Northern California Surety Bonds
Surety Bonds for
Northern California Projects
Project owners require surety bonds from contractors to ensure project completion based on the contractual obligations. However, surety bonds can also give contractors a competitive edge, especially when contractors increase their bonding capacity to bid on projects that others can’t.
At CSBA, we specialize in helping California contractors increase their bonding capacity and secure the right surety bond solutions for projects across Northern California.
We provide contractors access to over 35 admitted surety companies, including exclusive and semi-exclusive programs, to find the right surety program to fit your needs.
Why Choose CSBA for Surety Bonds in Northern California?
CSBA offers comprehensive guidance tailored to help contractors expand their bonding capacity and grow their businesses. Leveraging our expertise in Northern California construction and specialized focus on surety bonds, our in-house underwriters and agents provide strategic guidance to help contractors qualify for larger projects.
Providing surety companies accurate financial information in the format they require is one of the keys to obtaining increased bonding support. At CSBA, one of the unique benefits we offer is third-party financial reporting and accounting resources to contractors to help meet surety requirements and boost their bonding creditworthiness.
Drawing on our extensive local expertise in the California surety market, we help contractors bond public projects across Northern California.
Types of Construction Bonds Offered
CSBA provides a full range of surety bonds to help construction companies meet project requirements across Northern California counties.
Bid Bonds
Bid bonds are required in order to submit a bid for most public projects. They are the key to unlocking bidding opportunities, and CSBA assists Northern California contractors in expanding their bonding capacity, enabling them to pursue and secure larger-scale projects.
Performance Bonds
Upon bid acceptance, contractors in Northern California provide performance bonds to project owners, ensuring the project will be completed per the plans and specifications in the contract.
Payment Bonds
CSBA provides payment bonds to Northern California contractors, which guarantee that subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers get timely and proper payment per the contract terms.
Grading Bonds
Local cities and counties often require property owners and developers to provide grading bonds in order to build their project. These bonds ensure the municipality that the work will be performed according to the local requirements. CSBA has extensive experience in guiding developers through this process.
Subdivision Bonds
Subdivision bonds are a type of surety bond that provide assurance to public agencies in Northern California that developers will complete required public infrastructure improvements—such as roads, sidewalks, and utilities—as part of a subdivision project. These bonds help ensure that project obligations are met, even if the developer is unable to fulfill them. CSBA helps developers navigate the application process to get their projects underway.
Contact a surety bond specialist today
Los Angeles County
Imperial County
San Diego County
Orange County
Bonding Requirements for
Northern California Surety Bonds
Specific bonding regulations vary by county for public projects in Northern California. At CSBA, we assist contractors in securing bonds compliant with state, county, and local laws. Here are some of the requirements for securing bid bonds for Northern California counties.
Los Angeles County
- Bid bonds are required for certain public contracts, such as those managed by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). The bond amount is typically 10% of the bid price.
- Acceptable forms include certified checks, cashier’s checks, or corporate surety bonds from a responsible surety company.
- Failure to include a bid bond when required renders the bid non-responsive.
Learn more about bid bonds for Los Angeles County projects.
Imperial County
- Public entities, such as Imperial Community College District, require bid security in the form of cash, certified/cashier’s checks, or bid bonds amounting to at least 10% of the total bid price.
- Payment and performance bonds equal to 100% of the contract price are required for successful bidders.
San Diego County
- Public projects exceeding $15,000 require competitive bidding and bid security. Acceptable forms include cash, cashier’s checks, certified checks, or bidder’s bonds executed by an admitted surety insurer.
- Contracts for equipment or services exceeding $50,000 must also be competitively bid with appropriate bidder security.
Orange County
- Bid bonds are generally required for public works projects and are typically set at 5-10% of the total bid amount.
- Contractors must provide proof of financial stability and meet any additional requirements specified in the project documents.
San Bernardino County
- Similar to other counties in California, public projects over $15,000 require competitive bids accompanied by bidder security (cash, certified/cashier’s checks, or surety bonds).
- Specific requirements depend on the contracting agency and project type.
Kern County
- Public projects require competitive bidding with bidder security. The exact percentage (usually 10%) and form (cash, check, or bond) depend on the project owner’s stipulations.
Ventura County
- Similar to other counties, public works projects mandate competitive bidding with bidder security. The specific percentage and forms accepted depend on local regulations and project details.
Santa Barbara County
- For public contracts exceeding $15,000 (construction) or $50,000 (equipment/services), competitive bidding is required along with bidder security in one of the standard forms (cash, check, or bond).
San Luis Obispo County
- Competitive bidding requirements align with state law for public projects over $15,000. Bidder security is mandatory and must be submitted in an acceptable form as outlined by the project owner.
The CSBA Difference
We have access to special programs and insights, enabling us to provide unique resources that help to grow bonding capacity, as well as grow your company.
We help California contractors who bid on projects in Northern California grow their bonding capacity through our access to multiple surety markets and unique programs.
Experience rapid response times and personalized service from our experienced underwriters to increase your bond capacity for Northern California projects.
Application Process for Surety Bonds
Below is an overview of the surety bond application process when partnering with a surety agency.
Meet Our Northern California Team
Our Northern California surety bond experts have been building trust since 1984 and help contractors confidently navigate the bonding process.
Unlike national bond agencies that operate across multiple states, our Northern California team provides you with local expertise to help you make informed bonding decisions for your construction business. At CSBA, we are more than just a bond provider—we are a trusted local partner committed to the success of contractors operating in Northern California.
Completed Projects in Northern California with CSBA
In Hayward, CA, One Subaru had a ground-up construction project for a new auto dealership. CSBA provided surety backing for the project, which was valued at $24,938,000
Our Northern California Office Serving You
Northern California Office:
5050 Laguna Blvd.,
Ste. 112-#804,
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Additional California Offices:
Industry Affiliations
Contact a surety bond specialist today
FAQs
Are surety bonds required for all construction projects in Northern California?
Most public construction projects in Northern California require surety bonds, including bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds. Depending on the contract terms, private projects may also require them.
How long does it take to get a surety bond in California?
The approval process varies based on the bond type and applicant qualifications. Standard surety bonds can often be issued within 24-48 hours, while larger or more complex bonds may require additional underwriting and take several days or more.
How much does a surety bond cost in California?
Surety bond costs depend on bond type, amount, and applicant financials. Rates typically range from 0.5% to 3% of the bond amount for well-qualified applicants.
What factors affect my ability to obtain a surety bond?
Surety companies evaluate credit score, financial strength, industry experience, and past project performance. Contractors with strong financials and a solid track record typically qualify for better rates and higher bonding capacity.
Does CSBA provide surety bonds for all Northern California counties?
Yes! We offer surety bonds in all Northern California counties, including Sacramento and more. Our team understands local requirements and helps contractors meet all municipal and state bonding needs.
What are the Requirements for the Surety Bond Application Process?
Every contractor has different requirements depending on the project they wish to bid for. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs for the application process.
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