Process Server Bonds
Process servers perform essential functions in the American legal system. However, the damage could be enormous if process servers fail in their duties, use illegal methods to serve documents, or misuse the information entrusted to them. So, several states require process server bonds to ensure they conduct their business according to all the pertinent laws and regulations as part of the licensing process. These surety bonds help the state to manage the risk involved when entrusting authority to process servers.
What is a Process Server Bond?
A surety bond for process servers establishes a financial incentive to follow the law and means for recompense if the law is broken. The bond ensures that the process server will obey the rules governing how to serve documents and will not make inappropriate use of the sensitive information others entrust to them.
How Do Process Server Surety Bonds Work?
Like any surety bond type, process server bonds are a legal contract between three essential parties:
- The Bond Principal is the bonded person or company.
- The Bond Obligee is the person, company, or government agency that requires the bond.
- The Bond Surety is the insurance company that underwrites the bond.
If someone believes they have been damaged by the illegal or fraudulent behavior of a process server, they can file a claim against the bond. The surety must thoroughly investigate any allegations made against the bond. If the surety finds the claim is valid, they will pay the damages up to the total bond value. If the investigation finds in the principal's favor, they will dismiss the claim.
The principal is financially responsible for all claims paid and must reimburse the surety in full, including fees and penalties.
Who Needs a Process Server Bond?
Anyone who wants to work as a process server in Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, or Tennessee must acquire a process server bond. Otherwise, you cannot be licensed. When a surety bond is one of the legal requirements for licensing, it is called a license bond.
How Much Does a Process Server Bond Cost?
Each state that requires a process server bond sets its own bond value. Some state bonds can be had for a flat fee between $50 and $100. Other states require a surety bond that costs a tiny fraction of the bond value. In these cases, you'll typically pay between 1% and 5% of the bond value, depending on your credit score. Naturally, those with sterling credit pay less than those with problematic credit.
How Can I Get a Process Server Bond?
Viking Bond Serve makes it quick and hassle-free to obtain any surety bond. Please complete our online application today. We'll send you a competitive quote for your process server bond ASAP. Or call us toll-free at 1-888-2-SURETY (1-888-278-7389).
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