Surety Bonds for Business, Transportation & More
Commercial, license and permit, contract, transportation, court, and probate bond solutions through multiple surety markets.
Online application through BondExchange. Availability and underwriting requirements vary by bond.
Freight broker bond already issued? View your next steps
Bond availability, eligibility, limits and underwriting requirements vary by bond type and surety company. The required bond amount is different from the premium you pay. Submission of a quote request does not bind coverage or guarantee a bond offer.
License & Permit Bonds
A license and permit bond is a surety bond required by a government authority — state, county, or city — as a condition of obtaining or renewing a business license or permit. The bond protects the public and the licensing authority if the bonded business violates licensing laws or regulations.
Common examples
- Contractor license bonds (required by state contractor licensing boards)
- Motor vehicle dealer bonds (required by state DMV or dealer licensing agencies)
- Mortgage broker and lender bonds
- Collection agency bonds
- Freight broker bonds (see the dedicated section above)
- Auto dealer, auction, and title bonds
- Notary bonds (required in many states)
How to identify your bond
The licensing authority that issued your license or permit requirement will specify the bond type, the obligee (the party named on the bond), and the required amount. Look for a bond requirement letter, application form, or licensing checklist from that authority.
Information to gather
- State and licensing authority name
- Bond form or requirement letter (if provided)
- Required bond amount
- License or permit deadline
- Business legal name and address
- Owner name and Social Security number (for underwriting)
License and permit bonds typically renew annually with your license. Notify the agency if your business name, ownership, or address changes — the bond may need to be updated.
Contract Bonds
Contract bonds guarantee performance on construction and other qualifying contracts. They protect the project owner (obligee) and, in the case of payment bonds, subcontractors and suppliers. A contract bond is different from a contractor license bond — the license bond is a regulatory requirement; the contract bond protects the parties to a specific project.
The three primary types
Bid Bond
Guarantees that if the bidder is awarded the contract, they will enter into it and provide the required performance and payment bonds. Protects the project owner from a contractor who wins a bid and then declines the contract.
Performance Bond
Guarantees the contractor will complete the work according to the contract terms. If the contractor defaults, the surety steps in to complete the project or compensate the owner.
Payment Bond
Guarantees that subcontractors, laborers, and material suppliers will be paid. Required on most public projects under the Miller Act and many state equivalents.
Information commonly requested
- Contract documents and project specifications
- Project owner (obligee) name and contact
- Contract amount and project location
- Contractor's financial statements (for larger bonds)
- Work-in-progress schedule and bonding history
- Contractor license number
Contract bonds are underwritten based on the contractor's financial strength, experience, and work program. Larger bond amounts typically require reviewed or audited financial statements.
Court & Judicial Bonds
Court bonds are required by courts as a condition of certain legal proceedings. They protect the opposing party or the court from financial harm if the bonded party fails to fulfill their legal obligation. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, proceeding type, and judge.
Common types
Appeal Bond (Supersedeas Bond)
Required to stay enforcement of a judgment while an appeal is pending. Typically set at the judgment amount plus interest and costs.
Injunction Bond
Required when a court grants a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction. Protects the restrained party if the injunction is later found to have been wrongfully issued.
Attachment Bond
Required when a plaintiff seeks to attach a defendant's property before judgment. Protects the defendant if the attachment is wrongful.
Replevin Bond
Required when a party seeks to recover personal property before a final judgment in a dispute over ownership or possession.
Have ready before requesting
- Court order or requirement specifying the bond
- Bond form (if provided by the court or attorney)
- Required bond amount
- Filing deadline
- Case name and court jurisdiction
Specific legal requirements for court bonds should be confirmed with the court clerk or your attorney. Bond amounts and conditions are set by the court.
Probate & Fiduciary Bonds
Fiduciary bonds are required of individuals appointed by a court to manage assets or affairs on behalf of others. They protect the beneficiaries and the court if the fiduciary fails to perform their duties faithfully. The required bond amount is typically set by the court based on the value of the assets under management.
Common fiduciary roles
- Executor or administrator (estate administration after death)
- Guardian (managing affairs of a minor or incapacitated person)
- Conservator (managing financial affairs of a protected person)
- Trustee (managing a trust on behalf of beneficiaries)
- Receiver (court-appointed to manage assets in litigation)
Information to gather
- Court appointment documents (letters testamentary, letters of administration, guardianship order, etc.)
- Required bond amount as set by the court
- Name and address of the estate, trust, or protected person
- Approximate value of assets under management
- Filing deadline
Probate and fiduciary bond requirements are set by the court. Consult the probate court or your attorney to confirm the required bond amount and form before requesting a quote.
Other Commercial Bonds
Many surety bond needs do not fit neatly into the categories above. If you have a bond requirement that is not covered elsewhere, contact the agency with the details and we will help identify the right product.
Representative examples
- Notary bonds (required in many states for commissioned notaries)
- Lost instrument bonds (required to replace lost stock certificates, checks, or other instruments)
- ERISA fidelity bonds (required for employee benefit plan fiduciaries under federal law)
- Customs bonds (required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for importers)
- Tax bonds (required by some states for businesses collecting sales or fuel taxes)
- Utility deposit bonds (alternative to cash deposits for utility service)
Have the bond requirement letter or bond form from the obligee (the party requiring the bond) ready when you contact us. This document identifies the bond type, required amount, and obligee name — the information needed to begin a request.
Ready to get bonded?
Contact Insurance Professionals to discuss your surety bond needs.