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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Ashton Agency Closed for New Year's Day

Happy New Year's Eve! Ashton Agency will be closed on New Year's Day, January 1. We wish you a successful and happy 2014!

If renewing your bond and insurance on time is part of your New Year's resolution, call us at 1 (800) 451-4854 (East of Mississippi) or (800) 452-2663 (West).

Monday, December 23, 2013

Happy Holidays from the Ashton Agency Family!


On behalf of the Ashton Agency family, we would like to wish you Happy Holidays and a joyful New Years!

If you need assistance with your bonding and insurance before the holidays, speak to one of our customer service representatives to help you! Our offices will be open until 11:00 am on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas day. Call (800) 451-4854 (East of Mississippi) or (800) 452-2663 (West).

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Reminder for Auto Dealer Bond Renewals

At the Ashton Agency, our service to each and every client is our number one priority. We want to ensure a smooth and easy process for your motor vehicle bond renewals. It's important to us that we remind our clients on their upcoming bond expiration months prior.

The following states will need auto dealer bond renewals by December 31, 2013:
  • Louisiana auto dealer bonds
  • Florida franchised motor vehicle dealer bonds
  • Kansas auto dealer bonds
  • Oklahoma auto dealer bonds
  • Rhode Island auto dealer bonds

We're proud to say we've been serving garage owners and auto dealers for over 45 years. Our trained and certified staff will help you with any questions. To better assist you with your bond renewal, please contact us by calling us at 1 (800) 451-4854 (East of the Mississippi) or 1 (800) 452-2663 (West).

If you are looking to get an auto dealer bond, we can also assist you with acquiring one!

Monday, December 9, 2013

What Is A DR-123?

Florida Statute 211.08(10(a) (Exhibit A) requires auto dealers to have the DR-123, Partial Exemption for a motor vehicle sold to a resident of another state. At the time of the sale, nonresident purchasers have to complete Form DR-123, Affadivit for Partial Exemption of Motor Vehicle Sold for Licensing in Another State, which is a notarized statement of his or her intent to license the vehicle in another state within 45 days.

If the Department of Revenue examiner does not find a Notarized version of the DR-123, your dealership could be penalized with deficiency fees between 6% and what the dealer collected, plus interest, plus penalties.

Click here for the Affadivit form.



Ashton Agency sells notary bonds, and of course, DMV bonds. We also provide garage liability insurance with competitive rates. We can match or beat our competitors' prices, so contact us today for your free quote. Call (800) 451-4854 (East of the Mississippi) or (800) 452-2663 (West) and let us help you!

Friday, December 6, 2013

District of Columbia & Virginia Public Adjuster Bond Programs

Ashton Agency is now writing the Public Adjuster bond programs in the District of Columbia and Virginia. Multiple year discounts are available.
  • D.C. Public Adjusters require a $20,000 bond. Their licenses renew every 2 years in April in odd-numbered years.
  • Virginia Public Adjusters - Only Virginia residents are required to have this bond. It is a $50,000 bond and renews biannually from date of issuance.

We are one of the only insurance agencies that has a national public adjuster program. We can write public adjusters in the following states:

California
Colorado
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Louisiana
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
Washington

Contact the Ashton Agency today to get your Public Adjuster bond. We can quote and issue your bond in the same day! Public adjusters need license in multiple states; and we are your one-stop agency! Call (800) 451-4854 (East of the Mississippi) or (800) 452-2663 (West) to get started.

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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Small Business Contractors and Surety Bonds


Starting your own business is an exciting venture, but also can be very stressful. Most small business owners are swamped with paperwork they must complete to legally operate, such as surety bonds.

Surety bonds are required in some states, cities, and counties, in compliance with federal, state and local law in numerous industries. If a business is required to have a bond, you won’t be able to get a business license without it.

If you are required to purchase a surety bond, it can also help your business tremendously. Licensed and bonded business show 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.

Are you interested in being a business owner or need a renewal for your bond? Call the Ashton Agency at (800) 451-4854 (East of Mississippi) or (800) 452-2663 (West) today to help you renew your bond and possibly save you money!

Monday, November 25, 2013

How to Get an Auto Dealer Surety Bond

Many auto dealerships are required to be licensed and bonded. A surety bond is a three party guarantee by the dealer (principal) to protect the consumer (obligee). The backer of the bond (surety) ensures that the principal will fulfill its obligations to the obligee.
Why do I need a surety bond?

Surety bonds protect and benefit the consumers and the industry itself, providing financial guarantees and protections against fraud or unethical business conducts by the dealer. The bond also helps the consumers recover from any resulting financial loss. It's also important to select the right bond agency to avoid slow turnaround time, extra/hidden fees and even failure to obtain the bond.

What is the difference between a surety bond and garage liability insurance?

A surety bond serves to protect the consumer against any fraud committed by the dealer. Garage liability insurance protects automobile dealers for liabilities arising out of their business operations.

  • Surety bond: a contract among at least 3 parties protecting the principal.
  • Insurance: a form of risk management with a two-party contract.

How much does a surety bond cost?

The price of a surety bond will depend on the amount of bond needed and statutes. By analyzing your application, financial background and credit check, you may be qualified for very low prices!

Where and how can I get a surety bond?

Ashton Agency has helped thousands of dealers nationwide to get their surety bond and garage liability insurance with simple solutions at affordable rates. Call (800) 451-4854 (East of the Mississippi) or (800) 452-2663 (West) to get a free quote today!