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Commercial Insurance 2 min read

Surety Bonds Explained: What Contractors Need to Know

May 1, 2024

Learn everything contractors need to know about surety bonds and California licensing requirements.

Surety Bonds for Contractors

Surety bonds are a form of financial guarantee that protects project owners if a contractor fails to fulfill their obligations. Unlike insurance, a surety bond is a three-party agreement between the contractor, the project owner, and the surety company.

Types of Surety Bonds

Common types include bid bonds, performance bonds, payment bonds, and license and permit bonds. Each serves a different purpose in the contracting process.

California Requirements

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires licensed contractors to carry a $25,000 contractor's license bond.