California Contractor Disciplinary Bond

What is a California Disciplinary Bonds

The California Contractor Disciplinary Bond is a surety bond that California contractors must get if they wish to reinstate a suspended contractor license.  This bond exists as an additional layer of financial protection (in addition to the CSLB Contractor License Bond) for consumers against any contractor malpractices. The bond is an additional requirement for suspended contractors because they have a higher risk of breaking rules based on past behavior. 

Some examples of these violations include: 

  • B&P Code 7108, which is improperly using property or money. For instance, using a customer's construction budget for personal use
  • B&P Code 7170, entering a construction site without any authorized individual present
  • B&P Code 7114.1, which is when a contractor is falsifying credentials or lying about their experience(s)

Quick Overview

  • Who Needs It: Licensed contractors in California who have previously had their license suspended
  • Bond Amount: Minimum $15,000, maximum $150,000, based on seriousness of violation
  • Cost: 1% to 5% of the bond amount

How Much Does a California Disciplinary Bond Cost?

A California Contractor Disciplinary cost depends on the total bond cost, premium rate, and the financial background of the individual. The premium rate typically falls within the 1% to 5% range of the bond amount, with a lower rate being offered to those with better credit scores. Therefore, for a $100,000 bond with a 4% premium rate, the cost to obtain the performance bond would be approximately $4,000. Typically, one can expect the cost of a CA disciplinary bond to cost between $750 to up to $10,000 for the most serious offenses.  

The calculation for this expense is determined through the surety company and is shaped by several contributing factors established by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). One major component is your credit score.Surety companies will heavily rely on a contractor’s credit score as a factor in the bond cost. Having a higher score can help you receive lower premium rates.

Some other factors insurance firms will consider when determining premium rate are the contractor's license history, license classification, and financial standing. 

Note that disciplinary bonds typically have annual terms, meaning they must be renewed each year for as long as they are required. The premium is paid annually, and the bond must remain active by having it filed with the CSLB. Muti-year purchase options are available at a discounted annual rate.

California Disciplinary Bond FAQs

How do I purchase a California Disciplinary Bond?

To purchase a California Disciplinary Bond, you can contact an insurance agency and fill out an application by providing any necessary background and financial information. This includes: (Name, Email, Company Name, Bond Amount, Address, SSN). 

Afterward, the surety agency will shop around on behalf of you to get you the best rate. It’s important to work with a surety broker because different surety companies specialize in different bonds. So by working with an agent you’d be able to get the best price from multiple carriers. Once the bond is purchased, the surety company will file the bond on your behalf with the CSLB. 

Who needs a California Disciplinary Bond?

A California Disciplinary Bond generally applies to contractors in California who have had their licenses suspended or revoked because of violations for licensing laws. These individuals need to obtain a disciplinary bond as part of the process to restore their contractor's license or to continue operating legally.

How long should My California Disciplinary Bond Be on File For?

The CSLB requires a disciplinary bond to remain current and on file with the CSLB Registrar for at least two years. In some cases, the Registrar may require a longer filing period.

Also your firm’s license should still remain active while your bond is on file with the CLSB.  

What to look out for when buying a disciplinary bond?

When purchasing a disciplinary bond, here are a few things to look out for to avoid your bond from being rejected by the CSLB:

  1. You need to send the bond to the CSLB's main office within 90 days from when it becomes valid.
  2. The bond needs to have an official signature from a surety-company attorney that is licensed by the CSLB. 
  3. The bond should be documented on a form that is approved by the Attorney General’s Office.

What actions result in a claim against my bond?

A claim against a California Disciplinary Bond can happen if the contractor operates in a manner that breaks any CSLB rules. The specific actions that can result in a claim are different, based on factors like the type of bond and the precise criteria for your surety provider. 

Some common scenarios that result in a claim against a California Disciplinary Bond include: 

  1. Any professional crime that harms the clients. One example is fraud.
  2. The bonded party is breaching a contract with a client. This breach can harm the client financially, and a claim can be filed against the bond.
  3. Any unresolved consumer complaints about the bonded party's products/services that any regulatory authority deems valid. 

Remember that the surety company checks if the claims are real and covered by the bond. If they are, they pay the affected people up to the bond's limit. However, the bonded person has to pay back the bond company for all the claims and legal fees.

Do I need to renew my CA disciplinary bond?

Yes, the CA disciplinary bond needs to be renewed upon expiry. If you bought the bond through us, we’ll give you a call and send you a notice 90 days ahead of your bond expiration date so you can be on top of things.

Who needs to get a surety bond in California?

In California, a surety bond is often required by law to protect consumers and the general public, help guarantee performance on a contract, or ensure compliance with regulations. The exact reason you might need a surety bond depends on your situation—most commonly, individuals or businesses are required to obtain a surety bond if they are:

Applying for a professional license

Certain professions (e.g., contractors, auto dealers, mortgage brokers) must post a surety bond to be licensed in California. The bond protects customers and the state by ensuring that the licensed professional will abide by regulations and fulfill their obligations ethically and legally.

Performing contract work for public agencies

If you are performing public works or government construction projects, you might be required to post a surety bond. This type of bond guarantees that you will complete the project as per the agreed contract and meet all legal and regulatory requirements.

Protecting clients’ funds or property

In some professions where businesses or individuals handle clients’ money or assets (e.g., escrow agents, fiduciaries, notaries), California requires bonds to safeguard those funds or property in case of malpractice or misconduct.

Obtaining certain permits

Local jurisdictions sometimes mandate surety bonds for activities that carry particular risks—such as certain building, moving, or environmental permits—to ensure compliance with municipal codes and protect public safety and property.

‍Overall, surety bonds offer a layer of protection to the public and encourage businesses to act responsibly and abide by all applicable laws and regulations. If a bonded individual or business fails to fulfill their legal or contractual obligations, claims can be made against the bond to cover damages or losses up to the bond amount.

How can SuretyNow help me get a California surety bond?

Obtaining a California surety bond is quick and straightforward with SuretyNow. Here’s how our experts help you through the nation’s fastest bonding process:

1. Identify Your California Surety Bond

Contact the obligee requiring the bond to determine which California surety bond you need.

2. Submit Your Free Online Application

Fill out our simple application here at SuretyNow for instant review.

3. Receive a Fast Quote

We’ll promptly evaluate your application and provide a competitive quote.

4. Pay & Get Your Bond Immediately

Once you pay the bond premium, we’ll issue your California surety bond right away.

5. Sign & File Your Bond

Finalize the process by signing and filing your bond with the obligee.

Rely on SuretyNow for a seamless experience every time you need a California surety bond.

Table of Contents

Get a bond in minutes
Call 1 (888) 236-8589 to talk to one of our surety experts today.
Quote
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.