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:

Website:  https://ashtonagency.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

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:

Website: https://ashtonagency.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

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:

Website:  https://ashtonagency.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer Bonds

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 one simple application Ashton Agency will shop around for the best rate possible and will get you a quote back in 1-2 business days.  Our in-house underwriters are able to look at many personal variables on your application and can offer the Florida Auto Dealer Bond as low as $200!

In addition to the bond, the State of Florida requires that you carry garage liability insurance.   Ashton Agency offers an experienced insurance department that can write your liability coverage also. We are your one-stop shop for all your auto dealer needs!

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). 

Or visit online:

Website:  https://ashtonagency.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

Motor Vehicle Dealer Overview

In this post you’ll find a general overview of dealer bonds, also known as MVD bonds & license bonds.  For specific information on what type of bond and documentation you'll need to submit to satisfy the surety bond requirement of your dealership licensing process, please contact the appropriate motor vehicle agency in your state.

Auto dealers, used, new, and wholesalers in most states must file a surety bond with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles before they can receive their dealer license.  Surety bonds are designed to protect the customers of the auto dealer.  A surety bond will help ensure that your dealership will follow the rules and regulations in the state where the dealership is located.

Typically, dealers obtain their motor vehicle dealer bond by applying with a surety bond company.  As part of the application process the dealer will fill out an application and agree to a credit check and may have to submit financial documentation, so that the bond company can be sure they are credit worthy and financially stable. 

Credit challenged clients may have a harder time acquiring a bond.  Some bond companies will not even help the dealer.  At Ashton Agency we are able to help almost all credit situations.  We have many programs available to help the clients with less than perfect credit.  Ashton Agency has been helping dealers all across the US get bonded quickly and easily for over 40 years.

Call (800) 452-2663 / (800) 451-4854 to speak with one of our bond specialist, or visit our website at http://ashtonagency.com.

New Mexico MVD bond renewal is fast approaching.

All New Mexico motor vehicle dealer bonds have a common expiration date of March 31st.  Auto dealers are required to obtain a $50,000 Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond to be in compliance with New Mexico Statutes.

With one simple application, Ashton Agency will shop around for the best rate possible and will get you a quote back in 1-2 business days.  Our in-house underwriters are able to look at many personal variables on your application and can offer The New Mexico Auto Dealer Bond as low as $250! We also have programs for bad credit if you are needing a used car dealer bond.

Ashton Agency offers an experienced insurance department that can write your liability coverage also.  Ashton Agency also has the $30,000 VIN Verifier bond as low as $228.  We are your one-stop shop for all 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). 

You can also visit our website at http://ashtonagency.com

Oklahoma MVD and other bond changes.

Oklahoma used motor vehicle dealers, auctions, non-auction consignments, wholesale dealers, used motor vehicle rebuilders, and manufactured housing dealers will be required by the State of Oklahoma to carry a two year term bond for all licenses expiring 12/31/2015.   Ashton Agency is here to help you with this newly mandated change.  We have updated bond forms ready and have also been informed that the State of Oklahoma will accept a Continuation Certificate for renewal dates extended out to 12/31/17.  We are ready and prepared for this change.

If you have any questions about your upcoming Oklahoma used motor vehicle dealer bond renewal or require any of the other bonds stated above, please reach out to our team at Ashton Agency.

Visit Ashton Agency’s website at www.ashtonagency.com or call (800) 451-4854

2015 is looking to be a great year for motor vehicle dealers.

According to Black Book data, the average price for the average used vehicle for model years 2009-2013 fell 12.1% in 2014.  A much smaller decline than the 12.8% for 2013 and less than Black Book’s prediction of 13.5%.  For the year, domestic trucks finished with the lowest depreciation at 9.1%, while domestic cars topped out at 15.9% depreciation.

“The used-vehicle market finished another solid year,” said Manheim Chief Economist Tom Webb. “Consumers continue to see great value in purchasing used vehicles, even at higher price points. Dealers continue to see used vehicles as an important and profitable part of their business.”

