Surety Bonds

Unlike traditional insurance—which involves only the insured and the insurer—a surety bond is a three‑party agreement that provides a higher level of assurance. In this contract, the surety guarantees that one party will fulfill its obligations to another. If that obligation isn’t met, the surety steps in to provide protection, ensuring the project, contract, or commitment is carried through as promised.

Reliable experts in surety bond protection

Berkley’s highly skilled team of surety professionals delivers dependable, knowledgeable support across the full spectrum of surety needs. With deep expertise in contract, environmental, and commercial surety, our specialists understand the unique challenges contractors and businesses face and provide tailored bonding solutions that help keep projects moving forward with confidence.

 

Backed by a disciplined underwriting approach and a reputation for timely, predictable service, Berkley offers bonds through multiple distribution channels across the U.S. and Canada—ensuring you have access to the right protection, wherever your business operates. From small contractors to complex commercial accounts, our surety experts are committed to earning your trust and supporting your success.

Two construction look at construction in progress Two construction look at construction in progress

Contract surety bond solutions

Contract Surety Bonds provide critical assurances for contractors and project owners, ensuring obligations are met and work proceeds as promised. These bonds support confidence and credibility across the construction industry by guaranteeing performance, payment, and project integrity. 

 

Key bond types include:

  • Bid Bond – Protects project owners if a contractor fails to honor their bid or begin the work after being awarded the contract.
  • Performance Bond – Guarantees that a contractor will complete the project according to the agreed‑upon terms, specifications, and timeline.
  • Payment Bonds – Ensures subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers are paid for the work and materials associated with the project.
  • Warranty Bond (also called a Maintenance Bond) – Provides assurance that any defects in workmanship or materials discovered during the warranty period will be corrected.
Three construction workers stand on top of building under construction Three construction workers stand on top of building under construction

Contracting businesses we serve:

Commercial surety bond solutions

Commercial Surety Bonds support a wide range of obligations required by federal, state, and local regulations—as well as by private entities—to ensure individuals and businesses meet their legal, financial, and contractual responsibilities. 

 

These bonds are commonly grouped into five key categories:

  • License and Permit Bonds – Compliance bonds required by government agencies as a condition of obtaining a license or permit for certain occupations, trades, or professional activities.
  • Court Bonds (also called Judicial Bonds) – Bonds required of plaintiffs or defendants in legal proceedings to guarantee payment of court costs or the fulfillment of specific judicial obligations.
  • Fiduciary Bonds (also called Probate Bonds) – Bonds required of individuals appointed to manage or administer a trust or estate under court supervision, ensuring they perform their duties ethically and lawfully.
  • Public Official Bonds – Guarantees that elected or appointed officials will carry out the responsibilities of their office in accordance with laws and regulations, including proper handling of public funds.
  • Miscellaneous Bonds – A broad category covering obligations outside of construction, legal proceedings, or licensing—supporting unique business needs such as indemnity agreements, lost securities, utility guarantees, and more.
Image of two construction workers on building taken from ground level Image of two construction workers on building taken from ground level

Commercial business examples we serve:

Explore options with our locator tool

Search for the right Berkley business using our advanced search tool. Click on the button to get started.