Bonds in Albany, CA

Your business must take steps to protect its financial stability; however, there may also be times when you bear responsibility for the finances of others, such as your clients and customers. Given the potentially devastating ramifications of being at fault for another party’s losses, including compensating them financially and rehabilitating your reputation, securing adequate loss control measures is critical. Fortunately, bonds can help.

What Are Bonds?

Bonds are financial tools that may help your business and its clients secure adequate financial protection. If your organization is incapable of fulfilling its obligations or bears responsibility for accidents or errors that lead to other parties’ financial losses, bonds can limit out-of-pocket financial consequences. In many cases, your organization may be required to purchase and maintain certain bonds before even being eligible to bid on projects or jobs.

Are Bonds Considered Insurance?

Although your company’s insurance policies and bonds may provide valuable financial security, these instruments operate differently. Insurance policies typically represent ongoing contractual agreements maintained by regularly (e.g., monthly, biannually or annually) paid premiums. Meanwhile, bonds are generally purchased to financially safeguard you and other parties regarding potential losses arising from a specific project or business venture.

What Do Bonds Cover?

Bonds may come in many forms, but surety and fidelity bonds are typically the most commonly purchased types in the United States. To identify and understand your company’s bond-related needs, consider the following guidance:

• Surety bonds—These arrangements may often be required if your business enters into contracts to provide goods or services to clients, especially when a specific deadline is mandated. When purchasing surety bonds, the following parties are typically involved:
  • The principal—This party, such as a business or contractor, may be required to purchase surety bonds to secure the finances of the obligee.
  • The obligee—This party, such as a project owner or developer, determines if bonds are necessary to secure their financial interests.
  • The surety—This party, such as an insurance company, underwrites and maintains the bonds purchased by the principal.

Surety bonds generally function as an agreement between the trio above of parties. If the principal is unable to deliver on promised goods or services, the obligee may recoup their losses through the bonds. At this point, the surety may seek compensation from the principal.

• Fidelity bonds—These financial instruments, also known as honesty bonds, are often purchased and maintained by businesses that conduct operations on or involving other parties’ property. For example, if you operate a cleaning business, fidelity bonds can financially protect you and your clients from dishonest or criminal acts committed by your employees, including the following:
  • Theft
  • Burglary
  • Forgery
  • Property damage
  • Fraudulent transactions
  • Robbery

How to Buy Bonds

When purchasing bonds, it’s essential to understand the needs of your organization and its clients. Fortunately, the dedicated team at Freeman Insurance Services Inc. is well-equipped with the knowledge and experience to help you understand, acquire and maintain suitable arrangements. Contact us today to get started.