How to File a Claim Against a Contractor's Surety Bond in California

What Is a Contractor Surety Bond?

A surety bond is a three-party agreement: the contractor (principal), the bonding company (surety), and consumers (obligees). The contractor pays premiums to the bonding company, which guarantees payment to consumers harmed by the contractor’s misconduct — up to the bond amount. The bond is not insurance for the contractor — it protects you.

What Bond Claims Can Cover

• Financial loss from defective or incomplete work
• Losses from contractor abandonment
• Property damage caused by the contractor
• Losses from contractor fraud

Step 1 — Find the Bond Information

Go to cslb.ca.gov and look up the contractor’s license. The license detail page shows the bonding company name and policy number. Verify the bond was active during the period your work was performed.

Step 2 — Contact the Bonding Company Directly

Contact the bonding company by phone or in writing to report your claim. Ask for their specific claim forms and documentation requirements. Every bonding company has slightly different procedures.

Step 3 — Submit Your Documentation

Submit your original contract, all invoices and proof of payment, photographs of defective or incomplete work, your demand letter and any contractor response, a written description of the contractor’s failure and your resulting losses, and independent repair estimates.