Surety & Fidelity Bonds
Baker is a wholesale surety bond market for independent agents — contract, license & permit, court, fidelity, and California subdivision bonds. Pick a bond type to learn more and start a quote, or send the application link to your client.
How we place your bond
From your request to the issued bond — for contract, license, court, fidelity, and subdivision bonds.
Contract bonds (construction)
Subdivision & site bonds (California)
License & permit bonds
Court & probate bonds
Fidelity & business-service bonds
Title & DMV bonds
Other commercial & specialty bonds
A surety bond is a three-party promise
Unlike insurance, which protects the policyholder, a surety bond guarantees an obligation to a third party.
The business that must perform the obligation and buys the bond.
The party protected by the bond — a government agency, court, or project owner.
Guarantees the obligation is met, and is repaid by the principal if it pays a claim. Placed through Baker.
Surety bond FAQ
What is a surety bond?+
A surety bond is a three-party guarantee. The surety (the bond company) guarantees to the obligee (the party requiring the bond) that the principal (your client) will meet an obligation. If the principal does not, the surety can pay the obligee, and the principal repays the surety. It is not insurance for the principal — it protects the obligee.
What surety bonds does Baker write for agents?+
Contract bonds (bid, performance, payment, and maintenance), license and permit bonds (contractor, auto and motor vehicle dealer, freight broker, mortgage broker, and more), court and probate bonds, fidelity and ERISA bonds, California subdivision bonds, and specialty commercial surety — all placed wholesale for independent agents.
How do I place a bond through Baker?+
Start a bond quote or send us the bond type, the obligee’s requirement, the bond amount, and the principal’s information. We shop the surety market, come back with terms, you bind, and the bond is issued ready to file. You can upload supporting documents through the support desk.
How fast can a bond be issued?+
Many license, permit, and small commercial bonds can be issued quickly once the account is set up. Contract, construction, and subdivision bonds are underwritten on the account and the project, so timing depends on the documents provided.
What is the difference between a surety bond and insurance?+
Insurance protects the policyholder against their own losses. A surety bond protects a third party — the obligee — and the principal ultimately reimburses the surety for a paid claim.
Do you write bonds outside California?+
Yes. We place surety bonds for agents across the country. Some programs, such as California subdivision bonds under the Subdivision Map Act, are state-specific.