Every licensed California contractor must carry a $25,000 surety bond. If a contractor harmed you through defective work, abandonment, or fraud, you can file a direct claim against that bond — often faster than going to court.
A surety bond is a three-party agreement: the contractor (principal), the bonding company (surety), and consumers (obligees). The contractor pays premiums to the bonding company, which guarantees payment to consumers harmed by the contractor's misconduct — up to the bond amount. The bond is not insurance for the contractor — it protects you.
Go to cslb.ca.gov and look up the contractor's license. The license detail page shows the bonding company name and policy number. Verify the bond was active during the period your work was performed.
Contact the bonding company by phone or in writing to report your claim. Ask for their specific claim forms and documentation requirements. Every bonding company has slightly different procedures.
Submit your original contract, all invoices and proof of payment, photographs of defective or incomplete work, your demand letter and any contractor response, a written description of the contractor's failure and your resulting losses, and independent repair estimates.
Bay Legal PC handles construction disputes throughout California. Tell us about your situation and we'll be in touch promptly.
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