Overview of Kansas Contractor License Bond Requirements
While there is no statewide requirement for contractors in Kansas to get bonded, a large number of cities and counties require contractors to obtain a contractor license bond. Bonds are required for various types of work including electrical, right of way, mechanical, excavation, plumber, sewer, drain layer, and more.
Cities and counties that require a bond include: Arkansas City, Belle Plaine, Coffeyville, Concordia, Emporia, Garden city, Girard, Goodland, Greensburg, Holton, Hutchinson, Junction city, Kansas City, Lansing, Leawood, Lenexa, McPherson, Minneapolis, Mission, Mission Woods, Ottawa, Osage City, Overland Park, Pittsburg, Prairie Village, Salina, Shawnee, Winfield, Wichita, and others!
Bond amounts in these cities vary between $1,000 and $50,000, with the average being around $15,000. The exact amount of your bond will be determined by the licensing authority in your city.
In addition to the above bonds, out-of-state contractors, also known as non-resident contractors, also need to obtain a surety bond to conduct work in the state. The amount of the bond has to be at least $1,000 or 8% of the contract amount, whichever is greater.
Why do I need a bond?
All contractor license bonds function in the same way - they are a form of guarantee to the state and the public of Kansas. They guarantee that the bonded contractor will comply with the laws and regulations of the state of Kansas in conducting their work. This includes complying with the conditions of their contracts as well as the particular obligations and responsibilities defined in the law.
If a bonded contractor should violate any of the above, the city or separate individuals who have been harmed can file a claim against the bond. The surety company that backs the bond may then enter the picture to compensate claimants for as much as the full penal sum of the bond.
If you want to know more about bonds and their purpose, see our detailed ‘What is a surety bond' guide for an overview!
Keep reading for more information about the cost of your bond, claims, and how to apply!
If you'd rather consult someone in person, call us at 866.450.3412 anytime!
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Contractor License Bond in Kansas?
The cost of your bond is equal to a fraction of the full bond amount. Bond amounts vary from city to city, and depend on the contractor permit you are applying for. To find out the exact amount of your bond, contact your local contractor licensing authority!
What determines your bond rate
Your bond premium is primarily determined by your personal credit score - this is the main factor that sureties take into account. High credit score applicants usually receive the best possible rates on their bond. These are determined on a case-by-case basis but can generally vary between 1% and 3% of the total amount.
To get a better picture of an applicant's financial status, sureties can sometimes also consider your:
- Personal and business financial statements
- Assets and liquidity
- Industry experience
Get a quick estimate of the cost of your bond by using our surety bond calculator below!
Surety Bond Cost Calculator
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Get a free exact quote Get another estimateCan I get bonded with bad credit?
Yes, applicants with lower scores can also get bonded! If you currently have a lower credit score, you will likely need to pay a slightly higher rate for your bond though. This is because sureties run a higher risk in issuing bonds for applicants with lower credit. This is why they will offer a higher rate, as a form of additional security.
Learn more about getting bonded with bad credit from our Bad Credit Program page!
How Do Bond Claims Occur?
When a contractor enters into a surety bond agreement, they agree to comply with various conditions specified in it. This includes compliance with local or state laws, as well as with the conditions of any contracts they are awarded.
If such a contractor then violates the conditions of the bond agreement, causing losses, harms or damages to anyone, a claim can be filed against their bond. The bond then begins to act as a guarantee for compensation to claimants.
Once a claim is filed, the surety that backs the bond will investigate the issue and establish whether the claim is legitimate or not. It may then extend compensation to claimants which can be as high as the full amount of the bond.
Under the conditions of the bond, if a surety compensates claimants, the bonded contractor is obliged to reimburse the surety in full for its coverage. This is a standard condition of every bond agreement. Due to the difficult and costly process involved in resolving bond claims, it is therefore much better for contractors to avoid giving rise to them in the first place!
Apply For Your Bond!
To get started, complete our brief bond application form. We will contact you shortly to provide you with a free and exact quote and more details.
For any questions about the contractor license bonds in Kansas, call us at 866.450.3412!
