Overview of Process Server Bond Requirements
The purpose of the process server surety bond is to provide a guarantee that court-appointed process servers will comply with the laws and regulations of the states they operate in.
Process servers are individuals who deliver legal notices and other court documents to defendants in court proceedings or any other person named in such documents. Process server bonds are required in a number of places in the US such as California, Florida, Oklahoma, Montana, New York City and others.
Because the work of a process server requires them to work in a timely, responsible manner and adhere to strict legal requirements, they are often asked to get bonded as a way to secure greater compliance.
If a process server breaches the demands of their position by acting dishonestly, not delivering documents on time or otherwise acting unfaithfully, a claim can be made against their bond. When a claim is made, the surety which backs the bond may extend compensation to claimants, up to the full amounts of the bond, otherwise known as the penal sum.
Want to get a better grasp on how surety bonds work? See our ‘What is a surety bond’ guide for a fuller explanation!
See below for information regarding the cost of process servers bonds in different states, why and how bond claims are filed, and how to get bonded.
For additional information about these bonds or more general inquiries, call us at 866.450.3412! We will be happy to help you!
Cost of Process Server Bonds
The cost of your bond depends on its amount. The amounts of process servers vary from state to state. Process servers in California are $2,000, in Florida and Oklahoma - $5,000, and in Montana $10,000 for individuals, and $100,000 for companies.
Surety bond cost is a fraction of that bond amount. That fraction, or bond rate, is determined by the bond company when you apply for your bond. In determining your rate, the surety looks at your personal credit score, primarily, as well as your financial statements, liquidity and more. Typically, the higher your credit score, the lower your rate will be, with rates being as low as $100 in some cases.
Want to know how much exactly your bond will cost? Submit a surety application, and we’ll shortly provide you with an entirely free quote on your bond.
Getting Bonded With Bad Credit
Can bond applicants who have a low or nonexistent credit score still get bonded? Yes, definitely!
Our Bad Credit Program is designed to serve exactly those applicants who are unable to get bonded at standard market rates, due to low credit or other financial complications, but still want to get bonded.
A higher rate is due for bonds under this program, since applicants with lower credit present a greater risk for sureties. How much the rate of getting bonded is, depends on each particular applicant. Regardless of their credit score, our customers are guaranteed to only get the best and lowest rates we can secure for them!
For a free quote on your bond, and further information about getting bonded with bad credit, visit the program page!
Bond Claims: Why and How?
A surety bond agreement serves to guarantee that any parties that suffer harm or losses due to a bonded party’s actions will be compensated.
For example, if a court has ordered a process server to deliver certain documents but the process server fails is late in doing so, a claim can be filed against their bond. The same applies to situations in which the process server has an interest in the outcome of a court proceeding and tampers with documents or in any other way obstructs the proceeding - there, too, a claim can be filed.
The general rule is that in any case in which there is a violation of the conditions of the surety bond or of state statutes and regulations that apply to the bonded individual or business, a claim against their bond may arise.
Reversely, to avoid surety bond claims from occurring, process servers simply need to conduct their job in a faithful, honest and diligent way, complying with all requirements and rules. This is the surest way of avoiding giving rise to a claim. Avoiding a bond claim is highly desirable because ultimately it is the bonded party, not the bond company, that has to assume the final cost and risk. In other words, if a surety pays out compensation under a process server bond claim, the process server must repay the surety in full.
That’s why always striving to stick to the best business practices, deliver notices and documents in time, and do an impartial job is the best strategy for bonded process servers! If you have any concern regarding a possible bond claim, call you surety company to discuss the issue!
Apply For Your Bond Here!
Get a free quote on your bond by completing the surety bond application.
Along with the quote, we will provide you with details how to finalize application if you wish to get bonded. Once we have all your information, your bond will be issued within two working workdays, and will be on its way to you via standard mail. Meanwhile we will also provide you with a digital copy of your bond via email.
Call us anytime at 866.450.3412 if you have any questions regarding the bonding process or application!
