FAQ About Surety Bond Insurance

What is a construction bond?

A construction bond, better known as a surety bond, ensures the owner receives a finished product at the negotiated price according to the project plans, specs, and contract requirements. Some construction bonds ensure that all project subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors are paid lien-free for services and materials provided on the project. Another benefit of a construction bond is that it "pre-qualifies" the contractor's ability or competency.

What are construction surety bonds?

The construction industry regularly involves large agreements between contractors and their clients, and clients often want reassurance that contractors will uphold their portions of these agreements. Construction surety bonds are one way that contractors provide that reassurance.

Construction surety bonds may be more like lines of credit than traditional insurance policies, but a number of insurance companies offer them. 

What businesses need a construction surety bond?

Most businesses in the construction industry can benefit from having a surety bond. This includes (but isn't limited to): tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers, etc.), small general contractors and home builders, contractors dealing with environmentally hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos), and construction companies specializing in roadways and utilities. 

How large a bond these businesses need depends on the scope of their project. All of these businesses, however, work on sizable projects where clients may request a bond as reassurance. 

What types of surety bonds are available to construction businesses?

Because so many construction businesses need surety bonds, insurance companies that offer these bonds frequently provide several different specialized types. One way to categorize bonds is by their role within a construction project. At various phases of a project, a business might need:

  • Bid Bonds: serve as a guarantee that the contractor who bids on a project will enter into a contract and purchase the required performance and payment bonds. 
  • Performance Bonds: serve as a guarantee that the contractor who enters into a contract will complete the work as promised and follow all applicable regulations. 
  • Payment Bonds: serve as a guarantee that the contractor who enters into a contract will properly pay any workers they use according to all federal and state laws.
  • Maintenance Bonds: serve as a guarantee that the contractor who completes a project will compensate the owner for any defects that are found in the contractor's work.

Performance bonds and payment bonds are frequently lumped together as performance and payment bonds. 

Do insurance agents help businesses find construction bonds?

Because it's insurance companies that offer these bonds, insurance agents do help construction businesses find the surety bonds they need. Not all agents are familiar with bonds, however. 

Businesses that need these bonds should work with someone knowledgeable about them. As experienced professionals in the bonding arena and with a thorough knowledge of its unique details and requirements, we offer a wide variety of options to help guarantee commercial and personal obligations are met. 

We offer bonds from $1,000 up to $500 million. With our Contractor's Express Program, we may be able to obtain up to $500,000 in bonding for you within a 24-to 48-hour period, with only minimal information required.