As a principal at SuretyBonds.com -- one of the nation's leading surety bond producers -- this is a question that I answer frequently.
Because you posted in the Cars & Vehicles category, I assume that you need an auto dealer/motor vehicle dealer surety bond for your state. The best way to find out the required amount of your surety bond is to contact your state's government agency that handles licensing and registration for your industry. For example, if you're an auto dealer in Arizona, you'll contact the Arizona Department of Transportation. No matter what type of surety bond you need and what state you'll practice business in, inquiring with the government agency about the required bond amount is always a great place to start. Often, these government agencies will have this information on their websites.
Once you know your required bond amount, you can contact a reputable surety bond producer -- such as SuretyBonds.com -- to purchase your bond. The amount you pay for your bond will depend on your credit score, the type of bond you need, the state for which you need the bond and a few other factors.
Only one surety is required in a surety bond agreement. However, it is possible to have more than one surety on a single bond. This is known as "co-surety" and typically involves large government projects.
where can i buy a surety bond
A surety bond can be supplied by a bailbondsman who only puts up a percentage of the amount of money needed, but is liable for the whole amount if the defendant absconds. Cash surety is the ENTIRE amount of the bond must be posted, not just a percentage of it, as in the previous example.
If you are asking what are the benefits built into a surety bond then the answer is the surety bond guarantees a specific performance or amount up to the penalty amount of the bond. If you are asking what the benefits of surety are then surety provides the recipient of the surety bond a level of assurance that the person or business entity providing the bond is qualified to perform the required act. This is accomplished by the surety's investigation of the Principal and evidenced by their agreement to issue the surety bond that encumbers the surety to the amount of the bond's penalty.
If you are asking what are the benefits built into a surety bond then the answer is the surety bond guarantees a specific performance or amount up to the penalty amount of the bond. If you are asking what the benefits of surety are then surety provides the recipient of the surety bond a level of assurance that the person or business entity providing the bond is qualified to perform the required act. This is accomplished by the surety's investigation of the Principal and evidenced by their agreement to issue the surety bond that encumbers the surety to the amount of the bond's penalty.
A $25,000 surety bond would be about $2,500 (10%) or less, depending on the business and/or your negotiating skills. It can widely range so do some shopping and investigative work before you buy a surety bond.
In regards to purchasing a surety bond to replace a lost stock certificate, usually 2% of the face value of the certificate in question. I.E. if the shares are worth $30,000, a surety bond would cost $600.
Usually one surety company can take the risk but sometimes the risk is so large that more than one surety might be required by the obligee (the entity requiring the bond) or let's say I furnish a surety bond for a minor's estate and the estate grows in value and the first surety either cannot or does not want to provide another bond. In that case I am confident the obligee would accept a bond from another surety company.
Usually one surety company can take the risk but sometimes the risk is so large that more than one surety might be required by the obligee (the entity requiring the bond) or let's say I furnish a surety bond for a minor's estate and the estate grows in value and the first surety either cannot or does not want to provide another bond. In that case I am confident the obligee would accept a bond from another surety company.
Surety bonds are a credit related products, The bond provides guarantee of performance or payment. A surety bond is not available for anyone. You do need to qualify for most surety bonds. (There are instant issue bonds for notaries, tax preparers, fidelity, etc that are not underwritten.) Subject to the amount of the bond and what the obligation is, underwriting analysis looks at credit, financial strength, character, experience, etc.
How long you need a surety bond depends on the obligation the surety bond is guaranteeing. If you have a contract that lasts five years, you may need a surety bond for that five year period. There are hundreds of different types of surety bonds to guarantee all different kinds of obligations.
A non-surety bond is a guarantee by the signer for the amount of the bond. There is no cash or property required as collateral. In the court system, a non-surety bond can also guarantee a "promise to appear".