Business insurance

Performance Bonds

A performance bond addresses a contractor's obligations to the project owner under the bonded contract. It is not a warranty that every project disagreement will be paid in cash.

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A practical comparison guide

Match the document to the obligation

Review the contract, bond form, penal sum and notice provisions together. Identify who can declare default and what steps the obligee must take. Ask how contract amendments, schedule changes and subcontracting affect the bond. Keep the executed contract and issued bond accessible throughout the project.

Performance Bonds planning illustration

Questions to bring to the discussion

Before requesting terms, identify the party requiring the bond, the exact obligation and the approved form. Ask about underwriting information, indemnity commitments, collateral if applicable, and how cancellation or release works. Keep written confirmation of acceptance. A quotation, application or payment receipt is not the same as an issued and accepted bond.

Prepare these details

  • Executed or proposed contract
  • Project schedule and value
  • Bond form and obligee
  • Work-in-progress and financial statements

Use current documents. If a detail is uncertain, identify it for the provider instead of guessing.

Your questions, answered

Is a performance bond the same as liability insurance?

No. A bond supports a specified contractual obligation to the obligee. Liability insurance addresses insured claims under its policy wording. A construction project may require both, and one certificate cannot replace the other.

What affects the terms I can obtain?

For a bond, the obligation, financial position, experience and required wording are part of the discussion. Ask for all costs and indemnity requirements before proceeding. Acceptance is subject to the surety and obligee.

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Insurance Genie helps you prepare an insurance enquiry. A participating licensed professional must confirm availability and the terms of any proposal. For legal or contractual obligations, obtain advice from the appropriate qualified adviser.

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Related guides

Further reading: Surety Association of Canada guidance. Check the current document and your own policy or bond wording. This page is general information, not an issued policy or bond.

Be prepared

Bond claim scenarios

Hypothetical situations to help you prepare questions—not actual client claims or promises of coverage.

Illustration: an obligation is disputed

An obligation is disputed

Scenario: The party protected by a bond alleges the principal failed to meet the bonded obligation.

What happens next: Review the specific bond and contract before action. The surety investigates the claim and the parties’ compliance; payment is not automatic.

Illustration: notice must be given

Notice must be given

Scenario: A potential claimant needs to notify the surety.

What happens next: Check who may claim, required documents, notice method and deadlines in the actual bond. Different bond forms have different requirements.

Illustration: a claim is investigated

A claim is investigated

Scenario: The surety requests supporting records.

What happens next: Provide the relevant contract, correspondence and evidence. Indemnity obligations may allow recovery from the principal or indemnitors.

Actual outcomes depend on the facts and applicable wording. Read claims guidance · Ask about the next step