Our agents have significant expertise insuring different kinds of businesses. The following is a list of some of the programs/markets that we currently specialize in:

General Contractors
Street and Road
Site Developers
Heavy Civil
Underground Utilities
Precast Concrete Manufacturers
Specialty Sub-Contractors – HVAC, Electric, Plumbing, Solar Energy, etc.
Fabrication/Theming

That often depends on the size bond that is needed. If you need a bond under $500,000 the information required is much less. Sometimes, we only need to have a short application completed. For larger bonds more in depth financial information is required.

The Surety industry evaluates three basic factors, known as the three “C’s”. They are:

Character – Does the Principal’s record suggest good character? Do they follow through with their obligations?
Capacity – Does the Principal have the skill, experience, and knowledge necessary to perform their obligations?
Capital – Does the Principal have the financial wherewithal to support or finance the completion of the project?

In its most simple sense, a surety bond is a guarantee. It is a three-party agreement between you (the Principal), the Surety, and the entity requiring you to obtain a bond (the Obligee). A surety bond guarantees that you will comply with certain rules or regulations, or pay someone, or perform according to a contract. If, for any reason you do not live up to the agreement, the Surety will step in on your behalf and then come back to you for restitution.

Surety bond producers are business professionals who specialize in providing contract surety bonds to contractors, subcontractors, and other construction project participants and/or who specialize in providing commercial surety bonds to individuals and businesses. Obtaining surety credit starts with professional bond producers. Arranging bonds and a line of credit with a surety company requires extensive, detailed work for every bid that a contractor submits. Each surety company has its own unique underwriting standards and practices, and the pre-qualification process to obtain surety credit can be a difficult experience if not handled by a surety bond specialist.

In addition, a bond producer can serve as an objective, an external resource for evaluating a construction firm’s capabilities, and, where necessary, can suggest improvements to help the construction firm meet a surety company’s underwriting requirements. A bond producer can also serve as a resource for providing the bond principal with referrals for other types of professionals, such as certified public accountants, attorneys, and bankers.

With regard to contract surety bonds, a long-term, successful relationship between the producer and the contractor can be quite beneficial for the growth and development of the construction firm. The selection of a bond producer is, therefore, critical to a firm’s success and growth.

An agent with 100% focus on surety all day, every day A dedicated support staff that does only bonds
Reputation and respect within the surety industry
Solid relationships with surety underwriters and authority to issue bonds via Agency Lines of Authority
Dedication to the contractor’s long-term success
Detailed ability to analyze financial statements, work in progress and cash flow
Expert knowledge of construction and contract/subcontract law
Awareness of local, regional and national construction markets
Involvement in and support of local and national construction and surety industry associations including: NASBP, Florida Surety Association, AGC, ABC, FTBA, CFMA & other industry associations.

An Independent insurance agent typically represents a number of insurance companies, or “carriers”, and sell the products that most appropriately meet the needs of their clients. Their expertise allows them to advise their clients about appropriate amounts of insurance and insurance coverages for their particular needs.

Insurance is a two party relationship where the insurance company assumes the risk of the principal; whereas a surety bond is a three party relationship where the principal will absorb the risk. A surety bond protects the obligee and not the principal. Where insurance protects you against a risk, surety bond guarantees that you will fulfill an obligation.

A certificate of insurance is free. Much like a receipt, the document is proof that you’ve paid for a policy and you’re insured.

Workers’ Compensation policies are always audited after a policy year so that the estimated payroll provided at the beginning of the policy year is squared up with the actual annual payroll.

Optional business insurance coverages such as miscellaneous professional liability/errors and omissions insurance and data compromise coverage. Be sure to ask your business insurance agent about coverages that may be available so you can choose the ones that make sense for you.

They’re often easy targets. Small businesses are often prey for identity thieves because they typically have less security in place than larger companies.