When a license, permit, contract, or court order requires a surety bond, the process can feel overwhelming. Most people have never needed one before. We help you identify the right bond, understand the requirements, and move forward with confidence.
Choose the option that best matches your situation and we will take you straight to the right information.

I need a contractor license bond

I need a BMC-84 freight broker bond

I need a motor vehicle dealer bond
I need a business license or permit bond

I need a customs bond
I need a probate, guardianship, conservatorship, or appeal bond
Help me find the right bond
A surety bond is a financial guarantee. When a government agency, licensing board, court, or contracting party requires a bond, they are asking for a written promise backed by a financial guarantee that certain obligations will be met. If those obligations are not met, the bond can be used to compensate anyone who was harmed as a result.
It is not the same thing as insurance. Insurance protects you. A surety bond protects the people and organizations you make commitments to. It is a three-party agreement between you, the bonding company, and the party that requires the bond. Your premium pays for the bonding company to guarantee your obligations.
Most people encounter a bond requirement when they are in the middle of pursuing something bigger. A contractor applying for their license. A freight broker activating their operating authority. A dealer opening a lot. Someone appointed by a court to manage an estate or care for a family member. The bond is never the goal. It is one step in a larger process.
At OG Insurance HQ, we help you navigate that step. We explain what is required, what options are available, and what the process looks like from start to finish. Most of our clients have never purchased a surety bond before. We make that first experience clear and manageable so you can focus on what you are actually trying to accomplish.
We work with people who are in the middle of building something or managing something important. Whether you are launching a business, activating a license, handling a court obligation, or managing someone else’s affairs, our job is to make the bonding part of that process as simple as possible.
Builders, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other licensed trade professionals who need a contractor license bond to qualify for their state license or a project contract.
Independent brokers and brokerage startups that need a BMC-84 freight broker bond to activate their FMCSA operating authority and begin arranging freight transportation.
New and used vehicle dealers, motorcycle dealers, and wholesale dealers who need a motor vehicle dealer bond as part of their state dealer license application.
Companies and individuals moving goods across US borders who need a customs bond to clear shipments through US Customs and Border Protection.
Business owners who need a bond to obtain a business license, operating permit, or to comply with state and local licensing requirements in their industry.
Executors, administrators, guardians, conservators, and other court-appointed individuals who are required by a probate court or family court to be bonded before taking on their fiduciary responsibilities.
Start by telling us your situation. What license are you applying for? What authority do you need to activate? What is the court requiring? We use that information to identify the right bond type and requirements.
Once we know what type of bond you need, we will ask for the basic information required to get your quote. This typically includes your name, business name, state, and a few details specific to the bond type.
We review your information and present your bond options clearly. You will understand what the bond covers, what the cost is based on, and what to expect at each step of the process.
Once you are ready, we handle the paperwork and coordinate everything needed to get your bond issued. You get clear documentation and a team that stays available through the process.
We work with people who are in the middle of building something or managing something important. Whether you are launching a business, activating a license, handling a court obligation, or managing someone else’s affairs, our job is to make the bonding part of that process as simple as possible.
We do not just process paperwork. We make sure the bond you get actually meets the requirements of your licensing authority, contract, or court order so you do not have to go back and do this again.
We understand that the bond is a means to an end. Our goal is to help you get licensed, activated, or compliant as efficiently as possible so you can get back to running your business.
Surety bonds are not our side product. We work with contractors, freight brokers, dealers, importers, and court-appointed individuals regularly. We understand the nuances of each type and the environments they operate in.
Bond requirements are often tied to deadlines. License applications, contract start dates, and court orders do not wait. We take timelines seriously and keep you informed throughout the process.
If you are applying for a contractor license in your state, your licensing board is almost certainly going to require a surety bond. For most contractors, this bond is one of the last things standing between them and an active license.
A contractor license bond guarantees that your work will meet the standards set by your state licensing authority. It is a form of financial protection for the homeowners, property owners, and businesses that hire you. If you fail to complete a job, violate the terms of your license, or cause damage that you do not address, the bond provides a way for affected parties to seek
compensation.
Most states require contractor license bonds because licensed contractors are trusted to work on homes and commercial properties where the stakes of poor workmanship are high. The bond gives licensing boards and consumers a layer of protection without requiring contractors to post a large cash deposit. It is a way of demonstrating financial responsibility before the work begins.
If you hold or are applying for a general contractor license, an electrical contractor license, a plumbing license, an HVAC license, a roofing license, or most other trade contractor licenses, you are likely required to carry a contractor license bond. The required bond amount varies by state and license type.
We help you identify the exact bond amount required by your state licensing authority, gather the information needed to get your bond issued, and walk you through the process from start to finish. We work with contractors across all 25 of the states we serve and understand the specific requirements in each one.
Ready to get your contractor license bond? We can help you get the right bond for the right amount.
Before you can legally arrange freight transportation as a broker in the United States, you need your FMCSA operating authority and a $75,000 freight broker bond. The bond is also known as the BMC-84. Without it, your authority will not be granted and you cannot begin operating.
The BMC-84 is a federally mandated bond requirement set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It protects shippers and motor carriers from financial harm if a broker fails to pay for services rendered or does not fulfill the obligations of a broker agreement. Every licensed freight broker in the United States is required to maintain this bond continuously.
The FMCSA requires the BMC-84 because freight brokerage involves significant financial transactions between multiple parties. Shippers trust brokers to arrange transportation. Carriers trust brokers to pay them for the loads they haul. The $75,000 bond requirement exists to provide a financial backstop if a broker defaults on those obligations. It is a federal requirement with no exceptions.
