A contractor who is licensed and bonded can instill confidence. You can be fairly certain they will get the job done according to your contract.
But, that doesn’t mean things can’t happen.
Sometimes, a contractor doesn’t complete a project to a client’s expectations. In other cases, a subcontractor may not be paid properly for their work.
Bonds exist so clients, subcontractors, and others are able to hold a contractor to the established contract. Don’t be afraid to file a claim if you need to!
Wondering how to file contractor bond claims?
These five tips will help you file a claim against a construction contractor’s bond.
Know How to Get Bond Information
Knowing your contractor is bonded is one thing. It’s another thing to know where they are bonded. It’s the first thing you have to learn if you want to know how to file contractor bond claims.
You might not have any luck asking the contractor directly if they know you want to file a claim against them. Instead, you should ask the person who works above them. For example, you may want to talk to the general contractor if you’re filing a claim against a subcontractor, or the project manager, if the general contractor is the one to blame.
If you feel uncomfortable asking for bond information directly, you can go to the licensing board’s website in the state where they are licensed. Be prepared to provide the contractor’s correct legal name or their license number in order to get their bond information.
Contact the Surety Company
Once you have the name of the surety company that has provided the bond, you need to give them a call. The call isn’t how you file the claim, but it is the best way to get the process started.
By talking directly with the surety company, you can confirm that they have bonded the contractor in question. They can also tell you exactly how to file a claim, whether you can do it online or you have to mail in or fax the form.
Gather the Right Information
Part of how to file contractor bond claims involves making sure you file the claim correctly. Without adequate information, your claim may be rejected.
Take the time to gather the right information. Some things you may have to gather and provide to the surety company include:
- A copy of the contract you signed
- Proof of cancelled checks or bank statements in the case of missing or inadequate payments
- Photos or proof of correspondence in the case of inadequate work
Maintain Contact With the Surety Company
Stay in contact with the surety company throughout the process. Ask them how the claim is coming along and if there is any other information you can provide. By keeping the lines of communication open, you can give yourself the best shot of settling the claim to your satisfaction.
Consider Arbitration With the Licensing Board
Filing a claim against the contractor’s bond isn’t the only course of action you can take.
Whether you’re in the process of filing a claim or your claim wasn’t approved, you can file a complaint with the licensing board. Most boards use mediation or arbitration to come to a resolution. It enables you to air your grievances directly with the contractor, but it also means that the qualified, neutral arbitrator has the final say in your dispute.
Need help figuring out how to file contractor bond claims? Or maybe your contractor is bonded through DJM Insurance? No matter what your questions, we would be happy to help. Contact us today!