For license & permit bonds, they guarantee that a principal understands and follows the regulations outlined for their specific license. This is where the term “license & bonded” comes from. Examples of a license violation could include fraud, misrepresentation, or late payment. If a covered violations causes a claim against the bond that the principal is unable to resolve, the surety will be required to pay the claim to the obligee.
In the construction industry, surety bonds typically ensure that a bonded contractor will fulfill their obligations specified in a signed contract. If a bonded contractor defaults on the contract, the surety guarantees that the obligee will be made whole. This can include either a financial payout or taking other actions to make sure the work is completed per the terms of the contract.
As a bonded principal, you must take every action possible to avoid claims. Claim activity may happen in the process of conducting business, whether valid or invalid, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the principal to make sure the disputes are resolved prior to the surety paying out on a claim.
Before becoming bonded, you will be required to sign a indemnity agreement with the surety company where you must agree to pay the surety back if they have to pay a claim due a violation by your company. The surety is only extending you credit, and therefore will expect to be reimbursed if a valid claim is paid. Having a paid surety claim may make it very difficult for you to become bonded again in the future, as it is a standard question on all bond applications, and is usually a cause for declination.
To understand what a surety bond is, it’s helpful to know what it is not. A false misconception is that a surety bond is insurance for your business. This is not true. Instead, bonds are more like insurance for the public , or your customers, that you are required to pay for.
Most businesses are also required to have some sort of separate business general liability coverage that protects their business from routine perils and losses. It’s important to understand that difference between the two to make sure you have the right type of coverage for your business.