Indiana school bus driver contract bonds.
From $100.

When you contract to transport children for an Indiana school corporation, IC 20-27-5-28 requires a surety bond conditioned on faithful performance of the contract. The school governing body sets the amount; we price it at 1.5% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, with one soft credit pull that never affects your score.

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Required for a school transportation or fleet contract under IC 20-27-5-28

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Amount is set by the school corporation governing body in your contract — there is no single statewide figure

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Soft credit pull only — never a hard inquiry, never affects your score; pricing runs 1.5% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum

1.5% of bond amount$100 minimum premiumSoft pullnever a hard inquiryFastissued the moment you pay

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How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

Your transportation contract is waiting on this bond. Here's the whole process — the only extra step is a one-time soft credit pull:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your details, the school name and route, and the bond amount the governing body specified — plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. That is the application.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The credit check is a soft pull that never affects your score. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

WHEN YOU PAY

File with the school corporation

Pay online and receive the executed bond, ready to file with the school corporation before your transportation contract begins. Wet-ink original mailed on request.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the bond actually guarantees

Indiana school corporations transport students under written transportation contracts governed by IC 20-27-5. A driver or fleet contractor operating such a contract must furnish a surety bond conditioned on faithful performance of the contract under IC 20-27-5-28.

It is a three-party arrangement: you (the principal), the surety carrier, and the school corporation (the obligee). If you fail to perform the transportation contract — abandoning a route mid-term, or breaching the safety and service terms the State School Bus Committee folds into every contract — the school corporation can recover its loss against the bond.

The amount is set by the school governing body, not by a statewide schedule — it appears in your contract or bid documents. The form captures the school name, county, term, and route so the executed bond matches your contract. We issue whatever amount the board specified, priced from $100 with a quick soft credit check that never affects your score.

IC 20-27-5-28 (School Transportation; Transportation Contracts)Indiana Code 20-27-5-28 requires a school bus driver or fleet contractor operating a transportation or fleet contract to furnish a surety bond conditioned on faithful performance of the contract, with the school corporation governing body specifying the amount of the bond. The safety and service provisions of Indiana statutes and the rules of the State School Bus Committee are made part of the contract by reference. Confirm the amount your governing body set on your contract or bid documents.

You need this bond if you are

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An owner-operator awarded a school bus driver contract by an Indiana school corporation

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A fleet contractor operating a fleet transportation contract for a school corporation

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Bidding on a route that conditions the award on furnishing a performance bond

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Renewing a transportation contract for a new school term that requires a fresh bond

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including the school and route details and a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Submit once and your bond follows after a quick review.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Indiana school bus driver bond?Pricing is variable — it depends on the bond amount your school governing body set, priced at 1.5% of the bond amount with a $100 minimum. There is no statewide figure for the amount itself. Your exact price appears at the application.

Who sets the bond amount?The school corporation governing body. Under IC 20-27-5-28 the bond is conditioned on faithful performance of the transportation contract, and the governing body specifies the amount in the contract or bid documents.

What does the bond guarantee?Faithful performance of your school transportation contract — running the route as agreed and following the safety and service rules the State School Bus Committee makes part of the contract. If you fail to perform and the school corporation is harmed, it can claim against the bond; if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

Is there a credit check?Yes — a quick soft credit check may apply. It is never a hard inquiry and never affects your score. Pricing runs 1.5% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum, regardless of credit tier.

When does it renew?The bond runs with your transportation contract, typically by school term. You can buy a 1, 2, or 3-year term; we send renewal notices 60 and 30 days out, with autopay available, so the bond stays in force for the life of the contract.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

Related bonds

Other Indiana bonds.

Your transportation contract is waiting on one document.

From $100, short application, one soft credit check that never affects your score. Enter the amount your governing body set and file the same day.

Start application

Your premiumfrom $100

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