2015 is looking to be an even better year for sales of used cars and trucks.  Before going into the business of selling cars, check with your state for their requirements.  Most states have an extensive list of things you must obtain before you can open your doors to the public.  Things like site approval, business license, dealer courses, insurance and surety bonds are just the basic, but mandatory requirements in most states.

There are many costs with opening a business that are set in stone.  Business license and dealer license are just a couple.  Things like insurance and surety bonds can be shopped to find a competitive price.  Finding the best price for these means you might have to do some extra work to find a company like Ashton Agency.  Ashton Agency does the work for you and gets you the lowest price from multiple markets.  Let Ashton Agency’s 40 plus years of experience help save you time and money.

Please visit Ashton Agency’s website at www.ashtonagency.com or call (800) 451-4854 (East Coast) or (800) 452-2663 (West Coast) to obtain your MVD bond and garage insurance.

What is Septic Tank Installation/Pumping and Who Needs It?

Almost 25% of America disposes of and treats their wastes with underground septic tanks.  The term “septic” refers to the anaerobic bacterial environment that develops in the tank which decomposes or mineralizes the waste discharged into the tank.

Septic Tank Installation/Pumping may also be known as Sewage Disposal Service.

For residents who use septic tanks, the tank is generally 1,000 or 2,000 gallons connected to an inlet wastewater pipe at one end and a septic drain field at the other.

The septic tank processes the incoming waste which then flows out to the drain field.

There are some wastes that cannot be totally processed so the septic tank needs to be periodically drained, or “pumped”.

Septic tank installers and pumpers are sometimes required to be licensed and bonded in various states through the United States.  Consumers need to be confident that their septic tank is installed properly, and maintained periodically.

Ashton Agency can provide contractors with their septic installer/pumper bonds.  For over 45 years Ashton Agency has served the bonding needs of companies throughout the United States.  Call now for a FREE quote within ONE business day!

Please visit our website at www.ashtonagency.com to fill out our easy-to-use online application, or call (800) 451-4854 (East Coast) or (800) 452-2663 (West Coast) to obtain your septic bond.

Home Improvement Contractors

When consumers need improvement work done to their homes, they prefer to hire licensed and bonded professionals, especially when it comes to home remodeling.  And contractors want to be known as a state licensed, insured and bonded contractor to project professionalism and confidence to their customers.

Some states require Home Improvement Contractors to be licensed, and most of those states require a bond.  The bond will protect the consumer from shoddy work by the contractor, or non-payment by the contractor of materials used on the job.

The license/bond covers remodeling to existing residential homes, usually between $3,000 to $25,000.  These costs includes materials and labor.  Projects more than that usually require a separate general contractors license and bond.

Types of Home Improvement projects include repair, replacement, remodeling, altering, converting, modernization or improvement; or addition to any land or building such as driveways, swimming pools, porches, garages, landscaping, fences, fall-out shelters, roofing, painting and other improvements adjacent.

Home Improvement does not cover electrical, plumbing, or HVAC.  These types of work are usually covered under a separately required license and bond.

Ashton Agency has been serving the bonding needs of contractors across the country for over 45 years.  Let Ashton provide your surety bond.  Click www.ashtonagency.com, or call us at (800) 451-4854 (East Coast) or (800) 452-2663 (West Coast).

Florida Passes Laws on Liens, Registration Fees

On May 3, Florida passed a bill that will result in a drop in vehicle registration fees in an effort to reduce taxes and fees. Auto dealers will have an additional resource to recover vehicles under lien. The Department of Transportation bill added the amendment after Governor Rick Scott signed. The bill would go into effect on October 1st.

The new passage will follow a bill that cuts about $400 million in vehicle registration fees, which will go into effect September 1st.

Scott says that these efforts are part of his "It's Your Money Tax Cut Budget" plan and reduces fees between $5 and $11.50 per registration on cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, and antique vehicles.

