Is Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Legit?

Is Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Legit?
Is Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Legit? | photo courtesy | Insurance Guide

 

As you search for a trustworthy and credible surety bond provider, you may have encountered Merchants National Bonding, Inc. and questioned the legitimacy of the company.

In this article, we will answer this question and provide you with some background information, contact details, products and services, ratings and reviews, and alternatives to Merchants National Bonding, Inc.

History of Merchants National Bonding, Inc.

Merchants National Bonding, Inc. was founded in 2003 as a Nation Bonding Company and operated as a Texas-based surety bond provider.

In 2012, the National Company underwent a significant transformation by being acquired by the established Merchants Bonding Company.

This resulted in relocation to Iowa and a rebranding as Merchants National Bonding, Inc.

This strategic change not only represented a shift in ownership but also marked a crucial milestone in the company’s development, aligning it with the esteemed Merchants Bonding Company and expanding its influence in the surety bond industry.

The move to Iowa and the name change were pivotal actions contributing to the company’s continued growth and success.

The parent company, Merchants Bonding Company, has over 85 years of experience in the surety industry, dating back to its establishment by E.H.

Warner and Merle Milligan in 1933. It has maintained an “A” (excellent) or better rating from A.M. Best since 1958, demonstrating its financial strength and stability.

While Merchants National Bonding, Inc. has a shorter history, its ownership by the reputable Merchants Bonding Company speaks to its legitimacy as a surety bond provider.

Both companies now operate under the Merchants Bonding Company brand.

Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Contact Information

The headquarters of Merchants National Bonding, Inc. are located in West Des Moines, Iowa.

In addition to the main office in Iowa, the company maintains branch locations in various states across the U.S.

The contact information for the West Des Moines headquarters is:

You can also find an agent near you by entering your zip code on the website.

How does Merchants National Bonding, Inc. work?

Merchants National Bonding, Inc. operates by issuing surety bonds to individuals and businesses seeking to assure their performance, debt, or commitment to another party.

A surety bond constitutes a tripartite agreement involving the principal (the entity requiring the bond), the obligee (the entity demanding the bond), and the surety (the entity supplying the bond).

Serving as the surety, Merchants National Bonding, Inc. commits to compensating the obligee should the principal fail to fulfill the bond’s terms.

Subsequently, Merchants National Bonding, Inc. retains the right to recover the amount paid from the principal.

Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Products and Services

National Company provides an extensive array of contract and commercial surety bonds, along with fidelity bonds and specialized solutions.

The range of products and services encompasses:

  1. Contract Surety Bonds: These bonds assure the performance of a contractor in a construction project. They comprise bid bonds, performance bonds, payment bonds, and maintenance bonds.
  2. Commercial Surety Bonds: These bonds ensure the adherence of a business or individual to laws, regulations, or contracts. The categories include license and permit bonds, court bonds, probate bonds, public official bonds, and miscellaneous bonds.
  3. Fidelity Bonds: Designed to shield employers from losses resulting from dishonest or fraudulent acts by their employees, these bonds include employee dishonesty bonds, ERISA bonds, and business service bonds.
  4. Specialty Solutions: The National Company offers various tools to assist clients in obtaining or maintaining their surety bonds. These encompass the Merchants Bonding Express Program, the Merchants Bonding Leaderboard Program, the Merchants Bonding Quick Response Program, and the Merchants Bonding Specialty Underwriting Program.

Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Claim Process

National Company operates a dedicated claims department that manages claims related to contracts, commercial matters, fidelity, and notary services.

To initiate a claim, you can reach out to the claims department via phone, email, fax, or mail using the following contact details:

Alternatively, you have the option to report a claim online by completing a form on the company’s website.

This involves providing necessary details such as the bond number, principal and obligee names, claim amount, and claim particulars.

Upon submission, National Company will assess your claim and may reach out for additional information or next steps.

Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Claim Headquarters

National Company claims headquarters are located at the same address as the main office in West Des Moines, Iowa.

The claim headquarters is responsible for managing and resolving all the claims that the National Companyreceives from its clients and obligees.

Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Alternatives

If you’re exploring alternatives to National Company, you may want to consider some of the following surety bond companies:

  1. Old Republic Surety Company: Established in 1930, this national surety company provides contract, commercial, and fidelity surety bonds, along with specialty bonds and programs. It holds an “A+” (Superior) rating from A.M. Best.
  2. CNA Surety: With a history dating back to 1897, CNA Surety is a prominent surety company offering contract, commercial, and fidelity surety bonds, as well as international bonds and risk management services. It boasts an “A” (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best.
  3. Liberty Mutual Surety: Operating globally since 1912, Liberty Mutual Surety is a leading surety company offering contract, commercial, and fidelity surety bonds, along with specialty bonds and solutions. It carries an “A” (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best.

<strong&gt;Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Ratings and Reviews

National Company has garnered favorable evaluations and feedback from diverse sources, including A.M. Best, Google, and Glassdoor.

Notable ratings and reviews include:

  1. A.M. Best: CNA Surety holds an “A” (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, signifying its outstanding capacity to fulfill ongoing insurance obligations.
  2. Google: Based on 7 Google reviews, CNA Surety boasts a 4.1 out of 5 stars rating, reflecting a high level of customer satisfaction.
  3. Glassdoor: With a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from 36 Glassdoor reviews, CNA Surety is recognized for offering an excellent work environment, positive culture, and appealing benefits.

Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Customer Services

National Company features a customer service team known for their approachable and professional demeanor, poised to address any inquiries or issues you may encounter.

To reach out to the customer service team, you have the following contact options:

  • Phone: Dial (800) 678-8171.
  • Email: Send an email to info@merchantsbonding.com.
  • Online Chat: Engage with a customer service representative directly on the website by clicking on the chat icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about National Company:

How do I apply for a surety bond from Merchants National Bonding, Inc.?

To get a surety bond through Merchants National Bonding, you can find a local agent by searching on their website with your zip code.

The agent will take your details – bond type, amount, obligee, and project info and guide you through submitting the full application to obtain the bond.

 How much does a surety bond from a National Company cost?

The price of a surety bond from CNA Surety is determined by factors like bond type, amount, risk, and applicant’s credit history.

Typically, the cost is a percentage of the bond amount, varying from 1% to 15%. For instance, a $10,000 license bond at a 3% rate would cost $300.

What are the benefits of choosing National Company as my surety bond provider?

Choosing CNA Surety as your surety bond provider comes with various advantages, including:

  1. An expedited and straightforward application process devoid of hidden fees.
  2. Access to a diverse range of contract, commercial, fidelity bonds, and specialty solutions.
  3. Adoption of a practical underwriting approach, individually assessing each account and recognizing the value of business and personal net worth.
  4. First-rate service and support are provided by a dedicated and seasoned team of underwriters, claims specialists, and customer service representatives.
  5. Association with a reputable and trusted surety bond company boasting a lengthy history, robust financial standing, and high customer satisfaction.
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