A surety bond is a three-party agreement: the surety company guarantees to the obligee (like a government agency or project owner) that the principal (your business) will fulfill its obligations. If those obligations aren’t met, the surety compensates the obligee and then seeks reimbursement from you. Unlike insurance, bonds protect the other party, not you, but are essential for compliance, project bids, and licensing in California.
A Three-Party Guarantee
Not Insurance, but Assurance
Comprehensive Bond Solutions for Every Industry
Contractor License Bond:
Required by the California CSLB (Contractors State License Board); currently set at $25,000. Guarantees contractors comply with state regulations.
Performance & Payment Bonds:
Ensure completion of construction projects and payment to subcontractors/suppliers. Required on most public works and many large private jobs.
Bid Bonds:
Allow you to bid on public or large private construction projects, assuring owners you’ll enter the contract if awarded.
Permit & Compliance Bonds:
Needed for city, county, or industry-specific regulations (auto dealers, notaries, etc.).
Fidelity Bonds:
Protect against employee dishonesty in certain fiduciary roles or to satisfy ERISA requirements.
Court Bonds:
For legal matters (probate, litigation) if your business needs them.
Unlock Contracts, Meet Legal Requirements, and Build Trust
California contractors cannot get licensed without a $25,000 license bond.
Many public and private projects require performance/payment bonds for contracts over $25,000.
Surety bonds demonstrate your professionalism, financial strength, and reliability to project owners, regulators, and clients.
Having the right bonds in place avoids costly delays, project penalties, or missed opportunities.
Miller United Makes the Bonding Process Easy
We know time is money. For license and small bonds, we can often issue same-day with just a credit check and quick application. For larger contract bonds, we act as your advocate, helping you present your financials to underwriters and securing approval with minimal hassle. Our experience serving California contractors and local businesses means we know every city/county requirement and can expedite the paperwork, so you never miss a bid or job start.
Why You Need Both
Insurance protects your business; surety bonds protect those who hire you or grant you a license. California law and most contracts require both. As your insurance broker and bond agent, Miller United streamlines everything, one point of contact for all compliance and project needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Surety Bond Questions
How do surety bonds work for contractors in California?
Contractors must post a $25,000 license bond to get/keep a CSLB license, and often need performance/payment bonds for jobs.
Will I need to post collateral?
Most license bonds require only a credit check and annual premium; larger contract bonds may review financials but rarely need upfront collateral if your business is healthy.
Do I need a bond and insurance
Yes, bonds guarantee your obligations to others, while insurance protects you. Most public and many private projects require both.
How fast can I get a bond?
License and small bonds can often be issued same-day; we expedite larger contract bonds so you never miss a deadline.
Get the Bond You Need—Fast, Easy, and Done Right
Don’t let missing paperwork hold your business back. Miller United gets you bonded quickly, keeps you compliant, and unlocks bigger opportunities.
