California Surety Bonds

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Surety Bond Professionals is a family owned and operated bonding agency with over 30 years of experience. With access to a broad range of surety markets, our expert agents are ready to assist with all of your California surety bond needs.
Continue reading below to learn more about common California bonding requirements, or use our online form to request a quote now.


Required Surety Bonds in California

Typical California bonds include (click on any for more info):

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Required Surety Bonds in California

There are three broad categories of California surety bonds—construction and contractor bonds, license and permit bonds, and court bonds. There are also multiple types of surety bonds within each of these categories.

California Construction & Contractor Bonds

The state and individual cities or counties may require contractors to obtain a surety bond as a condition for bidding on or being awarded a public works project. These include bid bonds, performance bonds, payment bonds, maintenance bonds, and other construction-related surety bonds.

California License & Permit Bonds

License bonds are often required by a state or local agency as a condition for obtaining a license or permit to operate a business within the jurisdiction. For example, construction contractors in California must purchase a $15,000 surety bond before a license will be issued by the Contractors State License Board. In addition, both the state of California and municipalities may require contractors to obtain a permit bond before being granted a permit for certain projects.

California Court Bonds

California courts at every level may require a person appealing a court decision or taking on fiduciary responsibilities to have a court bond. For example, a bond is typically required before a person can serve as an executor of an estate, guardian of a minor, or custodian of an adult.

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Our experienced professionals will gladly answer any questions you may have about California surety bonds to help you get the bonds you need. Request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

There are three parties to every surety bond agreement, which is a legally binding contract:

  • The “obligee” is the state or local agency requiring the surety bond.
  • The “principal” is the party required to purchase the bond.
  • The “surety” is the company underwriting and issuing the bond.
  • The obligee sets the required amount of the bond, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on a claim. The obligee also spells out the conduct required of the principal in order to avoid claims against the surety bond.

Any party who suffers a financial loss because the principal has violated the terms of the bond has the right to file a claim against the bond. The principal is solely responsible for paying all valid claims.

However, the surety will often pay a claim and wait to be reimbursed by the principal. This ensures timely settlement of the claim and gives the principal some time to gather the necessary funds.

What the principal in a bond agreement actually pays for a surety bond is a small percentage of the required bond amount established by the obligee. That percentage, known as the premium rate, is determined by the surety company based on the applicant’s credit score and other indicators of the likelihood of claims being filed against the bond. Those with good credit can expect a rate of 1-3%. Those with poorer credit may pay a higher premium.
No claim against a bond will be paid until the surety company has investigated and determined that it is valid. After making payment to a claimant, the surety company will demand reimbursement from the principal.