Financing Your Bail Bond
One good thing about bail bonds is they usually offer very flexible
financing plans. They are most willing to work with you or
most anyone that will co-sign on your behalf if you do not have security or decent
credit.
Most bonding agencies realize that many times of cost of the bond is
more money than people have at hand. That is why most of them are able to
offer quite flexible financing and payment plan options. In some
cases they are able to offer 0 collateral bail bonds.
The bond agency usually wont accept a check. They do accept credit cards.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover. They of course accept cash
and money orders and wire transfers of funds. These forms of payment
do not have to be from the arrested person, only a person willing to
put up the payment.
Some not all bail bond agencies will work out an installment payment plan
if they feel the person applying is credit worthy. They may or may not
charge additional fees for financing. Many advertise they will try to
work with you on a payment plan that you can afford in your budget.
If they offer a 0 collateral bail bond to qualified applicants they
usually just have them sign a promissory note. Again this is for
the person arrested or anyone that is willing to step forward
and take financial responsibility. Make sure you fully understand
what you are doing when you are financing your bail bond. Your bail
bondsman becomes an indemnitor and with that comes the burden of
financial responsibility.
If you do not have good credit or are a homeowner you will probably not qualify
for the bond agencies own financing. They will suggest to you that you ask
a family member or friend to co sign on your behalf.
The bail bond company will consider factors before granting financing. They will
require information on your residence in the State or County, employment, credit
rating, and the type of crime and similar factors. They are usually much more
flexible than a bank so far as granting credit, but they will not extend credit for
a bail bond unless you meet their minimal criteria or you have a friend or relative that
can qualify.
They are better able to approve credit if there is a credit history (versus no credit). If you pay
your bills on time even rent and or utilities these on time payments can be taken into
consideration whether to give approval or not. The bond agency is usually able to determine
your ability to qualify for financing in a matter of minutes.
Most bail bonds companies know that people are facing a difficult time. They are usually
understanding and willing to work with your circumstances and to help you get the
bail bond you need. Financing your bail bond can be a relatively easy process
as most bondsmen are quite experienced and will tell you where you stand. Getting
information from a bondsman is easier than a bank who turns you down for a loan, and just
sends a form letter of denial.
Do not have fear asking for help in financing your bail bond. It is almost expected.