Contractor (License & Permit) Bonds

What is a Contractor License Bond? (What does the bond cover?)

While starting the process of getting your contractor license, you may discover your state’s licensing board lists securing a Surety Bond as a licensing requirement. The licensing board enforces this requirement to ensure you perform your duties, as a licensed contractor, ethically and abide to all of the rules and regulations set by the state or city.

We realize contractors have many steps to complete when getting their license. Our goal is to be one of the easiest steps.

Read our client reviews on Google:

Surety Solutions, A Gallagher Company

4.9

Based on 294 reviews

See all reviews Write a review

Easiest system to use and, by far, the fastest company with providing E&O and Surety bond insurance. HIGHLY recommend!

Mortgage H.

20:51 02 Mar 22

Surety Solutions goes above and beyond their duty to make their customer feel confident that they are choosing the right company. Jessi Wimer personally helped me through the process. She was very informative and made sure that every concern I had was dealt with in the most professional and efficient way. Thank you for your hard work!

Chris L.

17:07 08 Feb 22

Excellent service; they exceeded my expectations in timeliness and professionalism.

Bridgette M. B.

23:24 10 Dec 21

Client services provided quick and accurate responses.

James G.

17:49 30 Nov 21

Very helpful and they respond quickly to any questions.

Eva Hammel H.

16:46 30 Nov 21

Katrina Fearn, Client Service Manager at Surety, is an absolute pleasure to work with!! She is always highly responsive, and has provided me nothing but excellent service since our first interaction. I highly recommend working with her and the Surety team. They will always go above and beyond. Thank you for all that you've done!

Zakieh A.

16:38 04 Nov 21

I have been working with Steve Shike and he has been so helpful. I purchased the wrong bond and Steve instantly requested a refund on my behalf and called back with the good news. I appreciate him for helping me figure out my situation in such a timely matter. Thank you Steve for responding to my calls and emails promptly.

Ashley W.

18:25 10 Aug 21

Gerry J.

16:30 08 Aug 21

Katrina and Surety Solutions was awesome to work with and made the process seamless. Even after I, PERSONALLY, made a mistake and caused a delay, Katrina was able to spot my mistake and kindly address the error while still delivering my bond as if nothing had happened.I have nothing but good things to say about Surety Solutions.

Xavier A.

15:40 22 Jul 21

jerry T.

04:44 03 Jul 21

Katrina and Surety Solutions were very helpful and fast. I needed to change the bond I ordered and they handled that within minutes. Their response time to emails and request were great and that is why I will continue to work them both. All I ask for is relatively decent response time when there are issues that need resolved and Katrina far exceeded that and was friendly on top of everything else. Well done.Kris

Kristopher M.

14:23 24 Jun 21

Grace answered the phone immediately with a positive attitude and willingness to help. She followed through professionally and promptly through entire process.

Danny S.

14:41 15 Jun 21

Surety Solutions has been the most amazing and easiest company to work with on Bonds in my past 17 years of doing insurance. They are very quick to respond and very personal to work with. Jake Durrant is absolutely the best!

Bonnie A.

20:39 20 May 21

Suzie T.

17:14 07 May 21

Easy experience.

Tonya B.

01:18 21 Apr 21

I had the pleasure of working with Katrina Fearn to obtain mortgage broker surety bonds and I can say with zero hesitation, that she is wonderful to work with. Extremely responsive, communicative and helpful. Surety Solutions + Katrina = Great Partnership. Thanks!!!

Ryan M.

20:18 19 Apr 21

Can't say enough good things about Katrina Fearn, she was exceptionally prompt, responsive and a true professional in getting me the bond in a timely manner. Just amazing customer service.

Umesh M.

23:34 07 Apr 21

I needed a copy of my bond and with people working form home I thought is was going to take a long time. I got an email with the copy of my bond with in minutes. Never seen anything like that. Very Professional and fast response. thank you for good business ethic

Ernesto U.

19:08 10 Feb 21

Just obtained Mortgage Broker Surety Bond for two states. not only the price was right but service and professionalism exceeded my expectations. i can't thank Steve enough and wish i knew them sooner.

Ruslan K.

