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California Surplus Lines Broker Bond

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How Do I Get Bonded?

What Is a California Surplus Lines Broker Bond?

As in most states, surplus lines insurance brokers in California have to get a state license to operate legally. Obtaining a surplus lines broker bond is one of the main requirements.

The goal of the surety bond is to provide an extra layer of protection for the state and for your customers. If you fail to follow applicable state laws, it guarantees that potentially harmed parties can get a fair reimbursement.

Your surplus lines broker bond works as a contract between your insurance business as the principal and two other parties. The California Department of Insurance is the obligee that requires the bonding. The third party is the surety providing the bond.

Questions about Surplus Lines Broker Bonds in California

Who needs to obtain a surplus lines broker bond in California?

If you want to operate as a surplus lines insurance broker in California, you have to obtain a surety bond as part of your licensing process with the state Department of Insurance. The bond amount is $10,000 for special lines’ surplus lines brokers and $50,000 for surplus lines brokers. The purpose of the bonding is to ensure your compliance with the California Insurance Code and all other relevant rules and regulations.

What’s the surety bond cost?

The bond amount that you have to post is $10,000 for special lines brokers and $50,000 for surplus lines brokers. Whichever amount you have to provide, you only have to pay a small percentage of it, called the bond premium. Applicants with strong finances typically cover 1%-5% of the bond amount.

What factors affect your surety bond cost? When you apply with a surety, it has to take a close look at your personal and business financials to assess the level of bonding risk. It examines your personal credit score, business finances, liquidity and assets, and even your professional experience. The more stable these criteria are, the lower your bond price is likely to be.

Surety Bond Cost Based on Credit Score
Surety bond name Surety bond amount Above 700 Between 650-699 Between 600-649 Below 599
California special lines’ surplus lines broker bond $10,000 $100-$150 $100-$250 $250-$500 $500-$1,000
California surplus lines broker bond $50,000 $375-$750 $500-$1,250 $1,250-$2,500 $2,500-$5,000

* This table provides a ballpark estimate of potential bond costs. Bond pricing can fluctuate over time due to a number of factors. For exact pricing, please complete an application.

Is it possible to get bonded with bad credit?

With Lance Surety Bonds you can get bonded even if you struggle with a low credit score, tax liens, bankruptcies, or civil judgements. Applicants with financial issues can use our Bad Credit Surety Bonds program.

Because of the higher bonding risk the premiums are in the range of 5% to 10%. Due to our exclusive partnerships with a number of A-rated, T-listed surety companies, we are able to offer you a top bonding rate even if you have bad credit.

How do I apply for a California surplus lines broker bond?

Our How to Get Bonded page is an extensive resource that you can consult for further details about the bonding process.

For further questions, Lance Surety Bonds’ experts are here to help. You can contact us at (877) 514-5146.

What if I receive a bond claim?

If you do not follow your obligations under the California Insurance Code, you can end up with a claim against your surety bond. This is how it can serve as a security mechanism, providing a fair reimbursement to harmed parties.

The maximum compensation that claimants can seek is the bond amount you have posted. As per the bond indemnity agreement, your surety may cover the costs on proven claims initially, but you have to repay it afterwards. Claims can harm both your finances and your reputation, so it is best to avoid them as much as possible.

Additional Resources

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About Us

Lance Surety Bonds
Lance Surety Bond Associates, Inc. is a Pennsylvania-based surety bond agency that offers bonding at competitive rates in all 50 states. Established in 2010, our company has grown to become one of the top online bond producers in the country. Working exclusively with A-rated and T-listed bonding companies gives us the confidence to offer a 100% money-back guarantee. read more

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What Our Clients Have To Say?

  • Kimberlee Ables
    Quick response times and turn around for issuing bonds. Great customer service and very knowledgeable. We have used Lance Surety multiple times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend them and Collette!
  • Andrew Poincot
    Long story short, these guys cut through the B.S. and get the job done. Responsiveness, excellent! Communication, excellent! Respect for their industry partners, excellent! John, Collette, Ryan, you're all-stars! Thank you!
  • Margie Martinez
    We decided for Lance Surety Bond's quote for 2 reasons; Price and Customer Service. Our Representative Ryan was just SUPERB!! [...] I highly recommend Lance Surety Bond for all your Bonding needs! I'll definitely come back for all of mine. :-) Thanks Ryan!

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