This is great news for Florida motor vehicle dealers. Cutting costs will certainly provide more room for expenses. Florida auto dealers should already be renewed for their surety bond. However, Ashton Agency can also help your shop with several options, including garage liability insurance, garage keeper, floorplanning and warranties.

Call the Ashton Agency today to speak with one of our representative at 1 (800) 451-4854 or visit us on our website www.ashtonagency.com. Feel free to fill out our easy-to-use applications for a FREE quote within ONE business day!

Memorial Day Weekend 2014

Ashton Agency will be closing at 3:00 PM today in observation of Memorial Day Weekend 2014. We will also be closed on Monday, May 26, 2014.

Our normal hours of operation will continue after Monday, May 26:

Monday to Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

If you need assistance with your bond or garage insurance, please feel free to give us a call at (800) 451-4854 (East Coast) or (800) 452-2663 (West Coast). Or visit our website at www.ashtonagency.com.

Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter! @ashtonagency

What are Sellers of Travel?

In Florida, the Sellers of Travel law requires any person or business who is a seller or promoted of travel related services to register annually with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, unless exempt.

Sellers of Travel are also required to provide proof of assurance in the form of a performance bond, in an amount not to exceed $25,000, or $50,000 if they sell vacation certificates.  The Department is authorized to collect registration fees and impose penalties for non-compliance of the law.  In addition, an annual filing fee of $50 is required for each independent sales agent.

A Seller of Travel is any resident or nonresident person, firm or corporation, or business entity who offers for sale, directly or indirectly, at wholesale or retail, prearranged travel or tourist-related services for individuals or groups, through vacation or tour packages, or through vacation certificates in exchange for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration.  The term includes any business entity offering membership in a travel club or travel service for an advance fee or payment, even if no travel contracts or certificates or vacation or tour packages are sold by the business entity.

Please check with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-435-7352, or click on www.freshfromflorida.com for more information regarding your particular situation.

Ashton Agency has been serving the bonding needs of businesses across America for over 45 years.  We can help you with your Travel Bond.  Call us toll free at (800) 451-4854 or click www.ashtonagency.com.

Benefits of Getting a Telemarketing Bond

Are you currently establishing a telemarketing firm or call center? As with any business, you will need the proper requirements and licenses before legally operating this business, including a surety bond.

Telemarketing professionals are required by the State of Florida to obtain their Telemarketing Bond to be in compliance with the Florida Statutes 501.601-501.626.

Here are some benefits of obtaining your telemarketing surety bond:

Integrity
Obtaining a surety bond instills the integrity of your contract and agreement between you and your customers.

Licensed
The Florida Telemarketing Act requires that telemarketing businesses acquire the $50,000 Telemarketer Bond to protect consumers who get injured as a result of the company's negligence or poor financial practices.

Trust
Acquiring the Telemarketer Bond builds trust between you and your clients. Bonded telemarketing businesses assures both consumers and the government that you will comply with industry rules and regulations.

Surety bond requirements vary within each local and state law. It's important to find out which surety bond form you need and how much coverage you must purchase. Failing to obtain the correct bond may result in penalty fines, risk of losing license and legal action.

Are you looking to get your Florida Telemarketing Bond? We can help you today!

Call us at (800) 451-4854 to speak with one of our friendly customer service representatives to get started on your bond. You can also visit our website at www.ashtonagency.com fill out one of our easy-to-use online applications!

Ashton Agency Returns Back to Normal Hours of Operation

Greetings from the Winter Park, Florida office of the Ashton Agency!

We will be returning back to our normal hours of operation on Friday, and will be closing at 4:00 PM EST.

Our weekday hours will still remain the same: Monday to Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

If you need assistance with your bond or garage insurance, please feel free to give us a call at (800) 451-4854 (East Coast) or (800) 452-2663 (West Coast). Or visit our website at www.ashtonagency.com.

Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter! @ashtonagency

What is a Process Server?