22:43 08 Jan 21

I bought a surety bond for my business. The name on the application has my middle name on it and the policy didn't. That would or could have created a problem. I wrote to customer service to complain. Well not complain but ask for it to be changed. Since it was Thanksgiving weekend I wasn't expecting to hear back till this week sometime. Well to my surprise it was "Very" Quickly. JD was very helpful and professional. Fixed it then contacted me with the corrected version. Couldn't be happier. " Good Business is Good Business"

MrDarryk

05:17 01 Dec 20

JP M.

01:46 04 Nov 20

Amazing customer service and friendly and informative reps.

Obsesion H.

04:45 26 Oct 20

Surety solutions handled my request for a Guardianship Bond professionally, with great care and provided great value to my family. Of all of the insurance companies I contacted for my need, Surety Solutions was by far the most responsive, courteous and knowledgeable. I very much appreciate their fine service!!

Irena S.

03:00 25 Sep 20

The entire staff from Jake to Katrina were more than professional and bent over backwards to meet mine and The State of California's requirements

Kirk G.

19:10 23 Jun 20

This process could not have been easier! Mr. Chipman sent me an email link and I just followed the steps. I highly recommend Mr. Beau Chipman to anyone who needs this service.

Sharon H.

23:29 28 Apr 20

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State	Bond Type	Quote
Alabama	City Of Auburn	Get Quotes
Alabama	City Of Chickasaw	Get Quotes
Alabama	City Of Dothan - General Contractor	Get Quotes
Alabama	City Of Dothan - Commercial Refrigeration Contractor	Get Quotes
Alabama	City Of Dothan - Electrical Contractor	Get Quotes
Alaska	Contractor for $5,000	Get Quotes
Alaska	General Contractor	Get Quotes
Alaska	Residential Contractor	Get Quotes
Alaska	Specialty Contractor	Get Quotes
Arizona	Commercial Contractor	Get Quotes
Arizona	Contractor Taxpayer	Get Quotes
Arizona	Dual Contractor	Get Quotes
Arizona	Residential Contractor	Get Quotes
Arkansas	City of Arkadelphia	Get Quotes
Arkansas	City of Benton	Get Quotes
Arkansas	Commercial Contractor	Get Quotes
California	Contractor Bond ($15,000)	Get Quotes
California	Contractor Bond ($12,500)	Get Quotes
Colorado	City Of Denver	Get Quotes
Connecticut	City of Milfred	Get Quotes
Delaware	City of Wilmington Licensed Plumber	Get Quotes
Delaware	Non-Resident Contractor	Get Quotes
Florida	Contractor’s Sales or Use Tax	Get Quotes
Florida	County of Hernando	Get Quotes
Florida	County of Orange	Get Quotes
Florida	County of Palm Beach	Get Quotes
Florida	County of Polk	Get Quotes
Florida	Lake County	Get Quotes
Georgia	City of Smyrna	Get Quotes
Georgia	City of Valdosta	Get Quotes
Georgia	County of Richmond	Get Quotes
Georgia	Residential and General Contractor	Get Quotes
Hawaii	Contractor’s License	Get Quotes
Idaho	City of Pocatello	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Aurora	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Batavia	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Berwyn	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Chicago Heights	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Darien	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Des Plaines	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Elmhurst	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Harvey	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Lockport	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Kankakee	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Markham	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Mattoon	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Morris	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Naperville	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of North Chicago	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Peoria	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Springfield	Get Quotes
Illinois	City of Urbana	Get Quotes
Illinois	County of Grundy	Get Quotes
Illinois	County of Kankakee	Get Quotes
Illinois	County of Will	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Frankfort	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Glencoe	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Glenwood	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Gurnee	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Harwood Heights	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Hinsdale	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of La Grange	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of La Grange Park	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Lincolnwood	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Lindenhurst	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Matteson	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Maywood	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Melrose Park	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of McCook	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Merrionette Park	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Monee	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Mount Prospect	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of North Aurora	