What are Debt Management Surety Bonds?
These license and permit surety bonds ensure that debt management agencies operate in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, and protect clients against any potential acts of fraud and misrepresentation of services. Fraudulent actions made by the debt management agency can potentially result in significant losses for their clients or the creditors they are negotiating with. These bonds help those entities recover from any resulting financial loss.
If the principal (debt management agency) does not comply with the terms of the bond, a claim can be filed with the surety company for relief. If the claim is valid, the surety will pay up to the penal sum of the bond to resolve the claim. The principal is then required to reimburse the surety for all monies paid out, including any attorney fees incurred by the surety in the defense of the claim.
Who needs Debt Management Surety Bonds?
Companies that offer debt management services to their clients are required to file a Debt Management Surety Bond with the regulatory agency in the state they are conducting business before their license can be issued. Debt management entails the renegotiation of accrued debt between the debt management agency and the creditors in order to come to terms on a more suitable and affordable payment plan for the client. Depending on the state, this bond goes by many names, including Credit Counseling Surety Bonds and Debt Settlement Surety Bonds.
Which states require Debt Management Bonds?
Pacific Surety proudly offers Debt Management Surety Bonds in the following states:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Wisconsin
Please contact your local authority for more information about Debt Management Surety Bond requirements in your state.
How much do Debt Management Surety Bonds cost?
Pricing for Debt Management Surety Bonds varies by state. An underwriter will review your application, and your premium will be based on the following factors:
- The state requiring the bond
- Amount of the bond
- Term length of the bond
- Personal credit for all owners with at least a 10% ownership stake in the business
Individuals with good credit can expect to pay 1%-5% of the bond amount. Qualified applicants could pay as little as $500 annually for a $50,000 Debt Management Surety Bond. To find out how much your Debt Management Surety Bond is going to cost, please complete our online application for your free, no obligation price quote.
Can I get a Debt Management Surety Bond with bad credit?
Pacific Surety offers a wide range of approvals, regardless of credit, for Debt Management Surety Bonds. With our strong surety relationships, we have the ability to approve 99% of applicants regardless of how bad their credit is. Our knowledgeable underwriting staff will work with you to ensure you receive the lowest possible pricing for your bond.
Applicants with substandard credit can expect to pay 5%-10% of the bond amount in premium. To see what rate you will qualify for, please complete our online application for your free, no obligation price quote.
Can the premium for Debt Management Bonds be financed?
Yes! Pacific Surety has an industry-leading premium finance program that gives our clients the ability to purchase a bond when the upfront costs might be prohibitive to them. Applicants who choose this option will pay a percentage of their premium as a down payment, and the balance of the premium will be paid in four (4) monthly installments. Please contact our staff for additional information regarding our finance program.
How do I get a Debt Management Bond?
The first step is to complete our quick online application for your free, no obligation bond quote. Submission takes only five minutes, and our underwriting staff will be in contact with you within a couple of hours with pricing. If you prefer to speak with our knowledgeable staff, please call 1-866-722-7873 and one of our Underwriters will assist you in applying for your bond.
After you receive approval, you must sign an indemnity agreement with the surety and provide payment for your bond premium. In most cases, we can issue bonds the same day we receive your signed documents and payment.