[cashflyer]

I used to be bonded, so this is based on my individual experience in the State of South Carolina.

Bonded means that you have a "Surety and Fidelity Bond". But there are different types of S&F Bonds: contract, court, license, permit, commercial.... etc. It's basically a type of insurance that is guaranteed by a pledge of your assets.

First, look in your local yellow pages under.... "Bonds - Surety and Fidelity". Start phoning them up.

If they are professionals, they will know from your description of your needs exactly which type bond you need.

When I applied here in SC, there was no background check - only a credit check. Then they had me list my assets and net worth on an application. This is the stuff they seize if they ever have to pay out on your bond.

Bonds are priced based on the amount of coverage. The premium can be annual on smaller bonds like mine ($50k) or can usually be split into quarterly payments on larger bonds.

ymmv