An HVAC and Refrigeration Contractor Bond is a type of surety bond required for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors in Cleveland, Ohio. This bond ensures contractors comply with state and local regulations, fulfill their contractual obligations, and protect consumers from potential financial losses due to faulty work, non-compliance, or contract breaches.
The bond serves as a three-party agreement among:
Principal: The HVAC and refrigeration contractor required to obtain the bond.
Obligee: The city of Cleveland, which requires the bond to ensure compliance and consumer protection.
Surety: The company issuing the bond and guaranteeing the contractor's obligations.
This bond is mandated by the city of Cleveland to:
Ensure Compliance: Contractors must adhere to local, state, and industry standards, ensuring safe and high-quality work.
Protect Consumers: Provides financial protection for clients if the contractor fails to fulfill their contractual obligations or performs substandard work.
Promote Accountability: Holds contractors accountable for adhering to licensing and permit laws.
By requiring the bond, the city protects homeowners and businesses from potential financial harm and ensures contractors operate ethically and professionally.
The bond is a financial guarantee that ensures contractors meet their obligations. Here’s how it works:
Bond Requirement: The city of Cleveland requires the contractor to obtain a $25,000 bond as part of the licensing process.
Protection for Clients: If the contractor violates the terms of their contract, does not follow regulations, or causes financial harm, clients can file a claim against the bond.
Surety Involvement: The surety investigates the claim and compensates the claimant for valid claims, up to the bond amount.
Reimbursement by Contractor: The contractor (principal) must reimburse the surety for any payouts made on their behalf, including additional costs like legal fees.
The cost of the bond (also known as the bond premium) is a small percentage of the bond amount, typically ranging from 1% to 5% of the total bond amount, depending on the contractor’s financial profile.
Credit Score: A higher credit score results in lower premiums (as little as 1% of the bond amount). Contractors with lower credit may pay higher rates.
Financial Stability: Business and personal financials may be reviewed by the surety to assess risk.
Bond Amount: The bond amount required for this bond is $25,000, which determines the base cost.
For a contractor with excellent credit, the bond premium could be $250–$500 per year.
Contractors with lower credit scores may pay $750–$1,250 per year.
Yes! At Swiftbonds, we specialize in providing bonds to contractors with all credit backgrounds, including those with bad credit.
Flexible Approvals: We work with contractors who have been turned down elsewhere.
Competitive Rates: Even with bad credit, we strive to secure the best rates for your situation.
No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing with no surprises.
Our underwriting team is experienced in helping contractors secure bonds quickly and affordably, even if you have credit challenges.
Complete our simple online application to get a no-obligation quote.
Provide basic business and financial information as part of the application process.
The surety will review your application and determine your eligibility.
Once approved, pay the bond premium, and you’ll receive your bond certificate.
Provide the bond to the city of Cleveland as part of your licensing process to activate your contractor license.
Fast Approvals: Many bonds are issued within 24–48 hours.
Competitive Rates: Affordable premiums tailored to your financial profile.
Expert Support: Our team is here to guide you through every step of the bonding process.
Nationwide Service: We offer bonds in all 50 states, including Ohio.
If a valid claim is filed, the surety pays the claimant up to the bond amount ($25,000). However, you (the contractor) are responsible for reimbursing the surety for the payout, plus any associated costs.
The bond is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually to maintain compliance with licensing requirements.
No, bonds are specific to the location and licensing authority that issued the requirement. You’ll need to obtain a new bond if you move or work in another jurisdiction.
At Swift Bonds, we make the bonding process fast, simple, and affordable. Whether you have excellent credit or face financial challenges, we’re here to help you secure the bond you need to grow your business and meet licensing requirements.
Click here to start your application and get a free, no-obligation quote. Let us help you take the next step in securing your HVAC and refrigeration contractor license in Cleveland, Ohio!