What is a Tennessee Contractor License Bond?
Tennessee licensed contractors may be required to post a surety bond in order to comply with local or state licensing requirements. A Tennessee contractor license bond ensures that contractors will work ethically and according to current building codes. Employees and customers of a contractor have the ability to make a claim for financial losses against a bond if fraudulent and illegal activities take place.
Similar to other license bonds, a Tennessee contractor license bond is a three-party contract. The principal is required to post a bond, while the obligee requires a bond to be obtained. The surety company provides the bond to the principal, and pays claims on the contractor’s behalf. Any valid claims, however, are repaid by the licensed contractors over time.
What Does a Tennessee Contractor License Bond Cost?
Several factors play a role in determining the cost of a Tennessee contractor license bond. The first is the bond amount required by the state or local licensing authority. This amount can range from $10,000 to $25,000. However, contractors do not have to pay the full bond requirement. Instead, Tennessee contractor license bond costs are calculated as a percentage of the bond total, usually between 1 and 5% of the bond requirement.
The percentage you pay for a Tennessee contractor license bond also depends on your financial track record. The surety company issuing your bond evaluates your credit score and history to see if you a low or high risk for future bond claims. High-risk contractors who have a low credit score or adverse credit history may pay between 5 and 10% of the bond total.
How Do I Get a Tennessee Contractor License Bond?
You can start the process of securing your Tennessee contractor license bond by filling out a short application online. After reviewing your credit history and score, as well as other application details, the surety company provides you with a quote for your bond premium.
