Bay Area Surety Bonds
Surety Bonds for Bay Area Projects
Bay area construction projects, specifically public works, require surety bonds—starting at the bidding process. While surety bonds act as financial protections for projects in case the contractor fails to meet its obligations, having a strong bond program is a benefit to the contractor.
A higher bonding capacity allows contractors to take on bigger projects to grow their companies, and bonds can serve as a sort of competitive advantage to allow contractors to bid on jobs that others can’t. Surety agencies like CSBA guide contractors through the bonding process, helping them secure the strong surety backing needed to succeed.
Why Choose CSBA for Bay Area Surety Bonds?
CSBA is a surety-only agency with in-house underwriters and agents. Our combined 225 years of experience bring you local industry experience in the Bay Area. Leveraging strong relationships with surety companies authorized in California, we deliver tailored bonding solutions based on each contractor’s financials, project scope, and growth goals. With fast turnarounds and competitive rates, we support you at every stage of achieving your higher bonding capacity
Types of Construction Bonds We Offer
CSBA provides core construction bonds for project and public agency requirements.
Bid Bonds
At CSBA, we help contractors increase their bonding capacity to pursue larger Bay Area public works and commercial construction projects. Our tailored approach helps contractors secure the bid bonds they need quickly and efficiently, so they can confidently pursue larger, more competitive projects without delays or uncertainty.
Performance Bonds
Once your bid is accepted, CSBA helps you secure the performance bond you need to finalize your contract and move forward with the project without delays.
Payment Bonds
Payment bonds ensure that subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers are paid as agreed, protecting everyone involved in a construction project. CSBA helps contractors obtain these bonds for Bay Area projects helping to ensure contractors meet their contract requirements.
Grading Bonds
Local authorities often require developers and property owners building a private project involving grading and excavation work to secure a grading bond. CSBA is one of the few surety agencies with expertise in this niche, helping you secure the bond you need to meet permit requirements and keep your project moving forward.
Subdivision Bonds
Subdivision bonds guarantee that developers will complete public improvements—such as roads, sidewalks, and drainage—required by local governments. CSBA helps navigate these complex subdivision surety bond requirements, ensuring full compliance with California municipal regulations.
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Alameda County
Contra Costa County
Marin County
San Francisco County
San Mateo County
Santa Clara County
Solano County
Bonding Requirements
for Bay Area Surety Bonds
There are many county and city-specific bonding rules for San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael, and more. Public agencies typically require bid bonds ranging from 10–20% of the contract value, followed by 100% performance bonds and additional bonding upon contract award. Below are the requirements for securing bid bonds for the following Bay Area counties.
Alameda County
- Alameda County has a Contractor Bonding Assistance Program to help small local contractors obtain bid, payment, and performance bonds. Source
Contra Costa County
- For subdivision agreements, a performance surety bond (99%) and a performance cash bond (1%) are required as a guarantee for the work. Source
- A payment bond (50%) is required as security for payment to the contractor and all other labor and materials. Source
- To receive information about upcoming projects to bid, contractors can complete Contra Costa’s Mailing List Application. Source
- Contractors can find upcoming bid. Source
Marin County
- The City of Mill Valley has specific requirements for security bond deposits for road and grading work, including options for certificates of deposit, checks, and letters of credit. Source
- The County has transitioned to electronic bid/proposal submittals using Bid Express. Source
- You can find contruction bidding opportunities for the County of Marin here. Source
- Marin County Department of Public Works maintains a list of prequalified contractors to bid on their projects. Source
San Francisco County
- Bid opportunities tot he San Francisco Public Works can be found here. Source
- This page contains the City and County of San Francisco’s Payment (Labor and Material) Bond form and Performance Bond form. Source
- According to Sec 6.21 (4) Bid Security Requirement. All Bids shall be accompanied by a corporate surety bond or other permissible security. The amount shall be fixed by the Department Head or officer as stated in the Advertisement For Bids, which amount shall not be less than 10% of the amount Bid for the cost of the proposed work of improvement, and no Bid shall be considered unless accompanied acceptable bid security. Source
- Before the execution of any Contract for Public Work or Improvement in excess of $25,000, the Department Head shall require the successful Bidder to file corporate surety bonds for the faithful performance thereof and to guarantee the payment of wages for services engaged and of bills contracted for material, supplies and equipment used in the performance of the Contract. Each bond shall be for a sum not less than 100% of the awarded Contract amount. Source
San Francisco Water Power Sewer
Santa Clara County
- Bid opportunities. Source
Solano County
- Link to a list or projects bidding can be found on this page. “Submit your bid with bidder’s security equal to at least 10 % of the bid.” Source
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 Bay Area 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 Bay Area projects.
Application Process for Surety Bonds
Below is the standard application process for surety bonds. Underwriters evaluate contractors’ credit history, experience, and project size to prequalify them for their target projects.
Meet Our Bay Area Team
Our in-house team of underwriters and agents brings local expertise in Bay Area contract bonding to help you grow your business. We guide you through the bonding process and position you to qualify for larger projects. With a commitment to fast turnarounds and competitive rates, we’re here to set you up for long-term success.
Success Stories in the Bay Area with CSBA
Below are completed projects for which CSBA helped California contractors secure bonding.
In Hayward, CA, One Subaru had a ground-up construction project for a new auto dealership. CSBA provided the surety bonds for the project, which was valued at $24,938,000.
California Locations
Bay Area Office (Redwood):
7595 Redwood Blvd.,
Suite 215,
Novato, CA 94945-7705
Additional California Offices:
Industry Affiliations
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FAQs
Are surety bonds required for all construction projects in the Bay Area, California?
Most public construction projects in 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 California counties?
Yes! We offer surety bonds in all California counties, including San Francisco 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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