Surety Bonds
Surety Bonds for Contractors and Businesses
Bid, performance, payment, license & permit, court, and more — get help finding the right bond for your project or license requirement.
What is a surety bond?
A surety bond is a three-party agreement that guarantees you will meet a contractual or legal obligation. Governments, project owners, and courts often require bonds before you can bid work, pull permits, or operate under a license.
Principal
You — the contractor or business that needs the bond and must fulfill the obligation.
Obligee
The party requiring the bond — often a project owner, government agency, or court.
Surety
The bonding company that guarantees your performance and may seek recovery from you if a claim is paid.
Types of surety bonds
Explore the most common bond categories. Tell us which type you need — or share the obligee's bond form — and we'll help you get started.
Contract Bonds
Required on many construction and public works projects.
Bid Bond
Assures the project owner that if you win the bid, you will enter the contract and provide required performance/payment bonds.
Performance Bond
Guarantees you will complete the work according to the contract terms. Protects the owner if the contractor defaults.
Payment Bond
Helps ensure subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers are paid for work and materials on the project.
Maintenance Bond
Covers defects in workmanship or materials for a set period after project completion.
Commercial Bonds
Often required by law, regulation, or business contracts.
License & Permit Bonds
Required for many licensed trades and businesses — contractors, auto dealers, mortgage brokers, and more — to operate legally.
Public Official Bonds
Protects the public against loss from a public official failing to perform duties honestly or faithfully.
Court Bonds
Includes appeal bonds, injunction bonds, attachment bonds, and other judicial bonds required in legal proceedings.
Fiduciary Bonds
Required for executors, administrators, guardians, and trustees who manage another person’s assets.
Fidelity & Miscellaneous Bonds
Protects against employee dishonesty and specialty obligations.
Fidelity / Employee Dishonesty Bonds
Helps protect a business from financial loss caused by employee theft or dishonest acts.
Utility & Lost Instrument Bonds
May be required for utility deposits or when replacing lost stock certificates, titles, or other instruments.
Customs & Supply Bonds
Used in import/export and supply-chain situations where a financial guarantee is required.
Site Improvement & Subdivision Bonds
Assures municipalities that required infrastructure or improvements will be completed as agreed.
Ready to request a bond?
Have the bond type, amount, obligee name, and deadline ready when you contact us. Serving clients in Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia.
FAQ
Is a surety bond the same as insurance?
No. Insurance protects you from covered losses. A surety bond guarantees your performance or obligation to a third party. If the surety pays a claim, you typically must repay the surety.
What do I need to apply for a bond?
Requirements vary by bond type and amount. Common items include business information, the bond form or obligee details, financials for larger bonds, and sometimes personal indemnity.
How fast can a bond be issued?
Many license and smaller commercial bonds can move quickly once information is complete. Larger contract bonds may take longer and require underwriting review.
Can Tan's Agency help with construction bid and performance bonds?
Yes. We help contractors and businesses identify the right bond type and work through the application process. Call us with the bond amount, obligee, and deadline.
Need a surety bond for a bid or license?
Tell us the bond type and amount — Tan's Agency will help you move forward.