Commercial Surety Bonds
Travelers has over 100 years of experience in providing commercial surety bonds, so you can rest assured that we are experts in this industry.
Travelers knows commercial surety
Travelers serves both domestic and international bonding needs for all types of businesses, from small businesses to multinational companies. Travelers also provides bonds for individuals, nonprofits, associations and franchises.
Which industries may need commercial surety bonds?
- Banks
- Healthcare facilities
- Insurance companies
- Manufacturing companies
- Metals and mining industry
- Power and utilities
- Retailers and wholesalers
- Service contractors
- Technology industry
- Telecommunication industry
- Transportation industry
Types of commercial surety bonds
There are several types of commercial surety bonds required of individuals or businesses by legislation, the government or other entities. They are designed to protect the public, prevent financial losses, regulate markets and safeguard against fraud and unethical business dealings. The following are common types of commercial surety bonds:
License and permit bonds
In order to comply with federal, state or municipal ordinances or regulations, these bonds may be required as a condition to obtain permits or licenses necessary to engage in a particular business or exercise a particular privilege. These bonds guarantee the person or company seeking the license or permit is able to do what the license or permit states; will comply with all laws, regulations and codes related to the project or action; and – in some cases – will be liable if a third party is injured or sustains damage due to the project or action.
Examples of license and permit bonds include:
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Performance and payment bonds
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Customs bonds
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Tax bonds
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Warehouse bonds
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Auto dealer bonds
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Mortgage lender bonds
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Mortgage broker bonds
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Contractor license bonds
Court bonds or judicial bonds
When someone is pursuing an action in court, court bonds or judicial bonds may be required of either a plaintiff or defendant in judicial proceedings. These bonds may be used to reserve the rights of the opposing litigant or other interested parties and ensure costs related to the lawsuit or legal action can be paid. These bonds include, but are not limited to:
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Bail bonds
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Appeal bonds
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Attachment bonds
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Injunction bonds
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Replevin bonds (which deal with possession of assets and return of assets based on court decisions)
Miscellaneous bonds
These are bonds that do not fit into any of the other categories mentioned above. They are commonly used to meet the needs of private relationships and unique business relationships. Examples include wage and welfare bonds, utility bonds, workers compensation for self-insured employees, union bonds, lost securities bonds and hazardous waste removal bonds.
Public official bonds
These bonds are required by statute for certain holders of public office. These bonds protect the public from malfeasance by an official or from an official’s failure to faithfully perform duties. While these duties may vary by position and applicable law, a public official is obligated to act in the public’s best interest at all times and will be held personally accountable, with few exceptions, for the duties and responsibilities of that position. In most cases, these bonds are required in order for an individual to hold office.
Public officials who may require surety bonds include:
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Treasurers and employees
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Tax collectors and employees
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Postal workers
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Town supervisors
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Sheriffs, deputies and constables
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Judges and court clerks
Public official bonds may be required by states, cities, towns, villages and municipalities, state colleges, universities, school districts, sheriff’s departments, court offices and the federal government.
Fiduciary bonds
These surety bonds are required of those who administer a trust under court supervision. They protect heirs, beneficiaries and creditors in case a fiduciary performs dishonestly, negligently or incompetently, causing a loss of assets or other damages. Examples include:
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Executor bonds
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Trustee bonds
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Administrator bonds
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Conservatorship bonds
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Personal representative bonds
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Guardianship bonds
Our reliability is proven
For more than 100 years, Travelers has been a leader in the surety industry. We consistently earn high marks for financial strength and claims-paying ability.
Related products & solutions
Surety bonds for banks and diversified financial institutions
Learn more about surety bonds for banks, such as court bonds, license and permit bonds and miscellaneous indemnity bonds.
Notary bonds
Follow this guide for tips to protect yourself as a notary.
Appeal bonds
An appeal bond, sometimes called a supersedeas bond, is required when a defendant wants to appeal an adverse judgment or order.
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