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:

Website:  https://ashtonagency.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

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

http://ashtonagency.com

https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

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:

 http://ashtonagency.com

https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

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

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!

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).

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.

Miscellaneous Auto Related Bonds

There are quite a few auto related bonds separate from auto dealership bonds.  These are required bonds by businesses for repairing autos, sales of auto parts, auto dismantlers, auto parts recyclers, designated agents, vehicle inspection businesses, etc.  All of these bonds are regulated by the Department of Motor Vehicles in individual states.

Some of these are akin to what we would call “auto junk yards”, whose businesses provide a valuable service as a secondary market for used auto parts and to do-it-yourself workers who repair autos and can bypass the retail auto parts store and find parts less expensively at a recycler.

Designated Agents, after being certified by their states "licensed and bonded", can handle auto title paperwork for their various states.

Others, such as VIN inspection stations, verify vehicle inspection numbers for possible tampering or theft.

A sample of some actual bonds required are:

• Dismantler and Parts Recycler bond in Alabama
• Auto Repairers/Rebuilders bond in Connecticut, Oklahoma and Utah
• Designated Agent bond in Alabama
• Motor Vehicle Inspection Station bond in Louisiana
• Auto Salvage bond in Florida
• VIN (Vehicle Inspection Number) bond in California and New Mexico.

Check with your individual states’ MVD agency for more state specific information.

If your business has need for any of these miscellaneous bonds, we here at the Ashton Agency can help! We have been selling bonds for over 45 years throughout the country.

Call (800) 451-4854 (East Coast) or (800) 452-2663 (West Coast) for assistance with one of our friendly customer service representatives or visit our website at www.ashtonagency.com for your bond at the best rates!

Used Car Sales To Rise in 2014

2013 was a great year for the used-car industry, and looks promising  in 2014. The executive automobile analyst of the National Automobile Dealers Association says used-car sales grew by 4 percent in 2013, the fourth consecutive year of growth.

More used cars were sold by franchise dealers than independent dealers in 2013. Certified pre-owned sales hit 2 million for the first time, making up 13.5 percent of franchise dealer used-car sales. However, chief economist Tom Webb expects a more even balance between franchise and independent with more vehicles available this year.

Nearly eighty percent of auto dealers in a survey believe the U.S. economy has already reached its lowest point and now on the rise. There are plans by many dealers to increase their floor plan due to steadily gains. Several experts in the auto industry would agree--there is reason to believe in strong optimism for 2014.

Are you an auto dealer looking to renew your dealers bond? Ashton Agency has helped thousands of auto dealers nationwide to get their auto dealer bond and garage liability insurance at the best rates! Call us today at (800) 451-4854 (East of the Mississippi) or (800) 452-2663 (West) to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español).

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!