Surety bonds for Washington contractors and businesses.
Contractor license bonds, license and permit bonds, performance, payment and bid bonds, and court bonds. Approval and price depend on the surety's review of your credit and experience, and we shop several sureties, including specialty markets.
- Washington L&I contractor bonds
- Quick turnaround on many standard bonds
- Specialty markets for credit challenges
What surety bonds covers, in plain English
Coverage, limits and exclusions vary by carrier and policy. Your policy documents are what decide a claim, and we walk you through them before you buy.
Contractor license bonds
Required to register as a contractor with the Department of Labor & Industries: $30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for specialty contractors. It protects customers and others if you don't meet your obligations under the law.
License and permit bonds
Required by state or local agencies for certain licenses and permits, such as auto dealers or mortgage brokers. The agency sets the amount.
Performance bonds
Guarantee you'll complete a project as the contract says. Often required on public works.
Payment bonds
Guarantee your subcontractors, laborers and suppliers get paid.
Bid bonds
Guarantee you'll sign the contract and provide the required bonds if your bid wins.
Court and fiduciary bonds
Probate, guardianship, appeal and other bonds a court requires.
Fidelity bonds
Protect your business, or your clients if you work in their homes or offices, against theft by your employees. They work more like insurance: they reimburse covered losses.
Hard-to-place bonds
Options for applicants with credit issues, prior claims or a new business, usually at a higher rate. Approval isn't guaranteed.
Is this you?
- Contractors
- License and permit applicants
- Businesses bidding public work
- Executors and fiduciaries
Why Rhino
- Washington L&I contractor bonds
- Quick turnaround on many standard bonds
- Specialty markets for credit challenges
- Bonds and insurance from one team
Have this ready
- Bond type and amount (from your obligee or L&I)
- Business name and UBI number
- Owner's name and address for the credit check
- Contract details for performance or bid bonds
Three steps, one agent
- 1
Apply in minutes
A short application, usually with a soft credit check.
- 2
We shop the sureties
Standard and specialty markets, including for credit challenges.
- 3
Get your bond
Once the surety approves and you pay, we issue the bond and help you file it where it needs to go.
Surety Bonds questions
How much is the Washington contractor bond?
$30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for specialty contractors. Read our Washington contractor bond guide.
Is a surety bond the same as insurance?
No. A surety bond protects the party requiring it, like the state or your client. If the surety pays a claim, you have to pay the surety back. Fidelity bonds are the exception and work more like insurance.
How much does a bond cost?
You pay a premium that is a percentage of the bond amount. The rate depends mainly on your credit, finances and experience.
Can I get bonded with bad credit?
Often, through specialty markets at higher rates, but approval isn't guaranteed. We'll tell you your options.
How fast can I get a bond?
Many standard license bonds can be issued quickly once the surety approves. Contract and court bonds take longer because the surety reviews more information.
Do I also need insurance to register as a contractor?
Yes. L&I also requires general liability insurance. See our general liability page.
Ready when you are.
Talk to a licensed agent at (800) 700-9181, Mon–Fri 9am–6pm PT.