What is a plumbing bond?
Contractor licensing boards in several states, and in many counties, require plumbing contractors to obtain a plumbing bond in order to get licensed. Among others, the states of California, Minnesota, Illinois, New Jersey, and Iowa– or counties within these states– have a plumbing bond licensing requirement.
The purpose of the plumbing bond is to secure protection to the public and to the state where the plumber is bonded and licensed. Plumbing contractor bonds act as a guarantee that bonded plumbers will comply with state regulations for their trade, as well as with the conditions set forth in the surety bond agreement. This agreement is made between the contractor, the state or county licensing board, and the surety bond company.
If a claim is made against the bond, due to a contractor’s dishonesty or malpractice for noncomplying plumbing work, a claim can be made against the bond. When a legitimate claim is made against a bond, claimants are compensated by the surety company which issued the bond. In turn, contractors must then compensate the company.
Plumbing bond cost
The cost of your plumbing bond depends on the amount of the bond you are required to obtain and the quote on that amount you are provided by the surety bond company. Some of the amounts for plumbing bonds across states are as follows:
- California: $15,000
- Illinois: $20,000
- Minnesota: $25,000
- City of Chicago: $20,000
- Iowa: $5,000
- New Jersey: $3,000
The cost of your bond typically is a small percentage of the total amount of the bond. Exactly how much you need to pay is determined by the surety, based on personal credit score and other personal financial indicators.
Applicants with a high credit score can expect to get a rate that ranges between 0.75% and 2.5% of the total amount of their bond.
Bryant Surety Bonds only works with A-rated and T-listed bond companies. These companies provide us with rates for our clients that are rarely matched by other sureties. They are considered the safest and most reliable bond companies in the country.
Bad credit bonds
A low credit score is not a barrier to obtaining a plumbing bond.
For a slightly higher rate, low credit score applicants can obtain a plumbing bond through our Bad Credit Program. This program is specifically designed to enable applicants with lower or nonexistent scores to get bonded and continue doing business.
Bonds under this program are issued by the same bonding companies as all other bonds. And by working on improving their credit score, applicants can get a better surety bond rate each time they apply for a bond.
How to get a plumbing license
Most states have different requirements for plumbing licensing– some states do not require any licensing, while others require a license or registration. Some may require you to be an apprentice and a journeyman before you qualify for a plumbing contractor license.
For detailed information regarding the licensing requirements in your state, make sure to contact your local licensing board.
When applying for a plumbing license, you should expect to be required to meet some or all of the following requirements:
- A completed plumbing license application
- Proof of completed education and/or plumbing examination
- Proof of plumbing experience (years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman)
- Articles of incorporation or organization (if applicable)
- A plumbing bond in the amount required by your state or county
- Copy of certificates of insurance (such as: general liability, property damage, bodily injury and workers compensation insurance)
- Payment of application/licensing fee as required by state or county
Make sure to contact your local licensing board for full information regarding a plumbing license in your state or county.
How to get your plumbing bond
Getting your bond is simple: just fill in our online surety bond application and we’ll provide you with a free quote. You can then confirm your bond and we’ll take care of the rest.
If you want to know more about the bonding requirements for plumbing bonds, call us at 866.450.3412. Our surety bond professionals will provide you with all the advice and assistance you need.
