California Escrow Agent Bond Requirements
To obtain an escrow license in California, you must apply to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. As part of your license, you will need to submit an escrow agent bond in an amount of at least $25,000.
Why Is This Bond Required?
The California Escrow Law requires escrow agents in the state to get a surety bond as a financial guarantee for their compliance with the provisions of the law. The bond is conditioned on being for the use of the state and any person who has cause against a bonded escrow agent under the provision of the law.
If a bonded escrow agent violates the provisions of the Escrow Law and thereby causes losses or damages to the state or an individual, a claim can be filed against their bond.
When a claim is filed, the surety company that backs the bond must conduct an investigation. It must then determine the amount of compensation to extend to claimants. Depending on the losses caused, compensation can be even as high as the penal sum of the bond.
New to surety bonds? See our detailed ‘What is a surety bond’ guide for a complete explanation of how bonds work and why you need one!
To find out how much your bond will cost and how to apply for one, see the section below!
If you have any questions about getting an escrow agent bond in California, call us at 866.450.3412!
How Much Does it Cost to Get a California Escrow Agent Bond?
The cost of your bond, i.e. the bond premium, is equal to a small percentage of the total amount of your bond.
When getting licensed initially, you will need to obtain a $25,000 bond. Thereafter, when renewing your license and bond, its amount must be as follows:
- $25,000 bond if 150% of the previous year’s average annual trust fund obligations equals $250,000 or less
- $35,000 bond if 150% of the previous year’s average annual trust fund obligations equals at least $250,001 and not more than $500,000
- $50,000 bond if 150% of the previous year’s average annual trust fund obligations equals $500,001 or more
To determine the exact percentage rate for your bond premium, the surety company will take the following factors into account.
Factors That Determine Your Bond Cost
Your personal credit score is the primary factor that sureties use to set your bond rate.
Applicants with high credit scores are typically bonded at low rates. This is because sureties consider a high credit score an indicator of a reduced risk of a claim being made against a bond. Respectively, if you have a lower credit score, your bond rate will increase.
On top of your credit score, the surety company may also want to get a fuller picture by reviewing other aspects of your financial or professional profile. These may include:
- Personal and business financial statements
- Fixed and liquid assets
- Work experience and record
To get a better grasp of how bond costs are determined, see our detailed surety bond cost guide!
Curious how much your bond might cost? See the table below for an estimate of the cost of your bond, based on credit score!
| California Escrow Agent Bond Cost Based on Credit Score | |||||
| License type | Bond Amount | Credit Score | |||
| Above 700 | 650-699 | 600-649 | Below 599 | ||
| Escrow agent | $25,000 | $250-$750 | $250-$750 | $250-$750 | $750-$1,250 |
| $35,000 | $350-$1,050 | $350-$1,050 | $350-$1,050 | $1,050-$1,750 | |
| $50,000 | $500-$1,500 | $500-$1,500 | $500-$1,500 | $1,500-$2,500 | |
* The table provides a bond cost ballpark estimate based on the applicant's credit score. Actual bond prices can differ due to a number of factors. For an exact quote, please complete our online application. It's fast and 100% free!.
How to Get Your California Escrow Agent Bond
Ready to get your bond? Click on the banner below and fill out the application details. We’ll get in touch with you shortly to provide you with a free quote on your bond.
Do you have any questions about this bond or how to apply? Call our bond experts at 866.450.3412!
