International Insurance Consultants

Contact: Mark Standen

Travel Bonding

Bonds

A bond is a surety. It is a promise to pay one party (the obligee) a certain amount if a second party (the principal) fails to meet some obligation, such as fulfilling the terms of a contract. The surety bond protects the obligee against losses resulting from the principal’s failure to meet the obligation.

A surety bond is a contract among at least three parties:

• The obligee - the party who is recipient of an obligation; and
• The principal - the primary party who will be performing the contractual obligation.
• The surety who assures the obligee that the principal can perform the task.

Through a surety bond, the surety agrees to uphold - for the benefit of the obligee - the contractual promises (obligations) made by the principal if the principal fails to uphold its promises to the obligee. The contract is formed so as to induce the obligee to contract with the principal, i.e. to demonstrate the credibility of the principal and guarantee performance and completion per the terms of the agreement.

The principal will pay a premium (usually annually) in exchange for the bonding company’s financial strength to extend surety credit. In the event of a claim, the surety will investigate it. If it turns out to be a valid claim, the surety will pay it.

After the payment of any claim the bonding insurance company will turn to the principal for reimbursement of the amount paid on the claim and any legal fees incurred.

If the principle defaults and the surety turns out to be insolvent, the purpose of the of the bond is rendered nugatory. Thus, the surety on a bond is usually an insurance company whose solvency is verified by private audit, government regulation or both.

ABTA Requirements

ATOL Requirements

IATA Requirements

Click on the links below to find out more information on the various industry requirements. Please also proceed to complete the online application form. This sets out the information our Underwriters will require from you to provide a bond.