Written by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Updated March 2026
Warning: If you cosign a bail bond, you are financially responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant doesn't show up to court. This is serious — understand the risks before you sign.
What Does Cosigning Mean?
When you cosign (also called being the "indemnitor"), you're telling the bail bond company: "I guarantee this person will go to all their court dates. If they don't, I'll cover the full bail amount."
What You're Responsible For
- The 10% premium — This is non-refundable and your direct cost.
- The FULL bail amount — If the defendant skips court, you owe the bondsman the entire bail (potentially $5,000, $10,000, $50,000+)
- Recovery costs — If the bondsman has to hire a fugitive recovery agent to find the defendant, those costs come out of your pocket too
- Collateral — If you pledged a car title, property, or other assets, you could lose them
How to Protect Yourself
- Only cosign for people you truly trust — If there's any doubt they'll skip court, don't sign.
- Stay in communication — Know when their court dates are. Drive them if you have to.
- Understand your right to surrender — As a cosigner, you can request the bondsman surrender the defendant back to jail if you believe they're going to flee. This protects you financially.
- Keep copies of everything — The bail bond agreement, court dates, the defendant's contact information.
Can You Get Off the Bond?
Yes, but it's not simple. You can ask the bondsman to surrender the defendant to custody. This cancels the bond and removes your liability — but it puts the defendant back in jail. It's a last resort, but it exists to protect cosigners from financial ruin.