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

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

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

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).

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!

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!

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)!