Bonds | Insurance | About Us | Locations | Contact Us | Ashton Blog

Monday, April 28, 2014

Ashton Offers New Bond Programs


Ashton Agency now offers several new bond programs in new states:

We also offer the Yacht Broker Bond program in the state of California. To learn more on how to obtain the $15,000 California Yacht Broker Bond.

For more information regarding the bond programs above, please visit our bond page to see each description and requirements of licensed dealers and business owners.

Contact Ashton Agency today to register or renew your surety bond and/or garage insurance needs! Please visit our website at http://ashtonagency.com or call us at (800) 451-4854 (East Coast) or (800) 452-2663 (West Coast).

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Mazda SUVs Recalled for Steering Issues


Over 100,000 model year 2001-04 Tribute Mazda SUVs have been recalled by Mazda North American Operations. Mazda's number for this recall is 7514D.

Usedcarnews.com reports that the SUVs "may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm. A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash."

Mazda will repair and install the new reinforcement parts, free of charge, on the recalled vehicles. Owners are also welcome to bring their vehicles to a dealer before the parts are available to be inspected and deemed whether it's safe to drive.

Related: Used Car Sales To Rise in 2014

Tribute vehicles manufactured from May 22, 2000 to December 19, 2003 were recalled in the following states:

  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • and the District of Columbia

For bonding and garage keeper/garage insurance needs, visit our website at http://ashtonagency.com. We can provide you with a free quote within one business day!

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Rising Home Prices Help Nearly Two Million Homeowners' Mortgage


A year earlier, about 10.9 million, or 26% of homeowners were in serious debt on their home. According to RealtyTrac, the number of homeowners underwater have dropped to about 9.1 million (17%) during the first quarter. Being underwater usually equates to their debt exceeding the home's value by 25% or more.

Daren Blomquist, a vice president for RealtyTrac, believes that many of the homeowners in the foreclosure process actually have positive equity due to surging home prices. This allows flexibility in their options of refinancing or selling their home.

Read the full article at CNN Money.


Related: How To Be A Mortgage Broker

With home prices rising, home buyers will need mortgage brokers to shop the best plans for them. Ashton Agency currently issues the Mortgage Broker Bond for California and Arizona mortgage brokers. Call or click today to get your free quote within one business day!

To obtain your Mortgage Broker Bond, visit our website at http://ashtonagency.com or call (800) 452-2663.

Monday, April 14, 2014

How To Become a Notary Public


A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by state government – typically by the secretary of state – to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents.  These official acts are call notarizations or notarial acts.

Sensitive documents – such as property deeds, wills and powers of attorney are some of the documents that a Notary Public will witness.  Some documents may even require the Notary to place the signer under an oath declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct.

Notary Public’s can trace their history back to the ancient Roman Republic around 100 BC. Where they were called scribes, writers or notaries.  Notaries are easily the oldest continuing branch of the legal profession worldwide.

To become a Notary Public, the requirements depend on what state you reside in.  In 32 of our 50 states, the main requirements are to fill out a form and pay a fee, and many states have restrictions concerning notaries with criminal histories.  In 18 states notaries are required to take a course, pass an exam, or both.  Check with your state for specific notary requirements where you reside.

As well, most states require the Notary Public to be bonded, to protect the public from negligent acts by a Notary in carrying out their duties.

Ashton Agency can help you become a Notary Public in most states.  Ashton has been serving the bonding needs of businesses across America for over 45 years.  Call (800) 451-4854 to speak with one of our customer service representatives, or visit our website at http://ashtonagency.com.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

What Are the Differences Between License & Permit and Fidelity Bonds?

Sheila from Ohio asks, “What is the difference between a license & permit bond and a fidelity bond?”

Sheila, 

Thanks for the great question.  The best way to answer your question is to describe what both types of bonds are.


The most common type of bond is a license and permit bond--sometimes referred to as a commercial surety bond.  This type of bond is usually required by a city, county, or state government, and required to obtain or maintain a license or permit-- thus the name license and permit bond.  A few types of industries that are likely to require a license and permit bond include:
  • Used car dealers
  • Pawnbrokers
  • Public adjusters
  • General contractors
  • Specialty contractors  

A fidelity bond is a form of insurance that helps to protect an employer from loss due to negligence or dishonesty.  A fidelity bond is written in either first-party or third-party.  First-party fidelity bonds protect businesses from dishonesty and/or negligence that may be committed by direct employees of that business. Third-party fidelity bonds protect businesses from dishonestly and/or negligence by people working for the business on a contract basis.  A few examples where a first-party fidelity bond may be required are:
  • An employee with a checkered past.  
  • Notary
  • Public Official

Examples of businesses that may require a third-party fidelity bond include:
  • Security firms
  • Janitorial services
  • Consultants 

The main purpose of both license and permit bonds and fidelity bonds is to give an extra layer of protection for the entity requiring them, whether it be a governing body or a business.  At the Ashton Agency, we specialize in both license and permit bonds and fidelity bonds.  Visit our website http://ashtonagency.com to see all our bond and insurance programs!

Are you an auto dealer, public adjuster, contractor or another profession looking to renew your surety bond? Ashton Agency has been building relationships nationwide for over 45 years at the best rates! Call us today at (800) 451-4854 (East Coast) or (800) 452-2663 (West Coast) to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español)!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Florida Auto Dealer Bonds Expire on April 30th--Get Started On Your Renewal Today!


ATTN: FLORIDA AUTO DEALERS

All Florida motor vehicle dealer bonds have a common expiration date of April 30th! Auto dealers are required to obtain a $25,000 Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond to be in compliance with Section 320.27 of the Florida Statutes.

With the Ashton Agency, we guarantee to shop around for the best rates possible for you. We offer the Florida Auto Dealer Bond as low as $206!

You can also find our press release on FL motor vehicle dealer bonds via 8,500 media outlets! Click here to read our official press release in regards to your auto dealer bond!

In addition to the bond, the State of Florida requires that you carry garage liability insurance. Ashton Agency can write your liability coverage too. We can write your bond for up to three years, with discounts available on the second and third years’ premiums. We are your one-stop shop for all your auto dealer needs!

Start saving time and money immediately and call us today at (800) 451-4854 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español). You can also visit our website at http://ashtonagency.com or fax us toll free (888) 507-8661.

Instagram