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Monday, August 15, 2016

Louisiana MVD bond

May 31, 2016, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 271 in regards to Louisiana motor vehicle dealers.  The changes  include a increase of the $20,000 and $35,000 bond to $50,000 and the removal of the differentiation in number of vehicles sold. The new required amount will take effect on August 1, 2016.




What does the new bond amount mean for you?


The current $20,000 & $35,000 bond requirement is effective until July 31, 2016.  On or after August 1, 2016, any new dealers should purchase the bond in the new amount of $50,000.  If you are already bonded, your current bond amount will be valid until December 31, 2016 but at that time you will need to have an increase rider in place.

Dealers who are needing to renew may find that the renewal rate is higher than previous years even if there has been no change to their credit.  It is important to remember that premiums are a percentage of the total bond amount.



Let Ashton help with your Louisiana MVD bond!

With one simple application, Ashton Agency will shop around for the best rate possible.  Our in-house underwriters are able to look at many personal variables on your application and can offer some of the most competitive rates! We also have programs for challenged credit if you are needing a used car dealer bond.



Ashton Agency offers an experienced insurance department that can help with your garage liability insurance.  We are your one-stop shop for all of your auto dealer needs!

Start saving time and money immediately!  Call us today at (800) 452-2663 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español). 

Or visit online:

Monday, July 11, 2016

Ohio contractor license information.


Are you considering starting your own contractor's business in Ohio?  It can be an exciting but overwhelming venture.  Surety bonds are a requirement in some states, cities, and counties to be compliant with federal, state and local laws in many industries.  If a business is required to have a bond, you will not be able to get a license without one.


Ohio, unlike many other states does not require general contractors to get a state license. However, a license is required for some specialty contractors. Namely:
  • Electrical contractors
  • HVAC contractors
  • Hydronics contractors
  • Plumbing contractors
  • Refrigeration contractors

If you are a general contractor based in Ohio, then you will have to check the requirements of the city and county in which you want to operate.  The usual process includes completing an application, posting a contractor license bond and obtaining liability insurance.

While the OCILB does not require licensed specialty contractors to obtain a bond, a bond might be required for general/specialty contractors in certain cities/counties.  If you do need to post a contractor bond, you will need to check the amount with the county or city administration requiring it.  Contractor license bonds in Ohio typically range from $3000.00 to $25,000.00.  Ashton Agency has a flat rate program for Ohio contractor bonds. 

Being a licensed and bonded business shows credibility to the public that will be requiring your services.  Ashton Agency has been helping business owners with their specialty bonds since 1968.  What does that mean for you?  It means that Ashton Agency is able to offer some of the lowest flat rate, no credit check prices for your Ohio contractor bonds.

Start saving time and money immediately! 


Call us today at (800) 451-4854 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español).

You can also visit us online at:

Ohio Bond Application

https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Iowa Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Increase

This past April, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed Senate File 2228 in regards to both new and wholesale Iowa motor vehicle dealers.  One of the big changes to new and wholesale dealers is a significant increase in the bond amount.  The new required amount will take effect on July 1, 2016 for new applications.  Dealer licenses issued prior to July 1, 2016 with a $50,000 bond in effect will remain valid until December 31, 2016, but will not be renewed until the bond has been increased to $75,000.  The State of Iowa DOT states they will accept a bond increase rider from your insurance agent or an Iowa licensed bonding company.



What does the new bond amount mean for you?


The current $50,000 bond requirement is effective until June 30, 2016.  On or after July 1, 2016, any new dealers should purchase the bond in the new amount of $75,000.  If you are already bonded, your current bond amount will be valid until December 31, 2016 but at that time you will need to have an increase rider in place.

Dealers who are needing to renew may find that the renewal rate is higher than previous years even if there has been no change to their credit.  It is important to remember that premiums are a percentage of the total bond amount.



Let Ashton help with your Iowa MVD bond!

With one simple application, Ashton Agency will shop around for the best rate possible.  Our in-house underwriters are able to look at many personal variables on your application and can offer some of the most competitive rates! We also have programs for challenged credit if you are needing a used car dealer bond.


Ashton Agency offers an experienced insurance department that can help with your garage liability insurance.  We are your one-stop shop for all of your auto dealer needs!

Start saving time and money immediately!  Call us today at (800) 452-2663 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español). 

Or visit online:

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

California Yacht Broker


Being a yacht broker can be a very rewarding, lucrative profession. For those who prefer a marine lifestyle, rather than sitting in an office, this may be the career for you! Let’s get to the basic steps of becoming a successful yacht broker.





