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.