What Parties Are Involved in a Bond?
Bonds are technically three-way contracts, even though they’re used to provide reassurance between two parties. The third party is the one that provides that reassurance. Formally, the parties are called the:
- Obligor, who has an obligation to fulfill an obligation
- Obligee, who is having the obligatory work done for them
- Surety, who provides reassurance in the form of financial compensation
If the obligor fails to meet their duties and the failure negatively affects the obligee, then the surety may pay the obligee for their troubles and loss. How much is paid and when it’s paid is determined by the terms and conditions of the bond. After making payment to the obligee, the surety will frequently come after the obligor for the money paid. The obligee, however, usually keeps the funds even if the obligor doesn’t pay or drags out paying.
As an example, assume a city government contracted with a construction firm to erect a public building. The government might require the construction firm to purchase a bond in case the firm stops building mid-construction. The government would be the obligee, the construction firm would be the obligor, and a surety would supply the bond. If the project fizzled out, the bond might compensate the city.
What Types of Bonds Do Businesses Purchase?
There are at least three main types of bonds that businesses purchase. Each one is used in a different situation.
License bonds may be needed before a business can obtain a license. For example, a city government might require a business to purchase a specific license bond before the city will grant that business a license to operate within municipal boundaries. These bonds normally guarantee that a business will follow all applicable codes and laws.
Performance bonds generally affirm that a business will perform its duties per the stipulations of a contractual agreement. These bonds are frequently purchased by construction firms and contractors as a guarantee that they’ll finish the projects they work on.
Bid bonds are also often purchased by construction firms and contractors. These bonds confirm that a business which submits a bid for a project will follow through and complete the project if selected.
Some other bonds we offer are:
- Court and Probate Bonds
- Financial Guarantee Bonds
- Public Officials
- Federal Bonds
- Miscellaneous Bonds (such as Release of Lien Bonds, Union Bonds)
For individuals, probate bonds are used when an individual (called a fiduciary) has been entrusted with money or property for the benefit of others -- an executor of an estate is an example -- a probate bond guarantees that the fiduciary will properly fulfill his or her duties.
What Are Liquor Bonds?
Most liquor bonds are specialized license bonds that have been designed for businesses that sell alcohol. These bonds typically provide reassurance that a business will pay the sales tax it collects on liquor that’s sold, and many states require businesses that sell alcohol to purchase these bonds before getting their liquor licenses.
How Can Businesses Get Bonds?
For help purchasing a bond, contact the independent insurance experts at World Insurance Associates. Our agents are familiar with many types of bonds, and they can help you find the right one for your business.
