Bonding solutions for the next level of protection
Business is complicated, and big projects call for broader coverage. Surety is designed to help keep you, your client, and project-related resources protected in case big problems arise before or during a project.
Who needs surety, and how does it work?
Surety often caters to construction and contracting professionals, but our surety bonds can also protect businesses in the transportation and logistics and manufacturing and resources sectors from financial fallout.
In any surety relationship, there are three parties:
Here’s how it works:
The project owner issues a contract to the contractor, who pays a premium to the surety, who then guarantees a bond to the project owner to be used under certain circumstances. In this way, all three parties are connected via the surety bond, which can take different forms according to the nature of the project.
Surety in action
A surety bond comes into play when the principal defaults on their contract.
If your construction company fails to fulfill your part of the agreed-upon contract, the surety would step in to reimburse your client for any outstanding expenses related to the project. This could happen in the bidding phase or after you’ve won the contract and started work. In this way, the surety bond protects the client against financial loss.
It’s important to remember that surety isn’t insurance: it behaves more like a credit instrument for your business and protection for your client. In fact, surety and business insurance are both key risk management tools, protecting your company and your clients from financial and legal trouble.
What kind of surety do you need?
Big projects can bring big risk – and big expectations. Even if your company isn’t required to be bonded for a given project, your client might ask that you obtain a surety bond so they know their investment is protected.
Understanding that you need surety is the first step.
Next, you’ll have to decide what type of surety best suits your venture.
Contract surety
Typically, construction projects requiring contract surety are substantial in size and complexity. The project owner is often a government body who needs more assurance that the job will be completed according to the contract.
Contractor’s insurance is important, but you may need more to work on certain projects. A contract bond is a guarantee from Northbridge Surety that you, the contractor, will abide by the terms of your contract.
Funds control
We’re the exclusive partner of Capital Administration Services Inc. (CASI), an experienced funds control company that serves the surety bond needs of the Canadian construction industry. Learn more about CASI here.
We have a selection of contract surety bonds, including:
Contract surety bonds cover construction projects in two ways: they guarantee that the project will be completed, and that all suppliers and subcontractors will be paid. But since surety needs can differ according to the project, you need to consider what role surety should play in your business.
Get your surety estimate started
Commercial surety
Commercial surety bonds cover most projects that don’t fall within construction and contracting, such as those in the consumer and business services sector. In these cases, our surety bonds guarantee that the principal (either a business or an individual) will comply with the terms of regulations, governing acts, or by-laws as they relate to certain business activities.
We offer several types of commercial surety bonds, including:
What can our surety experts do for you?
Surety is an important product, but it can also cause confusion. We’re here to communicate, clarify, and coordinate the surety process – so you can get on with business.
Your Northbridge Insurance policy offers three key benefits:
Northbridge Insurance can meet the surety needs of new and tenured contractors across Canada. Ready to get started?
