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So you were told you need a "Bond"... But they didn't tell you where to get one.

Getting a surety bond is the most frustrating part of starting a new business. You’ve done all the hard work, filled out every form, and suddenly you’re stuck because you need a product you can’t buy at a store or order from Amazon.

All they tell you is: "Must provide Surety Bond."

That’s it. No link to buy it. No price tag. No instructions. Just a piece of paper standing between you and your dreams.

And suddenly, you're asking questions nobody seems to answer:

  • Where do I even buy this?
  • How much is this going to cost?
  • Why is this so complicated?
  • Can I get it today?

It doesn't have to be like this.

At GroupLeader.com, we make getting a surety bond fast. Just tell us where you are and what you do.

You select your state and your trade (e.g., "Washington" and "General Contractor"), and our system instantly pulls the specific bond requirements for that license.

We know exactly which form you need, the correct amount required by the state, and which surety company offers the lowest price for it.

So here's the deal: Poke around. Watch the videos below. Then enter your zip code and see how much a bond actually costs.

Talk soon,

Ryan Hart Signature

Ryan Hart, [email protected]

Licensed Surety Bond Broker

What is a surety bond, really?

A surety bond guarantees that you will do what you promised to do.

Unlike insurance, which protects you, a bond protects your client (the Project Owner). You trade a small cost (the premium) for the Surety's financial backing (credit), proving to the owner that their project will get finished no matter what.

What is a Bid Bond?

The "Let Me Try" Bond.

A Bid Bond guarantees that if you win the project, you will actually sign the contract and provide the required performance bonds. It stops contractors from bidding low and then backing out.

What is a Performance Bond?

The "Promise to Finish" Bond.

A Performance Bond guarantees the project owner that the work will be completed according to the contract. If you go bust or walk away, the surety company steps in to pay for another contractor to finish the job.

What is a Payment Bond?

The "Pay the Bills" Bond.

A Payment Bond guarantees that you will pay your suppliers, laborers, and subcontractors. It protects the project owner from having mechanics' liens placed on their property because you failed to pay a vendor.

What is a License Bond?

The "Permission to Work" Bond.

Also called L&P Bonds. License & Permit Bonds are required by the state or city just to operate your business. They guarantee you will follow local laws and codes (e.g., pulling permits correctly).

What is a Maintenance Bond?

The "Warranty" Bond.

Performance bonds usually end when the job is accepted. A Maintenance Bond covers defects in workmanship or materials for a set period (usually 12 to 24 months) after the project is finished.

What is Bonding Capacity?

The "Pre-Approval".

This isn't a specific bond, but your "line of credit" with the surety. It defines the biggest single job you can bid on, and the total amount of work you can have running at one time (Aggregate).

Who needs surety bonds?

Short answer: If you want to get licensed to work or win a public contract, you need a bond.

Long answer: The government and your clients don't know if they can trust you yet. Most states and large clients require a financial guarantee before they let you operate. Instead of locking up your own cash to prove you are reliable, you use a surety bond to vouch for you.

Contractors?

Yes.

If you want to bid on public infrastructure (schools, roads, government buildings), the law requires you to have a bond. It proves you can finish the job and pay your subs.

Regulated Businesses?

Yes.

Auto Dealers, Mortgage Brokers, Collection Agencies, and Cannabis dispensaries are "high risk" industries. The state won't issue your business license until you file a bond to protect the public.

Freight & Logistics?

Yes.

Freight Brokers and Freight Forwarders must file a $75,000 federal bond (BMC-84) to prove to the government that they have the financial strength to pay truckers for their loads.

Service Providers?

Yes.

Janitors, House Cleaners, and Home Health Aides often need "Business Service Bonds." These aren't required by law, but clients won't hand you the keys to their building without one.

What does it cover?

It covers the cost of "Broken Promises."

Specifically, a bond covers the financial loss the Obligee (the government, your client, or the public) suffers if you fail to fulfill your contract or follow the law.

Covers Unfinished Work?

Yes.

For construction, if you walk off the job or go bankrupt, the Performance Bond pays to hire a new contractor to finish your work so the owner isn't left with a half-built building.

