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Ready to bid on larger projects? Don't let a surety bond requirement hold you back from expanding your business. We can bridge your growth.

Bonds & Surety

Bonding actually bears little relationship to typical insurance products. While the payment of an insurance loss is the result of an unforeseen occurrence, a bond is a financial guarantee, almost like a line of credit.

What is a surety bond?

A surety bond is a contract between three parties; the principal (you), the surety (insurance company), and the obligee (the entity requiring the bond)—in which the surety financially guarantees to an obligee that the principal will act in accordance with the terms established by the bond.

Surety Bonds

A surety bond is an agreement between 3 parties:

  • Obligee – the entity requiring the bond
    receives the surety’s guarantee that the principal will fulfill an obligation or perform as promisedPrincipal – your company
    their obligation or performance is guaranteed by the suretySurety – the insurance company
    guarantees to the obligee that the principal will fulfill an obligation or perform as required by the contract, permit or law. The surety provides a line of credit.

    Bonds are financial guarantees required to secure a contract or license

    There are many different types of bonds available to fill requirements for business clients who need to provide a secondary financial guarantee. Surety bonds are not insurance, they are guarantees of performance and obligations. Some examples are:

    Bid bonds

    A bond filed with a bid for a construction or other project which guarantees that if the contractor is awarded the job, the contractor will fulfill the contract at the bid price and the required performance bond will be issued.

Contractor performance, labour, and material payment bond

Contract bonds assure owners that the surety (insurer) stands behind the contractor and if the contractor fails to fulfill its contractual obligations the surety (insurer) guarantees to do so, at no cost to the owner.

License & permit bonds

License and permit bonds are often required by both Federal and Provincial governments and are part of a government body that protects the consumer. The bond protects the consumer against fraud, misrepresentation and potential financial loss. The bond also ensures the company applying is in compliance with the regulations governing that particular sector. Examples are:

  • Electrical safety act bonds
  • BC safety authority bonds
  • Travel agent bonds
  • Financial institution bonds
  • Customs & excise bonds for taxation, for bonded warehouses, highway freight and air carrier.
  • Fiduciary and probate bonds.

Fiduciary and probate bonds are filed with courts. These bonds are required by the courts or Public Trustee when a person passes away or becomes incapable of taking care of their own affairs. Examples are:

  • Probate bonds
  • Guardian bonds
  • Administration, executor bonds
  • Trustee bonds

Who might use surety bonds?

  • Services or professionals
  • Building contractors
  • Environmental sites
  • Transportation companies
  • Auto dealers

Need more information? Contact us about Bonds & Surety.

Our commercial insurance experts can help you understand how surety bonds can work for your business.

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