Anyone applying for or maintaining a freight broker license with the FMCSA needs a BMC-84 bond. This includes individuals starting a brokerage from scratch, experienced brokers moving from a larger operation to an independent authority, and existing brokers whose bond has lapsed. The requirement applies regardless of the size of the brokerage.
We work with freight brokers at all stages of the authority process. Whether you are just beginning your application or need to reinstate a lapsed bond, we can walk you through what is required and help you get the BMC-84 in place. We understand the FMCSA process and can give you realistic timelines for each step.
Need your BMC-84? We can help you get bonded and on your way to active operating authority.
We work with people who are in the middle of building something or managing something important. Whether you are launching a business, activating a license, handling a court obligation, or managing someone else’s affairs, our job is to make the bonding part of that process as simple as possible.
If you are opening a dealership or applying for a dealer license, most states require a motor vehicle dealer bond. The bond protects buyers and the state from financial harm if the dealer violates licensing requirements, fails to transfer titles properly, or engages in fraudulent practices. Requirements vary by state, dealer type, and license category.
Notaries public in many states are required to carry a surety bond as a condition of their commission. The bond provides protection for members of the public who suffer financial harm as a result of a notary's errors, negligence, or misconduct in the performance of their official duties.
Some states and local jurisdictions require businesses in certain industries to obtain a surety bond as part of their licensing process. These bonds protect consumers and the public from financial harm if the business fails to operate according to the rules and standards attached to their license.
Permit bonds, sometimes called license and permit bonds, are required by many state and local authorities before a permit is issued for certain types of work. They guarantee that the work will be completed according to applicable laws, codes, and the terms of the permit. If it is not, the bond provides a mechanism for compensation.
Utility companies and energy service providers in regulated markets are often required to post a surety bond as a condition of their operating license or registration. These bonds provide financial assurance to regulators and customers that the company will fulfill its obligations under the terms of its authorization.
If you are importing goods into the United States, US Customs and Border Protection requires a customs bond to guarantee that all import duties, taxes, and fees will be paid and that all applicable regulations will be followed. Importers who bring in more than $2,500 in goods are generally required to have a bond.
The Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement requires participating motor carriers to maintain a surety bond as a condition of accessing shared intermodal equipment from participating equipment providers. This bond guarantees payment for damage, loss, or other obligations incurred through equipment use.
Certain transportation regulations and licensing requirements at the state and federal level require carriers or brokers to carry compliance bonds in addition to or in place of standard insurance requirements. These bonds are specific to regulatory compliance obligations and vary by jurisdiction and license type.
When a court appoints someone to administer an estate, act as an executor, or serve in another fiduciary role in a probate proceeding, the court typically requires that person to obtain a probate bond. The bond protects the beneficiaries and creditors of the estate from financial harm if the administrator fails to fulfill their duties.
When a court appoints an individual as a legal guardian for a minor or an incapacitated adult, the court often requires the guardian to obtain a guardianship bond. This bond protects the ward from financial harm if the guardian mismanages assets, fails to provide appropriate care, or otherwise violates their fiduciary duties.
A court-appointed conservator who is responsible for managing the financial affairs of an individual who cannot manage those affairs independently is typically required to obtain a conservatorship bond. The bond provides financial protection for the conservatee if the conservator fails to properly manage assets or fulfill their obligations.
When a party that has lost a court judgment decides to appeal the decision, the court often requires the appealing party to post an appeal bond to protect the winning party from financial harm during the appeals process. The bond guarantees that if the appeal is unsuccessful, the judgment amount will still be paid.
Everything you need to know before you apply. If your question is not here, we are happy to talk it through.
A surety bond is a financial guarantee that certain obligations will be met. Licensing agencies,
courts, and government bodies use them to ensure that businesses and individuals will follow the rules. If they do not, the bond helps make affected parties whole. The bond is not insurance for you. It is a guarantee made on your behalf to a third party.An umbrella policy sits above your existing auto, homeowners, and other liability policies. When a claim exceeds the liability limit on one of those underlying policies, the umbrella kicks in and pays the difference—up to the umbrella’s own limit. Think of it as a safety net above your other safety nets.
No. Bond requirements depend on your industry, your state, your licensing authority, and the type of work you do. Some professions always require a bond. Others never do. The best way to find out is to tell us what you are working toward and we will help you figure out whether a bond is required and which type applies to your situation.
The cost depends on the type of bond, the required bond amount, and factors specific to your situation. Bond premiums are typically calculated as a percentage of the total bond amount. We can give you a clearer picture once we know more about your specific requirements.
It depends on the bond type. Some bonds can move quickly once the basic information is gathered. Others involve more review depending on the bond amount or specific requirements. We give you realistic expectations from the start so you can plan accordingly.
Absolutely. That is one of the most common situations we work with. Start by telling us what you are trying to accomplish, whether that is getting a license, starting a business, activating authority, or meeting a court requirement, and we will take it from there.
Yes, significantly. Requirements can vary between states and even between local jurisdictions within the same state. The bond amount, qualifying criteria, and filing requirements all differ depending on where you are operating and what type of license you are applying for.
Yes. You can request a consultation and discuss your situation with a licensed professional before committing to anything. Many clients find that a short conversation helps them feel confident before moving forward.
Tell us what you are working toward. We will review your request and help you determine the next steps.
Speak with a licensed professional about your licensing and compliance requirements. Nopressure. No runaround. Just a straightforward conversation about what you need and how to getthere.
The license, the authority, the approval, the ability to operate your business and serve your customers is the goal. We are here to help you get through the bonding requirement so you can focus on what matters most.
Getting started is simple. Tell us what you are working toward. We will handle the rest.