Covers Unpaid Bills?

Yes.

For contractors and freight brokers, the bond guarantees that your laborers, material suppliers, and motor carriers get paid, even if your bank account is empty.

Covers Rule Violations?

Yes.

For licensed businesses (like Auto Dealers), the bond protects the public. If you lie to a customer, sell a lemon, or commit fraud, the bond pays the customer for their loss.

Covers Unpaid Taxes?

Yes.

For many businesses (Liquor Stores, Fuel Haulers, Cannabis), the bond guarantees that you will pay your specific state taxes and fees. If you don't pay the state, the surety will.

What does it NOT cover?

It excludes "Your" Protection.

This is the biggest confusion. Bonds are not insurance. Insurance protects you. Bonds protect the public from you. If the surety pays a claim, you must pay them back.

Your Equipment?

No.

Bonds do not cover your tools, trucks, or equipment. You need Commercial Property or Inland Marine insurance for that.

Employee Injuries?

No.

Bonds do not cover injuries to your staff. You must have Workers' Compensation insurance for that.

Your Lost Profits?

No.

If you underbid a job and lose money, the bond does not bail you out. It only kicks in if you abandon the job entirely.

You Walking Away Scott-Free?

No.

You sign an "Indemnity Agreement." If the Surety pays out $50k on a claim, they will come after your business and personal assets to collect that $50k back.

How much does it cost?

The short answer: Usually between 1% and 3% of the bond amount.

The real answer: It depends entirely on two things: What bond you need and your personal credit.

Small License Bonds?

Flat Rate.

Many small state license bonds (like for Electricians or Plumbers) are "instant issue." They have a fixed price—often just $100 for a year—regardless of your credit score.

Large Commercial Bonds?

Credit Based.

For larger bonds (like Auto Dealer or Freight Broker), you typically pay 1% to 3% of the bond amount per year. If your credit is excellent, you pay less. If it's challenged, you might pay 5% to 10%.

Construction Contract Bonds?

Percentage of Contract.

For Performance Bonds, you pay a percentage of the total contract price. Standard rates are 2% to 3%. If you have strong CPA financials, that can drop to 1% to 1.5%.

Does Bad Credit Disqualify Me?

No.

We have special programs for "challenged credit." You will pay a higher rate (premium), but we can almost always get the bond issued so you can get to work.

Who can file a claim?

Short answer: Anyone who suffers a financial loss from your failure.

Long answer: A surety bond is a financial guarantee to the public or the government. If you break the law, fail to pay valid debts, or violate your contract, the victim can file a claim against your bond to get paid.

Your Customers?

Yes.

If you are an Auto Dealer and fail to transfer a title, or a Contractor who takes a deposit and never shows up, the customer can file a claim to get their money back.

The Government?

Yes.

If you operate a business requiring a License Bond (like a dispensary, dealership, or liquor store) and fail to pay your state taxes or fees, the state can claim that money from your bond.

Vendors & Carriers?

Yes.

If you are a Freight Broker, the motor carriers (truckers) you hire can file a claim against your bond if you don't pay their invoices on time.

Can I File on Myself?

No.

You cannot file a claim against your own bond to cover business losses. The bond is strictly for the protection of others against you.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's okay to have more questions about surety bonds.

Nobody teaches this stuff in school. Here are the answers to the questions everyone thinks are "too basic" to ask.

License vs. Contract Bond?

You Might Need Both.

A License Bond is required by the state just to be in business; it protects the public. A Contract Bond is required by a project owner to win a specific job; it protects the contract.

How Fast Can I Get a Bond?

Fast.

We issue License bonds immediately. For Contract bonds under roughly $500k, we can often get you approved based on just a credit application within 24 hours.

What is an Indemnity Agreement?

A Personal Guarantee.

This is the contract you sign with the surety. It states that if they pay out on a bond, you promise to pay them back with your corporate and personal assets.

Can I Bid Before I Have a Bond?

No.

Most public bids require a Bid Bond in the envelope when you submit your price. You need to get set up with us before the bid date.