|
Q:
Why do I need a bond filed with the state of California?
|
|
A:
It’s the law. Contractors must be licensed with the state of California and have a surety bond or cash deposit equal to $15,000 with the California State Contractors License Board (CSLB). Surety bonds are a good option since they don’t tie up capital.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
When do I need to apply for a contractors license bond?
|
|
A:
It is recommended that you get a Contractor's License Bond when you file your application with the Contractors State License Board or when your bond is up for renewal. With GetMyCLB.com, your application fee number or license number is all you need to get started. The site pulls your information directly from the CSLB. This helps ensure that your bond application is accurate and consistent throughout the process.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
How does GetMyCLB.com work?
|
|
A:
Once you’ve entered your information, SureTec Insurance Company, the issuing surety on the bond, pulls a credit report and, within seconds, gives you a quote. You can either purchase the bond immediately or later. The quote is valid for five (5) days.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
Can I still get a bond if I have bad credit?
|
|
A:
We encourage you to get a quote at GetMyCLB.com. Should you be declined, we recommend you contact your agent.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
Does GetMyCLB.com use a financially stable insurance company?
|
|
A:
Yes. GetMyCLB.com uses SureTec Insurance Company. SureTec is rated A (Excellent) by A. M. Best Company, the premier rating agency in the insurance business. You may verify the SureTec rating here. Best’s ratings are derived from a detailed analysis of a company’s financial strength, operating performance and market profile.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
Do you offer payment plans?
|
|
A:
Yes. If you receive a premium quote of more than $500, you qualify for an available monthly payment plan for a fee of $8 per payment.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
I’m leary about entering my Social Security number on the Internet. Is this website secure?
|
|
A:
GetMyCLB.com is a trusted, high-security site built with rigorous privacy standards. The site is certified secure by VeriSign, internationally trusted provider of Internet infrastructure services. Their web site is verisign.com. You are also invited to click on the VeriSign Trusted seal on the bottom left side of each page on the web site.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
What if my company is a partnership?
|
|
A:
The application requires that information be provided for all owners.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
Will you file my bond for me?
|
|
A:
Yes. Your bond is electronically filed with the California State Contractors License Board.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
Can I track my purchase?
|
|
A:
When you purchase a bond on this site, you will receive a confirmation email containing both a copy of the bond to be filed with the CSLB and a copy of your Contractors License Bond verification card. Within a few weeks, you’ll receive a Contractor License Bond verification card in the mail. You can confirm that your bond posted with the state on the California CSLB website: www.cslb.ca.gov. It usually takes a couple of business days for this to appear. The bond filing is accepted on the day it’s effective.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
When do monthly payments come out of my account?
|
|
A:
If you purchase a bond on or before the 15th of the month, the first payment comes out on the first day of the next month. If purchased on the 16th or later, the first payment comes out on the 15th day of the following month. The premium is an annual charge on your card for as long as the bond is in force. Monthly payments only pertain to credit card purchases. If you elect to pay the full amount, payment comes out instantly.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
When does my bond become effective?
|
|
A:
You can choose the effective date or opt for the default date, which is the current date. The California State License Board will post the bond according to the designated effective date. You can verify that your bond has posted at www.cslb.ca.gov.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
Do I get notice when my monthly payments are taken out?
|
|
A:
No. It’s a direct debit, just like other direct-pay services.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
Can I change my credit card on file?
|
|
A:
Yes. Call Customer Service toll free at (877) 389-2105. The sooner the better because the bond will be terminated in the event we cannot access payment on that card.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
Why can’t I continue past the Indemnity Agreement page?
|
|
A:
You must enter your first and last name and the last four digits of your social security number before you can go to the next page. Remember to make sure your name matches exactly what you entered in the Personal Indemnitor fields earlier in the site.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
How long will my credit card continue to be charged?
|
|
A:
If you elected to pay using a credit card, your account will be charged monthly, for as long as the bond renews.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
How can I change my effective date?
|
|
A:
In order to change the effective date, we’ll need your license number, bond number and the requested effective date. You may call Customer Service toll free at (877) 389-2105, or email the information to clbsupport@getmyclb.com.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
How can I cancel my bond?
|
|
A:
In order to cancel the bond, we’ll need your license and bond number. You may call Customer Service toll free at (877) 389-2105, or email the information to clbsupport@getmyclb.com.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
Can I get bonds for C-39 (roofing) or C-53 (swimming pool) contractors from GetMyCLB.com?
|
|
A:
At this time, GetMyCLB.com does not have a program in place to instantly issue C-39 or C53 license class bonds. You can contact us toll free at (877) 389-2105 to speak with a CLB specialist to help you obtain coverage for these license class types.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
What are the differences between the “Contractor's License Bond” and the “Bond of Qualifying Individual?"
|
|
A:
The Contractors License Bond is for the company or corporation that is licensed to operate in the state of California. The Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI) is required for the qualifying individual who is a Responsible Managing Employee (RME) or a Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) who owns less than 10% of the voting stock/equity of the license entity. A BQI is required in cases where there are multiple RME/O’s for the licensed corporation. The bond amounts differ: the Contractors License Bond is a $15,000 bond. The BQI is a $12,500 bond.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
Do you share my personal information with anyone, including other companies, etc.?
|
|
A:
No. We do not, and we will not.
|
|
[Go to Top]
|
|
Q:
How fast will the state update my license information?
|
|
A:
We electronically file with the state on the date the bond is to become effective.
Within 1-3 days the state will process the bond. (California state employees are currently furloughed on Fridays.)
|
|
[Go to Top]
|