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Northbrook	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Park Forest	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Plainfield	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Richton Park	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Round Lake Beach	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Schiller Park	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of South Holland	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Sugar Grove	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Summit	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Thornton	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of University Park	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Villa Park	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Westchester	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Wheeling	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Willow Springs	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Winfield	Get Quotes
Illinois	Village of Woodridge	Get Quotes
Indiana	City of West Lafayette	Get Quotes
Indiana	County of Lake	Get Quotes
Indiana	County of LaPorte	Get Quotes
Indiana	County of Marshall	Get Quotes
Indiana	Town of Chesterton	Get Quotes
Indiana	Town of Dune Acres	Get Quotes
Indiana	Town of New Carlisle	Get Quotes
Iowa	City of Davenport	Get Quotes
Iowa	City of Eldridge	Get Quotes
Iowa	Out-of-State Contractor	Get Quotes
Kansas	City of Emporia	Get Quotes
Kansas	City of Wichita	Get Quotes
Kansas	City of Winfield	Get Quotes
Louisiana	City of Lake Charles	Get Quotes
Louisiana	City of Jennings	Get Quotes
Louisiana	City of Sulphur	Get Quotes
Maryland	Home Improvement Contractor Bond $20,000	Get Quotes
Maryland	Home Improvement Contractor Bond $100,000	Get Quotes
Minnesota	City of Brainerd	Get Quotes
Minnesota	City of Minneapolis - Residential	Get Quotes
Mississippi	City of Jackson	Get Quotes
Mississippi	City of Meridian	Get Quotes
Mississippi	Contractor's Blanket Sales, Use, Income, Franchise, Withholding and Special Fuel Tax Bond	Get Quotes
Mississippi	Department of Revenue - Contractor's Bond - Single Job	Get Quotes
Missouri	County of Jefferson	Get Quotes
Montana	Special Fuel User Contractor's Bond	Get Quotes
Nevada	State Contractors Board Bond - Northern Nevada	Get Quotes
Nevada	State Contractors Board Bond – Sothern Nevada	Get Quotes
New Jersey	Borough of Franklin Lakes - Septic Contractor's Bond	Get Quotes
New Mexico	Contractor	Get Quotes
New Mexico	Contractor's License Bond - Continuous	Get Quotes
New Mexico	Contractor's License Bond - Definite	Get Quotes
New York	Putnam County	Get Quotes
New York	Putnam County Home Improvement Contractor Bond	Get Quotes
North Dakota	City of Grand Forks - Moving Contractor's License Bond	Get Quotes
North Dakota	City of Jamestown	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Aurora	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Bedford	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Bedford Heights	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Broadview Heights - Contractor License Bond	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Bexley	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Canton	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Brook Park	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Chillicothe	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Cleveland	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Cleveland Heights	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Columbus	Get Quotes
Ohio	Village of Hartville - Contractor Registration Bond	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Mentor-On-The-Lake - Contractor Bond	Get Quotes
Ohio	City of Sandusky - Contractor Bond	Get Quotes
Oklahoma	Construction Industries License	Get Quotes
Oregon	Flagging Contractor	Get Quotes
Oregon	Commercial Contractor	Get Quotes
Oregon	Residential Contractor	Get Quotes
Oregon	Landscape Contractor Bond ($10,000)	Get Quotes
Oregon	Landscape Contractor Bond ($15,000)	Get Quotes
Oregon	Landscape Contractor Bond ($20,000)	Get Quotes
Oregon	Landscape Contractor Bond ($3,000)	Get Quotes
Oregon	Statutory Public Works Bond	Get Quotes
Pennsylvania	Wright Township	Get Quotes
South Carolina	City of North Augusta	Get Quotes
Texas	City of Lumberton	Get Quotes
Texas	City of Amarillo	Get Quotes
Texas	Universal City	Get Quotes
Utah	Contractor	Get Quotes
Virginia	Contractor	Get Quotes
Virginia	City of Lynchburg	Get Quotes
Virginia	City of Martinsville	Get Quotes
Virginia	City of Newport News	Get Quotes
Virginia	City of Portsmouth	Get Quotes
Washington	Continuous Plumbing Contractor	Get Quotes
Washington	General Contractor	Get Quotes
Washington	Specialty Contractor	Get Quotes
Washington	Electrical Contractor	Get Quotes
Wisconsin	City of Madison	Get Quotes
Wisconsin	City of Superior	Get Quotes

When competing for a job, the contractor with a license, insurance and a bond offers more peace-of-mind for the client. Because, the Contractor Bond protects your clients from financial loss if your craft is inferior or you fail to meet the terms of the agreed upon contract. By enforcing the Surety Bond requirement, the licensing board removes risk of being financially responsibility for claims against your license.

