What Is a New York Contractor License Bond?
Construction contractors working in New York may be required to get a license so they can perform work in certain jurisdictions. The contractor licensing process often includes posting a New York contractor license bond.
This type of surety bond promises a contractor's customers that work will be performed as agreed and in-line with state or local regulations and codes.
If a contractor fails to do the work they promised, then a claim can be made against a New York contractor license bond by the parties involved. Claims help cover financial damages incurred due to faulty or fraudulent work.
How Does a New York Contractor License Bond Work?
New York contractor license bonds are an agreement between the obligee, the principal, and the surety.
The Obligee
The obligee is the licensing authority requiring a bond to be in place.
The Principal
The principal is the contractor who must obtain the bond to be licensed in their state or their local jurisdiction.
The Surety
The surety company provides the bond to the contractor and pays any claims made against the bond. The contractor will pay back the claims over time.
New York Contractor License Bond Obligee Details
The obligee information for a New York contractor license bond varies depending on where the contractor is licensed and where they plan to complete projects.
Who Needs a New York Contractor License Bond?
Not every contractor in the state of New York is required to post a surety bond as part of their licensing requirements. However, many construction contractors must provide proof that a bond is in place before work can begin on a new project.
Home improvement contractors working in New York City must secure a New York contractor license bond. The same is true for sewer and drain opening contractors working in Hempstead and plumbing contractors completing projects in Westchester.
How Do You Get a New York Contractor License Bond?
Securing a New York contractor license bond is a straightforward process that begins with submitting a quote request online or over the phone. Licensed contractors provide details about the bond type and amount they need and then the surety company determines if a credit check is required.
Once an application is submitted, the bond details are provided to the contractor.
How Much Does a New York Contractor License Bond Cost?
A New York contractor license bond varies in price based on certain factors. First, the bond amount that is required of a licensed contractor plays a role in bond pricing. A licensed contractor may be required to post a bond of $2,000 or up to $25,000, depending on location and licensing. This bond total is not the cost of the bond itself.
The surety company providing the New York contractor license bond calculates the bond price as a percentage of the bond total. For most New York contractor license bonds, this price, known as the bond premium, ranges from 1 to 5 percent of the bond amount that must be secured.
Can I Get a New York Contractor License Bond with Bad Credit?
The surety company takes on risk when issuing a bond, so a credit check is often required as part of the application process. Contractors with bad credit can still get a bond, but they will likely pay a higher bond premium than contractors who have a clean financial track record.
How Do I Renew My New York Contractor License Bond?
Some New York contractor license bonds must be renewed each year or in-line with the contractor's license term. You’ll know when your bond must be renewed because your surety company will send you a renewal reminder. You must not ignore your renewal date, because letting your bond expire can put your business at risk.
