How fast can I get a bond?
Same day for credit-only bonds under $50,000. 2–5 business days for bonds requiring financials. Large performance bonds for public works projects can take a week if a new facility line needs to be set up.
Surety Bonds
Surety bonds for contractors, brokers, and businesses
License bonds, performance bonds, freight broker BMC-84, permit bonds — we write the full market.
A surety bond is a three-party guarantee: a principal (you) promises an obligee (a state agency, government, or contracting party) that you'll perform an obligation, and a surety (the insurance company) guarantees it. If you don't perform, the surety pays out and bills you. Riskara writes the full bond market in Illinois and Texas — from a $5,000 city contractor license bond up to a multi-million-dollar performance bond on a public works contract.
Contractor license bonds
Most municipal and state contractor licenses require a bond between $5,000 and $25,000. We write them in every IL and TX jurisdiction we've seen and can usually issue same-day for credit-qualified applicants.
Freight broker bonds (BMC-84)
The FMCSA requires a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond for property brokers and freight forwarders. We write BMC-84 the same day for applicants with a 650+ credit score and standard underwriting; lower credit moves to BMC-85 trust fund or higher-rate surety markets.
Bid, performance, and payment bonds
For public works and many private construction contracts, contractors must post a bid bond (typically 5–10% of the bid), then a performance bond and a payment bond at 100% of the contract value once awarded. We pre-qualify contractors and structure facility limits ahead of bid days so you can submit on short notice.
Permit and license bonds
Tax bonds, motor vehicle dealer bonds, notary bonds, mortgage broker bonds, fuel tax bonds — Texas and Illinois require dozens of small-dollar bonds for specific licenses. We write all of them.
Underwriting tiers
Bonds under $50,000 are usually credit-only — we run a soft credit check and issue. Bonds between $50,000 and $250,000 require business financials. Bonds above $250,000 require CPA-prepared financial statements and personal indemnity from owners.
Bonds we write
- •Contractor license bonds
- •General contractor bonds
- •Freight broker bond (BMC-84)
- •Bid bonds
- •Performance bonds
- •Payment bonds
- •Maintenance bonds
- •License and permit bonds
- •Motor vehicle dealer bonds (TxDMV)
- •Tax / fuel tax / sales tax bonds
- •Notary public bonds
Surety bond FAQs
Will a bad credit score disqualify me?
Not always. Standard surety markets prefer 650+ credit. Below that, we move to substandard surety programs or, for freight brokers, the BMC-85 trust fund option. We always have a path.
Is a surety bond the same as insurance?
No. A surety bond protects the obligee (the state, government, or other party), not you. If a claim is paid, the surety bills you to recover what they paid. Insurance protects you; a bond protects the third party who required it.
Do I need to renew the bond?
Most bonds are issued for a one-year term and renew annually. We track expirations and notify you 30–60 days before renewal to avoid lapses that could suspend your license.
Get a surety bond quote
Tell us the bond type, amount, and state — we'll come back with terms today for most credit-qualified applicants.
Start My Bond Quote