber (FEIN)
    • Years in business and ownershipdetails
  • Bond-Specific Information
  • Type of bond required (e.g.,performance, payment, license)
  • Bond amount and obligeeinformation (name and address)
  • Project details (contractvalue, location, scope of work)

Can I apply for a bond if I have badcredit?

Yes, you can still apply for a bond if youhave bad credit. However, your credit history may affect the bond’s cost. Wework with applicants of all credit backgrounds to find the best possible rates.

What factors affect the cost of a bond?

Several factors influence the cost of abond, including the type of bond, bond amount, the principal's credit score,financial stability, and the risk associated with the bond. The bond premium istypically a percentage of the total bond amount.

Do I need to renew my bond?

Some bonds are one-time purchases, whileothers require annual renewal. The renewal terms will depend on the type ofbond and the terms specified by the obligee. We will notify you before yourbond expires and assist with the renewal process.

What happens if a claim is made on mybond?

If a claim is made on your bond, the suretywill investigate the claim to determine its validity. If the claim is valid,the surety will pay the obligee up to the bond’s limit. You, as the principal,are then responsible for reimbursing the surety for the amount paid.

How can I avoid a claim on my bond?

To avoid a claim on your bond, ensure thatyou fulfill all your obligations under the contract or legal requirement. Thisincludes completing work on time, adhering to regulations, and meeting allterms agreed upon with the obligee.

Can I dispute a claim on my bond?

Yes, if you believe a claim is unjustified,you can dispute it. The surety will conduct an investigation to assess thevalidity of the claim. It’s important to provide all relevant documentation andevidence to support your case.

What are my obligations if a claim ispaid out?

If a claim is paid out by the surety, youare obligated to reimburse the surety for the full amount of the claim. Thisreimbursement is part of the indemnity agreement you signed when obtaining thebond.

How do I pay for my bond?

You can pay for your bond using a creditcard, debit card, or electronic funds transfer (EFT) directly through oursecure payment portal on the website.

How do I renew my bond?

We will notify you before your bond’sexpiration date to start the renewal process. You can renew your bond online byfollowing the instructions in the notification or contact us directly tocomplete the renewal.

Can my bond premium change at renewal?

Yes, your bond premium may change atrenewal based on factors such as changes in your credit score, financialstatus, or the bond market. We will provide you with updated pricing at thetime of renewal.

What are some bond claims examples?

Performance Bond Claim

A construction company was hired to build anew office complex. Midway through the project, the contractor failed to meetthe agreed-upon construction standards, resulting in significant defects in thebuilding. The project owner filed a claim against the contractor’s performancebond to cover the costs of hiring another contractor to complete the projectand correct the defects. The bond ensured the project owner was financiallyprotected from the contractor’s failure to fulfill their obligations.

Payment Bond Claim

A general contractor was responsible foroverseeing the construction of a public school. Despite receiving payments fromthe project owner, the contractor failed to pay several subcontractors andsuppliers involved in the project. These unpaid parties filed claims againstthe contractor’s payment bond to recover the money owed to them. The payment bondensured that all parties who provided labor and materials were compensated,even though the general contractor defaulted on their payment obligations.

License and Permit Bond Claim

A licensed electrical contractor wasrequired to obtain a license and permit bond as a condition for operating in aparticular city. The contractor performed substandard electrical work thatviolated local building codes, leading to safety issues and costly repairs. Theaffected property owner filed a claim against the contractor’s license andpermit bond to cover the expenses of correcting the faulty work. The bondprovided financial protection to the property owner and ensured that thecontractor was held accountable for not adhering to the legal standards.

These examples highlight the critical rolebonds play in protecting stakeholders from financial loss due to the failure ofa contractor or business to meet their obligations.

Utility Bond Claim

A small business owner needed to establishutility services for a new retail location. To secure the utility services, theutility company required the business owner to obtain a utility deposit bond.After a few months of operation, the business faced financial difficulties andwas unable to pay its utility bills. The utility company filed a claim againstthe utility bond to recover the unpaid bills. The bond ensured that the utilitycompany was compensated for the services provided, even though the businessdefaulted on its payments.

Bid Bond Claim

A contractor submitted a bid for a largemunicipal construction project and provided a bid bond as part of the biddingprocess. The contractor won the bid but later decided to withdraw from theproject due to unforeseen cost increases, leaving the municipality without acontractor and forcing them to restart the bidding process. The municipalityfiled a claim against the contractor’s bid bond to recover the differencebetween the contractor’s original bid and the next lowest bid, as well as anyadditional costs incurred due to the delay. The bid bond ensured that themunicipality was financially protected from the contractor’s failure to honortheir bid.

I have my bonds with another agency, howdo I move them to Titan Risk?

The Broker of Record (BOR) process allowsyou to easily switch from your current bond broker to Titan Risk. To initiatethis process, you simply sign a BOR Letter, which officially authorizes TitanRisk to take over the management of your bonds. This letter is then submittedto the bonding company, and once accepted, Titan Risk will have fullresponsibility for handling your bonds, including renewals, claims, and anyother service needs.

Switching brokers through the BOR processis straightforward and ensures a smooth transition with minimal disruption.

What does Titan Risk offer bonds for?

When it comes to securing your business andensuring compliance with industry regulations, having the right bonds in placeis crucial. Titan Risk specializes in providing a wide range of surety bondsthat cater to the most common and significant needs across various sectors.Below, we’ve highlighted 11 of the most common bonds we provide:

  • Performance Bonds
  • Payment Bonds
  • Bid Bonds
  • Utility Deposit Bonds
  • Subdivision Bonds
  • Supply Bonds
  • Freight Broker Bonds (BMC-84)
  • Sales Tax Bonds
  • Oil and Gas Well Bonds
  • License and Permit Bonds
  • Mortgage Broker Bonds

Outside of bonds, what insuranceproducts can I buy from Titan Risk?

Titan Risk offers a comprehensive range ofcommercial Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance products designed toprotect your business from a variety of risks. Whether you need coverage foryour property, liability protection, or specialized policies tailored to yourindustry, Titan Risk has you covered.

Here’s a list of the key P&C insuranceproducts you can purchase from Titan Risk:

  • General Liability Insurance
  • Commercial Property Insurance
  • Commercial Auto Insurance
  • Workers' Compensation Insurance
  • Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions)
  • Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance
  • Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
  • Cyber Liability Insurance
  • Commercial Umbrella Insurance
  • Inland Marine Insurance
  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Crime Insurance
  • Product Liability Insurance
  • Reps and Warranties Insurance
  • Tenant Legal Liability Insurance