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Surety Bonds
Bonds For Every Business Need.
Find the bond named in your license, court, or contract requirement. Open its page to choose an available amount and term, then continue to purchase.
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Use the name on your form or requirement, then choose a state. Search 7,914 bonds.
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Match the bond form, amount, and obligee before buying. A listed state or place does not confirm legal applicability or availability.
Need a hand matching your requirement? Talk with The Southern Agency or call 1-800-777-1TSA.
Bonds Made Simple – With The Southern Agency
Search by the bond name on your notice, or browse by state and requirement. On the matching bond page, check the amount and term before selecting Purchase Now. You can go directly to the provider’s application; call us if the required bond or option is unclear.
Tell us the requirement. We will help you match it.
Timing varies by bond type, obligee, and underwriting.
Contractors & tradesFind titles for contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other trades.
Licenses & permitsBrowse titles that explicitly mention a license or permit.
NotariesFind notary bond pages by their listed state.
Vehicle dealers & titlesExplore motor vehicle dealer and certificate-of-title bond pages.
What Is a Surety Bond?
Unlike traditional insurance, a surety bond is a three-party agreement. The surety guarantees the principal will meet an obligation to the obligee. The bond generally protects the obligee, and if the surety pays a valid claim, the principal may have to reimburse it under the indemnity agreement.
Fidelity bonds are different. They protect a business or an employee benefit plan against covered losses from dishonest acts such as theft or fraud by people who handle its money. They do not follow the same three-party guarantee.
- PrincipalThe party required to get the bond. Promises to meet the obligation.
- ObligeeThe party requiring the bond. Sets the form and amount; protected by the bond.
- SuretyThe company that backs the bond. Pays valid claims; may seek reimbursement from the principal.
What to have ready
- The obligee’s bond form or noticeThe agency, court, or project owner requiring the bond usually specifies the form, wording, and who must sign.
- The bond amountThe penal sum the obligee sets. It is the limit of the obligation, not what you pay.
- JurisdictionState, county, or city. Requirements for the same trade can differ from one place to the next.
- Exact legal nameThe principal’s name exactly as it appears on the license, contract, or court filing.
- Your deadlineWhen the obligee needs the original bond, so we can plan around underwriting time.
What to expect
We work with established surety carriers. Smaller standard bonds may need only a short application; larger or specialized bonds involve a fuller underwriting review. Timing varies, and we keep you informed at each step.
- 01Confirm the requirementVerify the bond type, amount, and form with the obligee. If it is unclear, we can help you ask the right questions.
- 02Share the detailsSend the form and basics. Smaller standard bonds may need only a short application.
- 03Underwriting reviewThe surety may consider credit, financial statements, experience, and the obligation itself. Approval is never guaranteed.
- 04Sign and fileOnce approved and the premium is paid, the bond is executed and delivered for filing with the obligee.
Bond basics
General education only, not legal advice. Always follow the obligee’s required form and the rules of your jurisdiction.
Sources: NASBP, U.S. SBA, NC Department of Insurance, U.S. Department of Labor.
Is a surety bond the same as insurance?
No. Insurance generally protects the policyholder. A surety bond generally protects the obligee. If the surety pays a valid claim, the principal may be required to reimburse it under the indemnity agreement.
What is the difference between the bond amount and the premium?
The bond amount, or penal sum, is the limit of the surety’s obligation and is set by the obligee. The premium is what you pay for the bond. Match the amount and term on the product page to your requirement, then review the provider’s quoted price before paying. Approval and pricing depend on the bond and underwriting.
What can affect approval?
Underwriters may look at credit, character and capacity, financial statements, work experience, and the obligation being bonded. Larger contract bonds usually involve a fuller review. No bond is guaranteed.
How long does it take?
It varies. Some standard license and permit bonds can be issued quickly once the paperwork is complete, while contract, court, and larger bonds take longer for underwriting.
Are fidelity bonds three-party surety bonds?
Not in the same way. Fidelity bonds protect a business against covered losses caused by employee dishonesty, such as theft or fraud. They work more like coverage for the business than a guarantee to an outside obligee.
I am not sure which bond I need. What should I do?
Start with the agency, court, or project owner asking for the bond; they decide the requirement. Then call us with what they gave you and we will help you find the matching bond.
Why choose The Southern Agency
Fast Turnaround
Streamlined applications and responsive service. Many standard bonds move quickly, but timing depends on the bond type, the obligee, and underwriting.
Wide Bond Selection
Contract, court, license, and fidelity bonds for a wide range of professions and requirements. If a bond is not listed, ask; availability varies by requirement.
Dedicated Guidance
Our bond specialists understand the underwriting process and walk you through each step, from the obligee form to the signed bond.
Trusted Carriers
We work with established surety companies and compare options where more than one carrier can write the bond. Terms and pricing depend on underwriting.
Ready to experience the difference?
If you know the bond you need, use the finder above and purchase from its product page. If the name or requirement is unclear, call with the notice or form so a bond specialist can help you match it.