Getting Licensed


Depending on the state, you may be required to obtain a yacht broker’s license, which may require items such as a background check, financial information, and other qualifications. Your particular state, as part of the licensing process, may require that you also obtain a surety bond to protect yourself and your clients financially. Check with your state to ask for requirements for licensing. Also, be sure to renew your licenses and bonds before they expire. In some states the license runs 2 years, some states just one year.  States like California currently require applicants for the yacht broker license to pass an exam before they can become licensed.  Florida requires a yacht broker to first be licensed as a yacht salesman for two years.


Never Stop Learning


Before you become a broker, it would be very helpful if you have had sales experience as a seller for another broker. Being a great salesperson is extremely crucial but constantly learning is what separates you from the competition. Networking with other yacht brokers or professionals in similar businesses can provide another beneficial aspect. Also consider taking classes that specialize in the field of boating, marketing and other business-related courses.


Starting up a yacht broker business can be difficult, but with extensive research, effective strategies, strong business ethics, and passion, being a yacht broker could be a dream career.




Are you a yacht broker looking for a surety bond?


Ashton Agency offers the California Yacht Broker bonds at a flat rate price, with no credit check.  Ashton also offers a great multi year program for Yacht Brokers with good credit.
Ashton Agency has been helping small businesses all across the US get bonded quickly and easily for over 40 years.

Call (800) 452-2663 speak with one of our bond specialist (hablamos español).

Or visit online:

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Abilene Texas contractor information.

Abilene Texas contractor information.

Starting your own business can be an exciting but overwhelming venture.  Surety bonds are a requirement in some states, cities, and counties to be compliant with federal, state and local laws in many industries.  If a business is required to have a bond, you will not be able to get a license without one.

Abilene requires many types of contractors to be registered, obtain general liability insurance, and obtain bonds. To ensure you remain in compliance with the laws of your industry make sure you have obtained the proper registration, bond, and insurance, if required.

Abilene Building, Roofing, Demolition, and Building Movers contractors are required to obtain a $25,000 bond.

Abilene Swimming Pool contractors are required to obtain a $10,000 bond.

Abilene Electrical, Plumbing, and Irrigation contractors are required to obtain a $5,000 bond.

Abilene Sign contractor are required to obtain a $3,000 bond.

To view the full list of requirements that Abilene requires, visit their site directly.

Being a licensed and bonded business shows credibility to the public that will be requiring your services.  Ashton Agency has been helping business owners with their specialty bonds since 1968.  What does that mean for you?  It means that Ashton Agency is able to offer some of the lowest flat rate, no credit check prices for your Abilene contractor bonds.
Start saving time and money immediately! 

Call us today at (800) 452-2663 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español).

You can also visit us online at:

Abilene Online Application

https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

Monday, February 15, 2016

Oregon Landscape Contractor Bond

Newly passed Senate Bill 580 creates a new bond tier for Oregon Landscape Contractors.  The maximum bond amount was previously set at $15,000 and was required of any applicant who charged $25,000 or more for a job.  The new legislation keeps the $15,000 amount in effect, however, it is insufficient to cover jobs in which the contractor charges $50,000 or more.  They must now provide the LCB with a $20,000 Surety Bond.



The term “landscape contractor” seems to imply tasks such as mowing and edging, but the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board actually has a specific list of work a person or business may engage in that would require them to obtain a license as a landscape contractor.
  • Plan or install new plantings or create new planting areas
  • Install or repair irrigation systems or maintain irrigation systems with the use of compressed air
  • Plan, install, maintain, or repair arbors, decks, patios, driveways, fences, retaining walls, walkways, concrete landscape edging or ornamental water features
  • Install, maintain or repair drainage systems and ornamental water features
Before being able to legally engage in any of the work listed above, individuals must first obtain their license, bond and insurance.

Start saving time and money immediately! 
Call us today at (800) 452-2663 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español).

You can also visit us online at:


Friday, February 5, 2016

New Mexico Contractor Bond

Deciding to go into business for yourself is exciting, but also can be very stressful. Contractors will quickly find themselves swamped with paperwork they must complete to legally operate, such as a surety bond.

Surety bonds are required in New Mexico for contractors in the amount of $10,000.

A licensed and bonded business shows credibility and strong business ethics. Consumers are much more likely to work with a business they can trust than those who do not provide that same feeling.
Surety bonds are different than insurance. Bonds serve more as consumer protection that you will abide by the laws of the government agency that requires the bond.


Ashton Agency offers the New Mexico contractor bond at a flat rate price, with no credit check. 
Ashton Agency has been helping contractors all across the US get bonded quickly and easily for over 40 years.

Call (800) 452-2663 speak with one of our bond specialist.

Or visit online: