Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Quick Answer: A surety bond is the most common type of bail bond. A bail bondsman (the "surety") guarantees the full bail amount to the court on behalf of the defendant. You pay the bondsman a non-refundable 10% fee. If the defendant fails to appear, the bondsman is responsible for the full bail.
How a Surety Bond Works
A surety bond involves three parties:
- The defendant — the person in jail
- The surety — the bail bondsman who guarantees the bail amount
- The court — which holds the bail as security for the defendant's appearance
You (the indemnitor) pay the bondsman 10% of the total bail. The bondsman then guarantees the full amount to the court. If bail is $20,000, you pay $2,000 and the bondsman covers the remaining $18,000.
Surety Bond vs. Cash Bond
- Surety bond: Pay 10% (non-refundable) to a bondsman who covers the rest
- Cash bond: Pay the full bail amount to the court (refundable when case ends)
Most people use surety bonds because they don't have the full bail amount available in cash.
Your Obligations as a Co-Signer
When you sign a surety bond, you agree to:
- Ensure the defendant attends all court dates
- Notify the bondsman if the defendant plans to move or travel
- Pay the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear
- Pay any recovery expenses if the bondsman must locate the defendant
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