Surety Bonds: Vital to Building Strong Communities

Public construction projects improve communities. Highways, schools, and other priorities are vital to strong economic health and enhanced quality of life. 

Surety bonds put high-quality contractors on the job and make sure local small businesses, suppliers and workers all get paid for their services. Because bonded projects are more likely to be completed on time – or ahead of schedule – communities can enjoy the benefits of public infrastructure with the confidence that taxpayer dollars were invested responsibly and efficiently.

A Bonded Project is a High-Quality Project

Not only do surety bonds deliver greater economic value than they cost, they ensure projects perform to the highest standards and deliver a range of exceptional  benefits, including:
  • More rigorous prequalification and review: Surety companies rigorously vet contractors to keep defaults rare. Nearly all (96%) respondents surveyed by EY said prequalification was more likely to occur on bonded projects than on non-bonded projects (61%). During construction,contractors on bonded projects were nearly twice as likely to share multiple financial updates compared to non-bonded projects.
  • Higher project prioritization: Should financial difficulties arise, a general contractor is five times more likely to prioritize finishing bonded projects than non-bonded ones, according to construction leaders.
  • Faster completion: Nearly five times as many construction leaders report bonded projects are more likely to be completed on time or ahead of schedule. And if a project does default, an unbonded project will take nearly 2x longer to complete than a bonded project.
  • Experience and resources: 100% of construction default experts surveyed said sureties have the expertise, tools and resources necessary to complete a project in the most cost and time-effective manner as compared to a project owner who does not have the same expertise and experience as a surety.
  • The total value surety bonds deliver exceeds their cost.
  • Taxpayers are protected against loss if a contractor defaults.
  • Ensures projects are completed.
  • Guarantees contractual obligations are met and workers, subcontractors and suppliers are all paid, even in case of contractor default.
  • Reduces odds of default.
  • Puts priority on your project.
  • Ensures only qualified bidders compete for your project.
  • Saves time vetting and prequalifying contractors.
  • Protects taxpayer investments.
  • Protects small business owners and local workers.
  • Promotes robust infrastructure and economic growth for our communities.
  • Enhances quality of life by ensuring vital public projects are completed.

Surety Protects

Learn how surety
bonds protect taxpayers,
save time,
reduce costs and
keep projects on track.

Surety Industry Unites on Capitol Hill to Advocate for Key Legislative Priorities

See Senators Capito, Carper and Van Hollen speak on the Senate floor about the importance of surety.

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America Foundation Awards 19 Students With $47,500 in Scholarships

SFAA Foundation announces 19 students selected as recipients of a $2,500 scholarship as part of the Surety and Fidelity Intern and Scholarship Program for 2023.

News & Events

SFAA’s Alex Gleason Named Among Nation’s Top Lobbyists for 2025

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) has announced that Alex Gleason, Head of Federal Government Affairs, has been named one of the 2025 Top Lobbyists by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE).

SFAA Legal Action Contributes to Significant Surety Victory in Minnesota

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry, held its 117th Annual Meeting this past week, an event focused on advancing the industry’s future.

SFAA Members Elect Board, Leadership Outlines Vision and Path Forward

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry, held its 117th Annual Meeting this past week, an event focused on advancing the industry’s future.