The bond the job requires.
Contract bonds for public and private work, and the license and permit bonds state agencies and cities require before you can operate.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
A bond is a guarantee, not insurance
A surety bond guarantees to a project owner or government agency that you'll do what you promised: finish the job, pay your subcontractors and suppliers, or follow the rules of your license. If you don't, the surety pays the claim and then looks to you to repay it.
That's why sureties underwrite the business and its owners, not just the job. Small license and permit bonds are often issued quickly; larger contract bonds depend on your financial statements, work history and backlog. I place bonds with sureties that write California contractors and businesses.
- Performance bondsGuarantee the work gets completed under the contract.
- Payment bondsGuarantee subcontractors and suppliers are paid.
- Bid bondsBack your bid on public and private projects.
- License and permit bondsRequired by state agencies and cities to operate.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Bond: type, amount and who's requiring it.
- Project: contract size, owner and scope, for contract bonds.
- Business: entity, years in business and licenses.
- Financials: recent financial statements for larger bonds.
- History: largest completed jobs and current backlog.
- Deadline: when the bond is due.
Surety bonds, answered
Is a surety bond the same as insurance?
No. A bond protects the project owner or agency. If the surety pays a claim, you're expected to repay it.
Do public works projects require bonds?
Public projects in California generally require payment bonds and often performance and bid bonds. The contract documents list what's needed.
How fast can I get a bond?
Many license and permit bonds can be issued quickly. Contract bonds take longer because the surety reviews your finances and experience.
What affects the cost?
The bond type and amount, your company's financial strength, experience and the owners' credit.
Do you offer surety bonds outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
Send the bond requirement. I'll get it placed.
The bond type, amount and deadline are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.