The title “process server” is one that those in the legal field know all about, and those outside of the legal business probably have little to no understanding of.

Service of due process is a privilege set forth by the Constitution.  This means that all citizens of the United States hold the right to be informed of being summoned to a court of law or a another legal proceeding such as a deposition.

Process servers were intended as a messenger system to notify individuals of their constitutional rights to due process of law by “serving” them with a notification that states the legal issue that involves them specifically.  Originally legal papers were served to individuals by their local county sheriff.  As America grew, the local sheriff could not keep up with the endeavor.  So there was a need for an individual to deliver these papers legally and in a timely manner, and for that reason, process servers were formed.

In modern times, process servers perform an assortment of tasks such as filing court papers, serving legal documents, and document retrieval.  However their principal job is to deliver or “serve” legal documents to a defendant or person involved in a court case.  They are also required to provide actual evidence that the legal papers were served, called an affidavit of service, or proof of service, which must be notarized and given to the individual or company who required the papers to be served.

Process serving laws differ by state, so please check your individual state requirements to obtain your license.  Usually application, fingerprinting, and perhaps educational classes are required.  In addition most states require the process server to post a bond with the state authorities.  The bond is protection for other parties against your mistakes or if your error causes damages to someone else.

Ashton Agency has been providing license bonds for more than 45 years.  Visit our website at www.ashtonagency.com, or call us toll free at (800) 451-4854 to get your Process Server Bond now!

Alabama Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Amount To Be Increased

The Alabama legislature has passed a bill that will increase the used car dealer bond requirement from $10,000 to $25,000, effective August 1st, 2014.  The bill also requires new car dealers, dismantlers, and designated agents to provide the same $25,000 bond.  The bill is currently awaiting the signature of the governor.

New car dealers in Alabama have always been required to provide a $25,000 bond.

Additionally, any Alabama car dealer that was previously “grandfathered” or exempt from providing a dealer bond will now be required to provide the $25,000 bond.

Related: Miscellaneous Auto Related Bonds

Once the bill is fully enacted by the governor’s signature, the Department of Revenue will provide the new bond form required.

Since most Alabama used car dealers licenses renew in September, this will affect a majority of the auto dealers, designated agents, and dismantlers when they renew their bond this Fall.

The good news is that Ashton Agency will be ready to serve the dealers in Alabama with the new bond, just as we have for over 45 years.

As soon as the new bond form is released, we will be in touch with dealers so they can renew their bond with the new requirements!

Please call toll free (800) 451-4854, or click www.ashtonagency.com for further information.
[You can find the latest copy of the bill here: http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/searchableinstruments/2014rs/PrintFiles/HB400-enr.pdf ]

New Sales Records in the First Quarter of Used Car Market

Both the wholesale and retail used car markets have set new records in the first quarter.

Certified pre-owned sales started with 551,707, marking the highest first quarter ever for certified sales. In March, dealers sold 206,409 certified units, reaching an all-time high.

At the top was Toyota, leading all brands with 31,687 in certified sales. Lexus also set a March record with 6,896 certified units sold.

The next quarter looks very promising for used car dealers. CarMax Auto Finance reports that income increased 6 percent to $80.8 million in the latest quarter.

To read the full article on UsedCarNews.com, click here!

Are you a used car dealer or wholesale auto dealer? Have you obtained or renewed your surety bond? Find out today how we can help save you time and money!

Call us at (800) 451-4854 for our East Coast office in Florida, or (800) 452-2663 for our West Coast office in Oregon and we can help you with your bond over the phone. Or visit our website at http://ashtonagency.com and complete our easy-to-use online application.

Ashton Offers New Bond Programs

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

• Process Server
• Seller of Travel
• Veterinary Prescription Drug Wholesale Distributor
• Telemarketer Bond
• Bullion Coin Dealer Bond
• Dance Studio Bond
• Health Studio Bond

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).

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

Read the full article here

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!