You've obtained your license and now you're ready to get bonded: congratulations! Now, you have to sift through a mountain of providers to find an agent for your surety bond that is just right for you. If you choose an agent who is not able to back you up should problems occur, the results will be damaging to both your business and your reputation, so choosing the right surety bond agency is critical. Here are some tips on what you should look for.
-- Experience: One of the biggest problem people have with some bonding companies is that when the chips are down, they simply don't have the funds to back up the promises they make regarding your surety bond. If the company you choose has been in business a long time, it is because they have the financial muscle to stay in business and the right experts to do the job correctly. You have every right to ask about a bonding agency's background, client list, and references.
-- Customer Service: You can't wait for your bond to arrive for weeks and weeks; after all, you have jobs to bid on or a career to get launched. You should go with a company that is able to give you same-day approval in most cases and ship you your bond immediately, even with overnight mail if necessary. The agents you work with should be polite, knowledgeable, mindful of your situation and solicitous of your needs. They should also be great communicators who can help you to resolve problems and who will ensure that you completely understand the application process and the type of bond you are getting.
-- Flexibility: Some companies will only work with applicants who have absolutely spotless credit and whose bonding is easy. If you are considered a "hard to place" bonding situation, look for a company that not only fits the above criteria, but is also willing to work with you to make your surety bond possible.
-- All Types of Bonds in all 50 States: Many people are choosing to purchase surety bonds online because of the convenience as well as the speed of the process. For your own protection, make sure you choose a company that provides bonds for all 50 states and understands each state's laws and statutes, so that you will get exactly what you need. Surety bonds come in all types: because you may need different types of bonds for different situations and jobs, why not choose a company that offers them all?
Being bonded is a great step toward opening more doors of opportunity in the marketplace: choose wisely and you and your customers will have protection you can count on and trust.
