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M. BURR KEIM AGENCY · License & Permit Surety Bonds · Reviewed November 2026

Surplus Lines Broker Bond

A surplus lines broker bond is a surety bond required by some states before a surplus lines broker can be licensed. It protects policyholders and the state against certain losses caused by a broker’s failure to account for premiums or comply with surplus lines laws.

Apply for This Bond Online How to Apply Questions

At a glance

Product
Surplus Lines Broker Bond
Category
License & Permit Surety Bonds
Required amount
State surplus lines licensing laws set the amount, and common amounts range from $25,000 to $50,000. Some states use a higher amount or a schedule based on premium volume. Confirm the exact amount and obligee with the state insurance department.
Online issue
Instant issue up to $25,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $25,000 up to $100,000. If the state requires a specialized surplus lines bond form, the application may need underwriting review.
Term
Surplus lines broker bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license. Some states require a bond that runs for the full license period or a continuous term. Follow the state insurance department’s instructions.

Who needs a surplus Lines Broker Bond?

  • Surplus lines brokers and agencies applying for a state surplus lines license that requires a surety bond.
  • Insurance producers adding a surplus lines license or renewing a license where a bond is required.
  • Compliance officers confirming the bond amount and obligee required by a state insurance department.

Why is a surplus Lines Broker Bond required?

Surplus lines brokers place coverage with nonadmitted insurers and handle premium funds subject to state surplus lines laws. The bond gives policyholders and the state a recovery source when a broker fails to account for premiums or violates the licensing law.

The bond is required as a condition of licensure and does not replace errors and omissions insurance, a fidelity bond, or the broker’s own premium accounting controls.

How much bond do I need?

State surplus lines licensing laws set the amount, and common amounts range from $25,000 to $50,000. Some states use a higher amount or a schedule based on premium volume. Confirm the exact amount and obligee with the state insurance department.

Instant issue up to $25,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $25,000 up to $100,000. If the state requires a specialized surplus lines bond form, the application may need underwriting review.

Bond amount is not the premium. The required amount is the maximum the surety could pay under the bond. The premium you pay is a separate charge based on the bond amount, the risk, the term, and your credit. The online application shows the premium before you bind coverage.

How much does a surplus Lines Broker Bond cost?

Premium depends on the bond amount, the state, the license term, and the applicant’s credit. Surplus lines broker bonds are typically inexpensive relative to the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium.

How to apply online

  1. Confirm the bond amount and obligee. Use the amount and legal name of the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires the bond. The obligee name must match the requiring party’s records.
  2. Gather the application information. Have the legal business or entity name, address, license or case number, ownership information, and the required bond amount ready.
  3. Start the CNA Surety application. Use the online application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency.
  4. Pay the premium and bind coverage. If the bond is eligible for instant issue, the application will show the premium and let you complete the purchase online. Otherwise, the surety will review the application and contact you if additional information is needed.
  5. File the bond. Provide the issued bond to the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires it, and keep a copy for your records.
Apply for This Bond Online All Bonds

Surplus Lines Broker Bond term and renewal

Surplus lines broker bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license. Some states require a bond that runs for the full license period or a continuous term. Follow the state insurance department’s instructions.

Good to know

  • Some states require the bond to be filed with the insurance department, while others require the broker to keep the bond and provide proof. Check the licensing instructions before applying.
  • If you are licensed in multiple states, you may need a separate bond for each state. The online application can be used for each requirement.

Surplus Lines Broker Bond questions

A surplus lines broker bond is a surety bond required by some states before a surplus lines broker can be licensed. It protects policyholders and the state against certain losses caused by a broker’s failure to account for premiums or comply with surplus lines laws.

Surplus lines brokers and agencies applying for a state surplus lines license that requires a surety bond. Insurance producers adding a surplus lines license or renewing a license where a bond is required. Compliance officers confirming the bond amount and obligee required by a state insurance department.

Premium depends on the bond amount, the state, the license term, and the applicant’s credit. Surplus lines broker bonds are typically inexpensive relative to the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium.

State surplus lines licensing laws set the amount, and common amounts range from $25,000 to $50,000. Some states use a higher amount or a schedule based on premium volume. Confirm the exact amount and obligee with the state insurance department. Instant issue up to $25,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $25,000 up to $100,000. If the state requires a specialized surplus lines bond form, the application may need underwriting review.

Apply online through CNA Surety using the application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency. Complete the application, pay the premium online if the bond is eligible for instant issue, and then file the bond with the agency, court, or client that requires it.

Not always. Some states use a separate surplus lines bond with a different amount or form, while others rely on the producer bond. Check the state insurance department’s surplus lines licensing requirements for the specific license type.

The premium is based on the bond amount, the state, the license term, and the applicant’s credit. It is usually a small percentage of the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm instant-issue eligibility.

Online application and important note

Bond requirements, forms, amounts, and fees are set by the requiring agency, court, or carrier and can change. This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current requirement with the agency, court, client, or your attorney before applying. M. BURR KEIM AGENCY is an insurance and surety bond agency; the bond or policy is issued by the carrier named on the document.