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What Is a Vermont Auto Dealer Bond?
Many businesses must follow strict guidelines under state law to operate legally. Auto dealers in Vermont are no exception to this rule, because they must hold a valid license and an auto dealer bond. A Vermont auto dealer bond is necessary because it offers some protection to both customers of the auto dealer and the state.
If an auto dealer in Vermont fails to meet its obligations under the law, then a claim can be made against an auto dealer bond. Claims may result in compensation paid to the state or the consumer to cover financial losses. Vermont auto dealer bond claims can be costly to the auto dealer because they must be repaid over time.
How Does a Vermont Auto Dealer Bond Work?
As a Vermont surety bond, an auto dealer bond brings together three parties under a legal agreement.
The Obligee
The first party is the obligee, which is the state's licensing agency tasked with overseeing auto dealers in the state.
The Principal
The second party is the auto dealer responsible for obtaining the bond, known as the principal.
The Surety
The third party is the surety company that issues the bond to the principal and initially pays a claim if one is made.
Vermont Auto Dealer Bond Obligee Details
The obligee for auto dealers in Vermont is as follows:
Agency of Transportation
Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street
Montpelier, Vermont 05603
Phone: 802-828-2038
Who Needs a Vermont Auto Dealer Bond?
An auto dealer in Vermont is anyone who engages in the business of selling or exchanging vehicles for profit. New and used auto dealers must have a license to do business, and a Vermont auto dealer bond is one aspect of obtaining a license.
How Do You Get a Vermont Auto Dealer Bond?
Obtaining a Vermont auto dealer bond begins by completing a brief online application. Auto dealers provide information on the bond amount and type, as well as financial details requested by the surety company. Once reviewed, auto dealers receive a bond quote and information on how to finalize the bonding process.
How Much Does a Vermont Auto Dealer Bond Cost?
Pricing of a Vermont auto dealer bond depends on a few different factors, the first of which is the amount of the bond. Under current state law, the bond amount required of an auto dealer depends on the number of vehicles sold per year.
Dealers selling less than 25 vehicles need a $20,000 bond, and those that sell between 25 and 100 are required to have a $25,000 bond. Any dealer that sells between 101 and 250 vehicles needs a bond of $30,000, and those selling more than 250 must have a $35,000 bond. New auto dealers also need a $35,000 bond.
The bond amount is not the out-of-pocket cost paid by the auto dealer. The surety company providing the bond calculates the bond premium (cost) as a percentage of the bond total. The bond premium ranges from 1 to 10 percent for most auto dealers.
Can I Get a Vermont Auto Dealer Bond with Bad Credit?
A check of personal credit is necessary as part of the bond pricing process to determine how much risk an auto dealer represents to the surety company. Individuals or dealerships with less than ideal credit history can still obtain a bond, but they will pay a higher bond premium than those who have a strong financial track record.
How Do I Renew My Vermont Auto Dealer Bond?
A Vermont auto dealer bond must be renewed each year. You’ll receive a renewal reminder from your surety company before your bond expires, and it is important to send in your renewal on time. If you let your bond expire, your business will be operating illegally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs are a percentage of the auto dealer bond amount that's required of you, which is based on your personal credit. Use our bond pricing tool to get a quick ballpark estimate.
Yes. You can get you approved for a bond regardless of your credit situation. However, the price will increase. You can apply to get an instant approval. As the largest writer of surety bonds in the U.S., we have access to high risk markets that many other agencies do not.
It only takes minutes, as we can approve you for your bond instantly online. You can get a no obligation quote on our website at any time.
No. An auto dealer bond does not protect you, it protects the public. However, you can protect yourself or your customers by getting fidelity bonds.