Tennessee Auto Dealer Bond

Establishing a car dealership in Tennessee means taking specific steps to do so legally. The first is obtaining your auto dealer license which includes securing a Tennessee auto dealer bond. This requirement mandated by the state is meant to protect the customers you serve from fraudulent or illegal activities that may cause financial losses. If a customer of your dealership suffers damages because the business does not follow state laws, they have an opportunity to make a claim against a bond.

An auto dealer bond is a type of Tennessee surety bond where three parties are contractually connected. The surety is the company providing the bond, and your dealership is the principal. The obligee, which is the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission, is the party requiring the bond.

In Tennessee, any person or business that sells or purchases motor vehicles for profit must be licensed as an auto dealer. Part of the licensing requirements includes securing a Tennessee auto dealer bond. Both new and used auto dealers must meet this requirement, as well as manufacturers, wholesalers, auctions, and recreational vehicle dealers.

Under Tennessee Dealer-Manufacturer Licensing Laws, the Motor Vehicle Commission is responsible for handling licensing and bonding requirements for auto dealers in the state. The commission operates as a division of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. The contact information for the obligee is as follows:

Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission

500 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, Tennessee 37243

Phone: 615-741-2241

A Tennessee auto dealer bond of at least $50,000 is required for new and used car dealers, but you are not responsible for paying the full amount. Instead, you pay a percentage of the bond, typically ranging from 1 to 10%. The percentage rate you pay is based on your business financials to a degree, but most importantly, your personal credit.

Surety bonds are a form of credit extended to an auto dealership. The surety company pays for a bond claim initially, but the dealer is responsible for repaying that amount. If your personal credit score is low because of financial issues in the past or present, you are likely going to pay a higher rate for a Tennessee auto dealer bond.

Whether you have excellent or bad credit, getting a Tennessee auto dealer bond is a relatively easy task. You can start by submitting a brief online form to request a quote for your bond, and then complete an application in the same manner. After reviewing the application, the surety agency provides you with your bond price and the next steps for finalizing the bonding process.

Tennessee auto dealer bonds have a two-year term, based on their issue date. The term of an auto dealer bond in Tennessee aligns with the renewal for an auto dealer license. Failure to renew a Tennessee auto dealer bond along with a license may result in penalties or fines. The surety company providing the auto dealer bond sends a reminder of renewal at least 30 days in advance.