[neil7632]

How do I get bonded in Texas?

[Clough]

Maybe the laws are different down there as compared to here. But, I would think that all you would have to do is see an insurance agent.

[RichardBondMan]

Can I ask "bonded for what?". There are so many different bonds but really only two main types, surety and fidelity. Fidelty bonds are for employee dishonesty and surety bonds are for an almosot infinite number of different situations but generally one cannot simply want a surety bond, rather it has to be required by some govt agency such as a city, county, state or federal agency. Surety bonds are not insurance where it's just you and the insurance company, a loss occurs and you are reimbursed for your loss. Surety bonds are 3 party financial instruments... a principal.. the one bonded... a surety... the insurance / surety company taking the risk... and an obligee, the city, county, state or federal agency or even the owner of a construction job, property, that is requiring the bond. Let us know for what purpose, reason, and maybe we can help.

[Clough]

Thank you for your answer! You do know your stuff!

So, are you saying that in order to start getting bonded for whatever type of bond, that you might need to see more than one entity, rather then just an insurance company?

[RichardBondMan]

No, I am not speaking of who to see for a bond, but first you have to determine what city, county, state, fed agency is requiring a bond. One cannot simply want to "bonded". If no city, state, county, fed agency is requiring the gentleman asking this question to be bonded, then he cannot buy a bond and if no bond is required, then none can be written. Surety bonds are 3 party financial instruments... here are the 3 parties 1) the person, company being bonded called the PRINCIPAL 2) the surety/insurance company taking the risk, the SURETY and 3) the OBLIGEE,. the city, state, county, fed agency requiring the bond. Bonds are not insurance contracts like auto, home, life ins where you have an accident, claim and the insurance company pays without expectation of being reimbursed... that's why the insured in an insurance buys insurance in the first place... whereas surety bonds are "extensions of credit" and if the person/company being bonded defaults on what their obligations are then the bond pays the city, state, county, fed agency, then seeks reimbursement from the person/company being bonded... think of it this way, a criminal bail bond guantees that the accused will show up in court and if he/she doesn't, then the bond is in default and any collateral posted with the bond company will be taken by the bond company unless the principal (accused) shows up as agreed it court. Hope this helps. If not, ask me more.