Surety Bond vs Insurance

The Surety Bond does not function the same way as your insurance policy. Unlike liability insurance, the bond doesn’t provide coverage for you as the contractor. The bond serves as a contract between three parties.

The Principal – As the licensed contractor, you are named the principal on your bond document.

The Obligee – This is the entity enforcing the bond requirement. Typically, the obligee is the state, city or county licensing board.

The Surety – The company that issues your Surety Bond.

Your Surety Bond is coverage for your clients should they need to make a claim against your job performance or failure to complete your work. If a claim is deemed valid by the surety company, your client will be reimbursed up to the full amount of your bond.

Who is responsible for paying a claim?

Neither you nor the surety company expect to receive a claim. Which is why the cost of a Contractor Bond is only a small fraction of the bond amount. However, claims do happen.

If your client makes a claim against your bond, the surety company that issued your bond will conduct a thorough investigation on the claim. If the surety finds the claim to be valid, they will payout up to the total bond amount to the claimant. The responsibility of repaying the surety back in full is yours to bear as the principal of the bond.

Types of Contractor License Bonds

The type of Contractor License Bond you require largely depends on the location you operate your business and the type of work you perform. These bond types can be residential or commercial.

The most common types of Contractor Bond requests we receive:

General Contractor License Bond

Municipality (County / Town / Village) Contractor License Bond

State Contractor License Bond

Specialty (Electrical / HVAC / Landscaping / Plumbing) Contractor License Bond

Please be aware not every state or municipality require licensees to get a bond. We recommend contacting your area’s licensing department to determine their licensing requirements. If a Surety Bond is necessary to receive your license, please request they provide a copy of the bond form. This will ensure you get quotes for the correct bond type.

If you’re a contractor needing a Surety Bond for a different reason not related to your license, such as a bid for a job or protection if an employee steals from a client, we can help! Contract Bonds or Construction Bonds include Payment Bonds, Bid Bonds and Performance Bonds. While Fidelity Bonds include Business Service Bonds (Janitorial Bonds) and Employee Dishonesty Bonds (Commercial Crime Policies). Get additional information and quotes for these types of policies using the buttons below.

How much does a Contractor Bond cost?

The surety considers the risk they are taking on when calculating the premium for your bond. When reviewing your application, your credit score and the bond amount you require are two of the biggest factors for determining your bond premium.

If your bond does require a credit check, we’ll perform a soft-pull on your credit. A soft-pull does not adversely affect your credit score. Most of our clients pay $100 – $200 for their Contractor License Surety Bond. Which is typically 1% or less of the total bond amount.

What if I have bad credit?

You may still be approved for your Contractor Bond even if your credit isn’t good. Our partnerships with the leading surety companies allows us to quote applicants with non-standard credit.

Applicants with non-standard credit usually receive quotes in the range of 5%-15% of the total bond amount, if approved. Since there is greater risk associated with the bond, the premium is slightly higher.

Don’t let your credit score prevent you from requesting a quote.

Where to get a Contractor Bond near me?

Don’t settle for just one quote for your Contractor License Bond. At Surety Solutions, A Gallagher Company, you have access to an online marketplace of leading surety companies. Compare prices from multiple companies to ensure you get the best deal for your bond.

We are licensed to issue bonds in all 50 states. If you have any questions, our staff of surety professionals are happy to help! Contact us by emailing info@suretysolutions.com or reach us by phone at (866) 722-9239. Don’t wait! Get your Contractor Surety Bond quotes, today!

Additional Resources

Contractor License Guide

Everything you need to know about becoming a licensed contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the answers to our frequently asked questions.

Contractor License Resources

Find the specific steps needed to get a contractor license in your state.

We can assist with other bond types!

Start by clicking your state on the map below.