License and permit bonds
License and permit bonds
License and permit bonds guarantee that a business will complete a project in accordance with regulations and industry standards.
Why are license and permit bonds important?
Professionals in many different industries are required to buy license bonds and permit bonds, which are types of surety bonds. Federal, state, and local government agencies determine which professions, such as roofers and notaries public, and those applying for a painting license, need a bond to get a license or a permit for their work.
License and permit bonds assure agencies and clients that your business will complete a project in accordance with state laws, local building codes, and other regulations. If the terms of the bond aren't met, the insurer reimburses the agency or client.
Even when they're not required, bonds can help attract clients, who might choose a bonded business over an unbonded competitor. They're a key part of risk management, as they protect clients from financial losses when doing business with your company.
License and permit bonds can help small business owners:
- Get licensed
- Acquire a work permit
- Comply with regulations
- Win a contract
- Take on bigger projects
- Attract new clients
What do license and permit bonds cover?
License and permit bonds reimburse your clients if your business does not complete a project in accordance with regulations or standards.
Specifically, a bond can provide coverage when your business fails to:
Obey the law
License and permit bonds reimburse clients if a contractor or other professional fails to comply with federal, state, or local laws. For example, a contractor might fail to obtain the necessary permit for building an addition on a client's home.
Adhere to building codes
License and permit bonds assure clients that your business will comply with local building codes. Violations include improper ventilation, wiring, and failure to install smoke detectors.
Comply with safety regulations
If your business is bonded and fails to comply with safety regulations, the insurer can reimburse your client for any resulting fines, replacement work, or other damages.
Meet professional standards
In some professions, commercial bonds are required to ensure that your work meets the standard of care that's expected by your clients and customers.
How much does a license or permit bond cost?
The cost of a bond for Insureon customers is only $8 per month, on average. The premium is a percentage of the bond, often only one percent.
Factors that affect the cost include:
- Bond amount
- Type of bond
- Industry risks
- Your personal credit score
- Your work history
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Who needs license and permit bonds?
License bonds and permit bonds can help you get a license, sign a contract, or obtain a work permit.
They're common for many types of businesses, including:
Construction businesses and contractors
License bonds and permit bonds are common in the construction industry, where they are often required to get licensed or perform certain types of work.
For example, let's say a general contractor opens up shop. First, they need a license to legally conduct business in their state. The requirements for a license may include:
- An age requirement, such as 18 or older
- Several years of experience in the field
- A contractor bond in a certain amount
The general contractor buys a $15,000 contractor license bond from a surety company. Once they show proof of the bond and pass the exam, they're granted a license to begin work.
In the future, the general contractor may need a permit bond to take on a construction project that requires excavation work, plumbing, electrical wiring, or a building permit. These requirements vary by municipality, so make sure to research the laws in your city and county as well.
Contractors often need other kinds of bonds as well. For instance, you might need a bid bond to bid on a project, a payment bond to guarantee all parties involved in a project will be paid, or a contract bond to sign a contract with a client (also called a performance bond).
Cleaning businesses
Cleaning businesses typically need a license to comply with the laws in their state, county, or city. Sometimes it's necessary to secure a bond in order to get your license. You'll need to check the laws in your area to find out exactly what you need to start a cleaning business.
Additionally, your clients may require you to carry a janitorial bond before they will allow your workers on their premises. If one of your employees steals from a client, this type of bond will reimburse the client for the amount that was stolen.
Insurance professionals
Insurance agents and brokers need a license to sell insurance, and can face severe penalties for failing to obtain one. As with other professions, they often need a bond in order to get their license. The requirements for licensure can include:
- A bond in a specific amount
- Courses
- A test
- A filing fee
- A background check
In addition to helping you comply with state laws, a bond protects your clients from unethical practices committed by your business, such as selling unnecessary products or manipulating prices. Clients are more likely to work with a bonded insurance broker or agent, as they know their assets are protected.
Consultants
Depending on their specialty, consultants may need to carry a business license, and obtain a bond to get licensed. Even when it's not necessary, a bond reassures clients that your business is legitimate and could give you an edge over competitors.
Additionally, clients often require consultants to carry a fidelity bond, especially if you work in finance or information technology. A fidelity bond repays the client if an employee at your business steals from them via an illegal funds transfer or other methods.
Landscaping businesses
Both license bonds and permit bonds are common in the landscaping industry.
Landscapers typically need a license bond in order to obtain their landscaping license, and then permit bonds depending on the specifics of a project. In general, whenever you apply for a work permit, it's likely that you need a permit bond as well.
For instance, you may need a bond for:
- Any work that disturbs a certain square footage of ground or changes the grade
- Installing a swimming pool
- Building a retaining wall or fence of a certain height
- Tree removal
- Pesticide application
You'll need to research your state, county, and municipal laws to find out when you need a license, permit, or related bond.
Top professions for license and permit bonds
Don't see your profession? Don't worry. We insure most businesses.
What do license and permit bonds not cover?
License and permit bonds are crucial for many small businesses, but they don't provide all the protection you need. For instance, these bonds do not cover:
Employee theft from a client
Fidelity bonds provide reimbursement when an employee steals from a client. In some professions, your clients may require you to carry this type of bond.
Professional mistakes and oversights
Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O), is the policy that protects a business against client lawsuits over mistakes and oversights. That includes missed deadlines and accusations of negligence.
Property damage
General liability insurance protects against the most common third-party (non-employee) claims, which include accidental damage to client property.
Employee injuries
Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for work-related injuries and illnesses, as well as lawsuits from employee injuries. This policy is required in most states for businesses that have employees.
Other common questions about license bonds and permit bonds
What are the benefits of license and permit bonds?
Bonds are a necessary part of doing business. Many professions have bond requirements in order to conduct business legally. You might need one to comply with state licensing laws or to get a work permit for a project.
Bonds show clients you are reliable. Bonding companies evaluate your credit history before issuing a bond, so it helps prove your business is dependable. Your clients also get peace of mind knowing they'll be reimbursed if something goes wrong.
You can take on bigger projects. Small businesses that are bonded and insured can take on government projects and work with larger clients that require certain types of insurance coverage or bonds.
Bonds help attract new clients. Clients may choose to work with a bonded contractor or subcontractor over one without this coverage, so it can give your business a competitive edge.
How do license and permit bonds work?
License and permit bonds always involve three parties:
- The principal (your business)
- The obligee (your client)
- The surety (the insurance company)
License and permit bonds are different from small business insurance policies, which pay out claims to the policyholder. Instead, bond claims are paid to the regulatory agency or client that requested the bond.
If your business fails to comply with regulations or other terms of the bond, then the insurance company provides reimbursement. Your business is responsible for eventually paying this amount back to the insurance company.
