office with multiple cubicles and work stations

April 21, 2016

Bonding insurance

1 min read

 Share

A bond is a form of insurance that protects your business against potential losses caused by internal fraud, theft, or incompetence. If your employees make mistakes that result in losses for your client, your insurance company pays restitution for damages. Some businesses are required by law to purchase bonding insurance, and others do so to increase the credibility of their business.

Contract bonds

A contract bond ensures that if the obligations of a contract are not met, your client will be compensated. If your firm does not complete a project, for example, the bond is paid directly to your client. This allows them to hire another business to finish the work you started. This type of bond is common in the construction industry.

It is important to note that after a bond is paid, your insurance company can pursue recourse against your company for reimbursement of the amount paid out to your client.

Fidelity bonds

Fidelity bonds can help protect your business against losses incurred due to employee dishonesty. In this case, your business purchases the bond and receives compensation if an employee steals from the business or damages a client’s property.

The value of the bond is based on the value of the property at risk. Coverage can range from bonding one single employee to covering all of your employees.

Miscellaneous bonds

There are many types of bonds available for specific industries and business activities. These fall under the grouping of miscellaneous bonds. Examples include:

  • Environmental bonds,
  • Customs and excise bonds, or
  • Permit bonds.

Your insurance provider can help you choose the type of bonding insurance that suits your business.

Conditions of bonding insurance

As with any contract, the specifics of your bond are important. A bond will not be paid out if the conditions of the bond contract are not met. Be sure that the situations you are most concerned about are covered by the agreement and that the coverage of the bond equals your financial risk. It’s important to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure that the bond will cover all employees.

Helpful information for Canadian businesses

For further business information on many topics, visit the Canada Business Network, provided by our Government of Canada. Be sure to use the filter to get advice specific to Ontario.

Bonding insurance adds credibility

Bonding insurance can help you protect your business against fraud and theft, and it can help you foster credibility with clients. Many careful consumers look for the ‘bonded and insured’ reassurance before they will consider hiring a business to do work for them.

If you would like a no-obligation quote for any type of bonding insurance, or have any questions, call 1-800-731-2228 or email commercialsales@nullmitchinsurance.com for a consultation with one of our business insurance experts. We have the knowledge and experience your business needs.

Looking for business insurance?

Speak with a Mitch Insurance broker today to get a quote on Ontario business insurance. Learn more >

Call now

1-800-731-2228
author avatar
Mitch Team

The articles you'll find on the Mitch blog are all the result of a team effort, contributed to by one or more of our RIBO licensed insurance brokers and/or other Ontario insurance experts. Contributors to our blog include:

  • Adam Mitchell (RIBO) - President and CEO of Mitch Insurance Brokers
  • Nick Kidd (RIBO) - Chief innovation officer at Mitch, & director of business insurance
  • Alex Gemmiti (BSc, CIP, RIBO) - Service team lead at Mitch Insurance
  • Jesica Ryzynski (RIBO) - Insurance broker, claims specialist, and account manager at Mitch Insurance

Learn more about the Mitch Team


Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Check out some of our other insurance products.