·5 min read

CNA Surety for Independent Agents

One of the largest surety bond providers in the United States. Here is how independent agents access CNA Surety contract and commercial bonds through IPA.

Why Surety Bonds Matter for Commercial Agents

Most independent agents think of their commercial book as property, liability, auto, and workers' comp. But there is a product category that your contractor clients need constantly — and that many agents refer out rather than handle themselves: surety bonds.

When you refer a bond, you often lose the relationship. A competitor who can handle the bond in-house becomes the agent of record for the entire account. Through IPA's access to CNA Surety, you can be that agent — keeping your commercial clients whole rather than fragmenting their coverage.

Bond Products Available Through IPA

Contract Bonds

Contract bonds are required in most public construction projects and many private contracts. CNA Surety offers the full suite:

  • Bid Bonds: Guarantee that a contractor will honor their bid if selected. Required for most government construction bids.
  • Performance Bonds: Guarantee that a contractor will complete the project per contract terms. Required on public projects and many private contracts.
  • Payment Bonds: Guarantee that subcontractors and suppliers will be paid. Required on federal projects over $150,000 (Miller Act) and on most state projects.
  • Maintenance Bonds: Guarantee the quality of completed work for a specified period after project completion.

Commercial Bonds

Commercial bonds cover a wide range of licensing, regulatory, and court requirements:

  • License and Permit Bonds: Required by states and municipalities for contractors, auto dealers, mortgage brokers, and hundreds of other licensed businesses.
  • Court Bonds: Appeal bonds, injunction bonds, guardianship bonds, and executor bonds required by courts.
  • Customs Bonds: Required by U.S. Customs for importers and freight brokers.
  • Notary Bonds: Required for notary public commissions in most states.

Fidelity Bonds

  • Employee Dishonesty Bonds: Protection against theft by employees — often required by clients before a contractor can work on their premises.
  • ERISA Bonds: Required by federal law for those who handle retirement plan funds.
  • Financial Institution Bonds: Specialized fidelity coverage for banks and financial firms.

CNA Surety's Market Position

CNA Surety is one of the largest surety companies in the United States, with an A-rated (Excellent) AM Best rating and the financial strength of CNA Financial Corporation behind it. For clients who need bonds on large public contracts, carrier financial strength matters — bond obligees often require bonds from carriers with specific AM Best ratings.

Getting Surety Access Through IPA

Surety is a specialized market that requires its own relationships and underwriting expertise. Through IPA, you get:

  • Access to CNA Surety's bond products without a separate surety appointment
  • Support from IPA on surety underwriting and submission requirements
  • Ability to keep contractor and commercial clients whole — bonds plus insurance
  • Access to both small commercial bonds and larger contract bond capacity

Ready to Add Surety to Your Commercial Lineup?

If you are writing contractors and commercial accounts but referring out the bond business, you are leaving part of every account on the table. Book a discovery call with IPA and we will walk you through how to keep surety bonds in-house and retain more of your commercial clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I offer surety bonds as an independent agent through IPA?+
Through IPA's relationship with CNA Surety, you can offer contract and commercial bonds to your clients without a separate surety appointment. IPA manages the surety relationship and you bring the client. This is particularly valuable because surety bonds are often required by the same clients who need commercial property and liability coverage — keeping more of the account in one place.
What types of bonds does CNA Surety offer?+
CNA Surety offers contract bonds (bid bonds, performance bonds, payment bonds), commercial bonds (license and permit bonds, court bonds, notary bonds, customs bonds), fidelity bonds (employee dishonesty, commercial crime), and financial institution bonds. They cover both small and large bonding needs across most states.
Why should commercial agents care about surety bonds?+
Contractors — one of the most common small commercial client types — almost always need bonds. If you can't provide the bond, a competitor who can will often get the entire account. Surety bonds are a retention tool as much as a product. Offering bonds through CNA Surety via IPA means you keep the whole account instead of splitting it.
How large of bonds can CNA Surety write?+
CNA Surety is one of the largest surety companies in the country and can write significant bond amounts. For contract bonds, capacity depends on the contractor's financial strength and experience. For commercial bonds, most standard license and permit bonds are straightforward. Through IPA, we can assess what bond size and type fits your client's situation.

Related Articles

CNA Insurance for Independent Agents

Full commercial lines and specialty coverage from the parent CNA organization.

The Hartford for Independent Agents

Strong commercial lines carrier actively competing for new business.

Book a Discovery Call

Learn how IPA carrier access and surety access works for your agency.

Ready to Build Your Independent Agency?

IPA gives you direct carrier access, book ownership, and the tools to grow — without quotas or hidden fees.

Book a Discovery Call →Apply Now