Dustin SanVido | Sr. Account Executive – Surety at Ai Insurance Organization

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Bonding is a risk management tool that guarantees the completion of a project according to the contract terms. Surety bonding is crucial as a contractor because it provides financial security to project owners, assures them of your ability to complete the project, and enhances your credibility in the industry.

Surety bonds are a form of credit guarantee. Surety Bonds ensure contractors fulfill their contractual obligations to a third party in the construction industry. At the same time, insurance offers protection from an insurer against potential losses or damages the insured contractor suffers. Unlike insurance, where the insured party is indemnified, a surety bond holds the contractor accountable for fulfilling their contractual duties as the indemnitor.

Contractors may require various types of surety bonds, including Bid, Performance, Labour & Material, and Maintenance, each serving different purposes in the construction process.

A performance bond guarantees the contractor’s performance and completion of the project, while a payment bond ensures that subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers are paid for their work on the project. The most important feature of both bonds is they are almost exclusively sold together for one cost.

With Dustin’s expertise, you’ll benefit from streamlined bonding processes and efficient communication. His experienced team guides you through each step, ensuring all requirements are met promptly and accurately. By leveraging his industry connections and knowledge, Dustin will minimize delays and keep your projects on track.

Sureties assess factors such as the contractor’s financial stability, credit history, experience, track record of completing projects on time and within budget, and capacity to handle the project size and complexity. Dustin understands the critical factors that sureties assess when evaluating a contractor’s bonding eligibility and enhances your bonding eligibility and competitiveness in the marketplace by addressing potential red flags and showcasing your strengths.

Improving bonding capacity involves maintaining strong financials, managing debt effectively, building a solid reputation for delivering quality work on schedule, and partnering with experienced professionals like Dustin, who can effectively guide contractors through the bonding process.

Getting a surety bond in construction carries two costs. One is the cost of accessing a bond company’s annual support, known as a Bonding facility. The other is the premium the Bonding Company charges for issuing Performance, Labour, & Material bonds.  The bonding facility costs $3500.00 to access a surety and $2500.00 to access an insurance company that writes surety. Performance and Labour & material bonds are an establishment premium rate based on the contractor’s financial strength and the type of bond required. Premiums for performance and Labour & Material bonds typically range from 1% to 3% of the total contract amount, including tax.

While having bad credit or little economic history can pose challenges, it’s still possible to qualify for bonding by demonstrating other strengths such as experience, project management skills, and a solid business plan.

Bond claims can lead to financial losses, damage to reputation, and bankruptcy. Contractors must address claims promptly and effectively to minimize their impact on their business.

Suppose a project goes over budget or falls behind schedule. In that case, contractors must communicate proactively with stakeholders, implement cost-saving measures, and adjust project plans to mitigate risks and fulfill contractual obligations.

Common misconceptions include assuming that bonding is only for large contractors, too expensive, or difficult to secure. By educating yourself and seeking guidance from experienced professionals like Dustin, you can avoid these misconceptions and make informed decisions about bonding.

By working closely with a knowledgeable surety broker like Dustin, he’ll analyze your financial standing, project history, and future short and long-term goals to develop a tailored bonding strategy and ensure you will reach those goals. Dustin can help you increase your bonding capacity, enabling you to take on more significant projects and expand your business.

Dustin is your trusted partner in ensuring bond requirements are met before and throughout the project lifecycle. From the tender stage to the award stage to the completion stage, Dustin provides guidance on bond and insurance obligations, monitors project progress, and offers proactive support to address any issues promptly if a dispute arises with owners and suppliers/substrates. You can rest assured that your projects remain compliant, minimize risks, and ensure project success.

Dustin offers industry-leading insights and guidance to help you identify the right surety provider for your bonding needs. With his extensive industry experience and network of trusted partners, he’ll match you with reputable surety providers that align with your project requirements and business goals. Dustin’s surety education and personalized approach ensure you receive the best possible bonding solutions tailored to your needs and position.

Dustin streamlines the bonding process and expedites issuance to help you secure bonds more quickly. Whether you have a tender closing the next day or a month away, Dustin will collaborate and devise a strategy with you in real time to ensure your requests are met, documentation and issuance are timely and prompt, and ensure his client experiences a smooth and efficient bonding experience.