Not in Maryland? Browse bonds by state

Maryland home improvement bonds.
$1,750 flat.

Maryland's Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) lets a contractor file a $100,000 surety bond in lieu of financial statements when applying or renewing. Ours is $1,750 flat — set by our carrier's rate book for this bond, the same for every contractor.

✓
Filed with the MHIC in lieu of financial statements — the $100,000 option under the Home Improvement Law
✓
Fixed amount, fixed price — $100,000 bond, $1,750, no quote theater
✓
The application collects no credit information, and the price is the same for every applicant
A-ratedA.M. Best carriersInstantissued the moment you pay2-yr termset by the carrier
Trusted by industry leaders
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
How it works

Three steps to licensed.

Your MHIC application or renewal is waiting on this bond. Here's the entire process — no broker phone tag:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply once, online

Business details, owner information, effective date.

INSTANTLY

Approved

Approved as soon as you apply. There is no underwriting queue.

WHEN YOU PAY

E-sign & file with the MHIC

Pay online and receive the executed Maryland Home Improvement Contractor’s Bond, ready to file with your MHIC application or renewal. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the Commission insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the bond actually guarantees

Maryland licenses home improvement contractors through the Home Improvement Commission under the Business Regulation Article. The Commission requires each contractor to demonstrate financial solvency — and a contractor who would rather not submit financial statements can instead file a $100,000 surety bond.

The bond runs for the benefit of the Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. The Fund compensates homeowners for losses from unworkmanlike, inadequate, or incomplete home improvement work by a licensed contractor. If the Fund pays out because of your work, it can recover against your bond.

It is not insurance for you — if the surety pays a claim, you repay the surety. Note the $100,000 bond is the larger of two options: contractors who do provide financial statements may instead qualify for a smaller bond. Confirm with the MHIC which path your application takes, and we'll write the right one.

Business Regulation Article, Title 8 (MHIC)Maryland home improvement contractors are licensed by the Home Improvement Commission under the Business Regulation Article, Title 8. A contractor who does not submit financial statements may file a $100,000 surety bond in lieu of that proof; the bond runs for the benefit of the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. A smaller bond option may apply to contractors who do provide financial statements — confirm your required amount with the MHIC.

You need this bond if you're

✓
Applying for an MHIC contractor license and using the bond in lieu of financial statements
✓
Renewing an MHIC license and your current bond is expiring or non-renewing
✓
A contractor who prefers a bond over filing personal or business financials with the state
✓
Reinstating a license that lapsed and now needs the bond on file

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields. Submit once and your bond is issued when you pay.

Start the application →
FAQ

Common questions.

Do I pay the $100,000?No. You pay $1,750 — the flat premium set by our carrier's rate book for this bond. The $100,000 is the surety's maximum exposure for the benefit of the Guaranty Fund; it's not a deposit, and nobody holds your money.
Why is it $100,000?The $100,000 bond is the amount the MHIC accepts in lieu of financial statements. If you instead provide financials, a smaller bond may apply. Confirm with the Commission which option your application uses and we will issue the matching amount.
What does the bond guarantee?It runs for the benefit of the Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund, which compensates homeowners for unworkmanlike, inadequate, or incomplete home improvement work. If the Fund pays because of your work, it can recover against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety.
Is there a credit check?It informs approval, not price. The premium is $1,750 flat either way: credit can affect whether we approve the bond, never what it costs.
When does it renew?The term is 2 years, set by the carrier. We send renewal notices ahead of expiration, with autopay available, and the bond must stay active for your MHIC license to stay valid.
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 Maryland bonds.

The MHIC is waiting on one document.

$1,750 flat, no credit review, bond issued when you pay. Free until issued.

Your price$1,750
Apply now →