North Dakota Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond

Anyone who is engaged in the business of selling motor vehicles in North Dakota is required to obtain a surety bond. According to North Dakota law, a dealer is “every person, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company engaged in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging motor vehicles, or who advertises, or holds out to the public as engaged in the buying, selling, or exchanging of motor vehicles, or who engages in the buying of motor vehicles for resale.”

This text applies to both new and used-car dealers.

The cost of your North Dakota dealer bond most heavily depends on your personal credit score, as well as that of all other owners, if any. While the total value of the surety bond is $25,000, this is not what you will be required to pay to get bonded. $25,000 refers to the maximum compensation a claimant can receive, if they file a successful claim against a dealership.

Annual bond premiums for applicants with good credit are generally between 1% and 3% of the total bond amount. Other factors can also be weighed as part of your application. For example, dealers with strong financial statements or impressive industry experience should submit financial statements and a resume, as bonding companies look favorably on these.

Our What Does a Surety Bond Cost? page contains some more useful tips and information on the cost of getting bonded.

An applicant with bad credit means an elevated risk for the surety underwriter. Certain issues, such as having an open bankruptcy or late child support payments, can prevent you from obtaining an auto dealer bond.

However, a low credit score in itself should be no obstacle, thanks to our bad credit surety bonds program. 99% of dealers will still be able to get bonded, though at slightly higher premiums. Even so, premiums rarely go above 10% per year. Taking steps to improve your credit report will mean a lower premium when renewal is due.

The application process is not something to worry about. Lance Surety Bonds offers a quick online application which allows you to get your free bond quote in no time.

The underwriting process varies depending on the surety bond company. We’ll be in touch with you quickly to let you know what you need to provide in order to finalize your application. Generally, we can get your bond ready in just a few business days.

As outlined in the beginning, dealer bonds in the state expire on December 31 by law. This means that they need to be renewed before then, in order for your license to remain in force.

The bond renewal process is even simpler than the original application. We will send you a renewal reminder several times ahead of the deadline, so you can focus on your business and not worry about compliance. Once you pay your bond quote, your motor vehicle dealer bond will be renewed.

Your renewal premium will be similar to what you paid previously, unless there is a significant change in your credit report or finances.

The licensing process involves many steps and the auto dealer bond is just one of them. The requirements can vary slightly depending on the license you are applying for, but there are many overlapping steps. Some of them are:

• Submit an Application for a Dealer’s License (available online)
• Purchase garage liability insurance
• If you have secondary lots they must be no more than 5 miles away
• Pay all applicable fees
• A sign that conforms to state requirements: a minimum of 32 sq. ft. and displaying your dealership name in letters no smaller than 10 inches
• A lot of at least 2,5000 sq. ft.
• Keep business records in one place of business
• A publicly listed telephone
  

If you fail to comply with the terms of the bond language, the licensing requirements, or the state statutes regulating the dealership industry, you may face a bond claim. The same is true if you have used fraud against one or more of your customers.

If you face a claim, you should try to resolve the dispute outside of court, to consume less time and resources, and protect your reputation. Bond claims can be very detrimental to your business and your reputation. You may even be denied an auto dealer bond next time you apply.

If you have sufficient proof that you did not violate the bond agreement, you should present it to the surety bond company as they can help with legal assistance in court.

To avoid claims in the first place, you should stay up-to-date with all legislative amendments and hold regular trainings for your staff.