Marshal Bond (Indemnity to Sheriff Bond)
What is a marshal bond?
A marshal bond, or indemnity to sheriff bond, protects law enforcement agencies while carrying out court orders to seize someone’s property.
The plaintiff in a case may need this bond to protect the law enforcement agency acting on their behalf. When law enforcement seizes or repossesses a defendant’s property, the bond covers any liability incurred if the defendant’s property is damaged and they press charges. The plaintiff must obtain this bond because they are the party in the dispute wanting to seize or repossess the property.
This bond goes by various names:
- Indemnity to sheriff bond
- Sheriff’s bond
- Marshal bond
Here’s an example…
Let’s say someone (the defendant) owes someone else (the plaintiff) a large sum of money they can’t pay. The defendant, however, owns a valuable art piece that the local sheriff was ordered to seize on behalf of the plaintiff. The plaintiff must obtain a bond before the seizure to protect the sheriff’s office if the artwork is damaged while moving it.
Get Your Marshal Bond:
Quick Takeaways
- A marshal bond protects law enforcement agencies while they’re seizing property.
- The court may order the plaintiff in a property dispute to obtain this bond before they’re allowed to proceed with a property seizure.
- You must obtain a marshal bond in the amount ordered by the court, which is often twice the judgment amount.
Who needs an indemnity to sheriff bond?
The court may order the plaintiff in a property dispute to obtain this bond before they’re allowed to proceed with a property seizure. If you need this bond, it’s critical to purchase it immediately – or the seizure can’t progress. By posting this bond, you’re protecting the sheriff, marshal, or law enforcement agency charged with seizing the property – in case any damages result.
How does a marshal bond work?
A marshal bond is a three-party agreement between a principal, an obligee, and a surety.
- Principal: The plaintiff in the case is responsible for obtaining the bond and covering any costs associated with legal action against law enforcement.
- Obligee: The law enforcement officers are the bond beneficiaries. The bond protects them during property seizure.
- Surety: The surety is the financial company that issues the bond and guarantees payment for valid claims.
A court order requiring local law enforcement to seize property on behalf of a plaintiff must be lawfully executed to obtain the funds needed to satisfy payment. If the defendant, who previously owned the property, takes legal action against law enforcement for damages incurred during the seizure, the bond offers financial protection.
This court bond also protects law enforcement if the plaintiff fails to fulfill their contractual obligations. For example, if the plaintiff fails to pay for the total cost of labor or services to conduct the seizure, law enforcement can file a claim for reimbursement for their losses.
How much does a marshal bond cost?
You must obtain a marshal bond in the amount ordered by the court. This amount is often twice the judgment amount. You will then pay around 1-5% (on average) for your bond. Generally, the higher your credit score is, the less your premium will cost.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get this bond with bad credit?
If you have a low credit score, you may still be able to get a marshal bond. We look at each application individually to determine the risk involved in issuing various court bonds.
Apply for Your Indemnity to Sheriff Bond Today
To complete your indemnity to sheriff bond application, you must submit a copy of your court order and financial information. You can apply online or over the phone with one of our agents. If you have any questions along the way, call us at (888) 435-4191. We’re always happy to help!
About ZipBonds.com
Founders Ryan Swalve and Zach Mefferd formed the vision for ZipBonds.com when they realized how overly complicated it was to help clients place surety. The frustration of being unable to incorporate the technology they’d used in other insurance-focused projects left them thinking “there has to be a better way.”
Fast forward a couple of years, and that better way is the impetus of everything we do at ZipBonds. We constantly look for innovative ways to improve the bonding process for our clients and agents. Our team comprises individuals who understand all angles of surety – for companies, agencies, and individuals. Incorporating everyone’s point of view to improve the process while simultaneously integrating cutting-edge technology is what sets our business apart.