Home Inspection Bond & License Requirements
What is a home inspection bond?
A home inspection (or inspector) bond is a type of license and permit bond that ensures a home inspector follows laws, regulations, and jurisdictional guidelines. The surety bond protects clients from unethical or unlawful behavior. If an inspector financially harms a client, the client can file a claim to pursue compensation.
Who qualifies as a home inspector?
Home inspectors are trained and certified to provide non-invasive home examinations to determine a home’s condition, often in conjunction with home sales. An inspector should observe and report the condition of a property’s plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, water, sewage, and other systems. They will also report any signs of water, fire, or insect damage that may affect the property’s value.
Get Your Home Inspection Bond:
Quick Takeaways
- A home inspection bond ensures a home inspector follows laws, regulations, and jurisdictional guidelines.
- Home inspectors are trained and certified to provide non-invasive home examinations to determine a property’s condition.
- Every state has distinct licensing and certification requirements for home inspectors.
How do home inspector bonds work?
Home inspector bonds are three-party agreements involving:
- A principal: The home inspector ultimately responsible for claims against the bond
- An obligee: The governing authority that requires the bond
- A surety: The company that issues the bond and backs it (initially) if someone files a claim
If a client makes a claim against your bond, your surety may investigate to determine if it’s valid or not. If it is, you will have the opportunity to step in and cover the damages. If you don’t (because you’re unable or unwilling), your surety will pay the claimant upfront. Later, you must reimburse them in full.
How much does a home inspector bond cost?
Several states require home inspection bonds, and requirements may vary by state. The amount you pay will depend on the amount required in your location. If you have excellent credit, you may expect to pay around 1-3% of the total bond value. If your credit is low, you may pay more.
How to Become a Home Inspector
Every state has its own home inspector license and certification requirements. To become licensed in your state, follow this general process.
- Learn your state’s licensing requirements so you know what education you need to get certified.
- Undergo required training.
- Pass your state or national home inspection exam to receive your license.
- Obtain insurance (like general liability and errors and omissions) and a surety bond.
- Start your own business or join an existing one.
How to Get a Home Inspection Bond
We can help you find the right surety bond for your home inspection business. ZipBonds offers the fastest and most secure option for getting bonded. Our all-digital platform is intuitive and straightforward. Apply online or call us at 888-435-4191 to speak with an agent directly.
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.