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How Much Does a Virginia Contractor License Bond Cost?
- Bond Amounts: Typically range between $1,000 and $50,000.
- Premium Rates: Usually between 1% and 10% of the bond amount.
- Credit Influence: A better credit score can lead to lower premiums.
Understanding the cost of a Virginia Contractor License Bond is crucial for every contractor aiming to operate in Virginia. The cost, known as the bond premium, is determined as a percentage of the total bond amount required. This premium is influenced by various factors, including the contractor's credit history. Bond requirements for contractors vary from one county or municipality to the next, but generally, you can expect to need a bond between $1,000 and $50,000. Bond premiums range from 1% to 10% of the bond amount.
Real-Life Cost Examples:
Here are some illustrative examples to provide a clearer picture of potential costs:
| Bond Amount | Credit Score | Cost |
| $5,000 | Good | $150 |
| $10,000 | Average | $700 |
| $50,000 | Bad | $5,000 |
Credit History Insights:
Your credit history plays a pivotal role in determining the bond cost. Contractors with stellar credit often enjoy lower premiums due to the reduced risk they present to surety companies.
One of our clients, Michael, a seasoned contractor from Newport News, once faced a spike in his bond premium due to a temporary dip in his credit score. We worked closely with Michael to limit the increase on his surety bond’s premium. Within a year, his credit score rebounded, leading to a significant reduction in his bond premium at renewal time. Michael’s case underscores the dynamic nature of bond costs and the impact of credit health.
How Do I Get a Virginia Contractor License Bond?
You can start the process of securing your Virginia contractor license bond by submitting a brief online application. Once your application is reviewed, you are given a quote for your surety bond cost and information about what you need to do to finalize your bond.
Who is Required to Get a Virginia Contractor Bond?
Under Virginia Code Sections 54.1-1106 and 1108, both class A and class B contractors are mandated to submit state form A501-27BOND-v1, also known as the “Board for Contractors Surety Bond Form” or simply the “Contractor Bond Form.” This form is a crucial requirement, serving as evidence of a $50,000 contractor bond that is state-mandated and must be valid for a duration of 2 years, aligning with the contractor’s 2-year license term.
The A501-27BOND-v1 form is not just a procedural requirement but is instrumental in ensuring that contractors adhere strictly to Virginia Code 54.1-1100, all board regulations, and additional laws that are in place to regulate the operations of contractors within the state of Virginia. This adherence underscores the commitment to uphold professional, ethical, and legal standards in all contracting activities.
Class C contractors are exempt from the statewide contractor license bond requirements. However, it is essential to check with your local licensing authority to determine if a Virginia contractor license bond is necessary in order to comply with local laws and regulations.
Renewal Term and Expiration Date for Virginia Contractor License Bonds
Most contractor licenses in Virginia expire two years from the date they were issued. Virginia contractor license bonds have the same expiration date as a contractor’s license, and therefore must be renewed at the same time. The surety company providing the bond sends renewal information in advance of the expiration date to make for a seamless, timely renewal.
Differences Between Contractor License Classes
| Class A | Class B | Class C | |
| Project Value | Unlimited value | Up to $120,000 per project, cannot exceed $750,000 in total within a 12-month period | Less than $10,000 per project, cannot exceed $150,000 in total within a 12-month period |
| Experience | Extensive experience | Moderate level of experience | Less experience |
| Financial Requirements | High financial requirements | Less stringent than Class A's | More lax than Class B's |
| Surety Bond Amount | Up to $50,000 | Up to $50,000 | Often exempt at the state level, local requirements can vary |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can apply and get bonded with bad credit. Our agency is the largest writer of bonds in the county, which allows us to approve contractors for bonds when other agencies cannot.
No. Contractor license bonds ensure you will abide by the laws of your state, city or municipality when performing contracting work. Contract bonds guarantee public projects will be completed properly and are a separate bond type. You can learn more about contract surety bonds by visiting the contractor bond center.
It depends on who is requiring the bond of you, the local municipality, county or state. Depending on your location, it is possible you may need both a local and state bond, as contractor license bond requirements can vary drastically. Always check with your local authority before starting any contract work. Some municipalities or counties that may have their own specific bonding requirements include:
- Arlington County
- Fairfax County
- Danville
- Falls Church
- Lynchburg
- Newport News
- Petersburg
- Portsmouth
- Richmond
- Roanoke
- Suffolk
A Virginia Contractor License Bond is essentially a guarantee that a contractor will adhere to the laws and regulations governing their work in Virginia. Think of it as a safeguard that protects the client and the public, not the contractor. If the contractor fails to fulfill their obligations, whether it's not completing a job as promised, not paying for permits, or violating other regulations, a claim can be made against this bond.
In Virginia, certain contractors are required to have this bond to get their license, ensuring they are reliable and will perform their job ethically and according to the state’s standards. It’s a way of building trust between contractors, their clients, and the state.