If you want the best surety program — larger capacity, better rates — this is your roadmap. If you simply need a bond today and are not interested in optimizing your bond program right away, we can also set you up with a quick-bond option. Your choice. We can work however you would like.
The Core Files Sureties Use to Make Decisions
Surety underwriting is ultimately a credit decision: Can this contractor perform, will they pay their subcontractors and suppliers, and will they continue to make sound decisions?
Here are the documents that move the needle:
1. Contractor Questionnaire (Start Here)
Why it matters: The questionnaire gives the surety a clear snapshot of your company — history, ownership, operations, projects, banking, and references.
2. Company Financial Statements (3 Years Preferred)
Why it matters: This is your companies “report card” on strength, profitability, and trends.
Best practice:
- Fiscal year-end statements are “picture day.” Do everything you can to present yourself in the best position.
- CPA-prepared statements (preferably a Review) are the standard in the surety industry.
- No CPA Prepared financials? Not a problem for us. We will work with your In-House statements.
- A great construction CPA can improve both presentation and outcomes — we’re happy to introduce you to the best in the region.
3. Current Work-in-Process (WIP) Schedule
Why it matters: Shows how many jobs are going and how they are performing today.
Reality:
- We can get credit without it, but a good Work-In-Process schedule equals larger programs and smoother underwriting.
- For bigger bond programs, quarterly WIPs tied to financials become very useful.
4. Personal Financial Statements of Owners
Why it matters: Owners typically personally guarantee their bond program. Surety companies can extend more bond credit when they understand your personal finances.
Pro tip:
- Accuracy and detail matter more than just “big numbers.”
- Some of our surety markets can extend large bond programs on personal financial strength alone.
5. Bank Reference
Why it matters: Shows what another credit partner is providing — line capacity, usage, repayment discipline, and relationship strength. Strong banking can facilitate strong surety support.
6. Not required, but often difference-makers:
- References from owners, engineers, and suppliers
- Key personnel resumes (strong leadership moves the needle)
- AR/AP Aging Schedules, showing there are no late bills
- Corporate org chart and ownership breakdown
- Success stories on complex projects or problem-solving
Preparation Wins
Providing these materials upfront leads to:
- Faster responses
- Better rates
- Larger programs
- More flexibility
- And most importantly: It builds trust — the currency of surety credit.
Why Work With a Specialist?
- There is no fee to work with us.
- No extra cost for pre-underwriting.
- No higher premium for using an agent.
In fact, we are typically less expensive. Why? Because the markets want to work with us.
We help you:
- Gather and package your information
- Present your company in the strongest light
- Select the right surety for your goals
- Develop a long-term plan for capacity growth