Owning a bail bond company can be lucrative. However, the path to ownership can be daunting. In Georgia, candidates must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen. In addition, one must have at least a year’s residency in the state. Most states require bail bondsmen to have a clean criminal record. Georgia does not accept candidates with felony convictions. Additionally, the person must not have convictions for crimes of moral turpitude. These crimes include forgery and robbery.
Basically, those who offer a Bail Bond in Douglasville GA must have good character. Likewise, a positive financial history is important. In fact, the Insurance Commissioner regulates bondsman in Georgia. This is because they are considered insurance agents. Companies, like Free At Last Bail Bonds, are literally financial institutions. There is a lot of money involved and risk as well. The bonding business depends on the owner knowing what people to take a risk on. Many bonding professionals recommend some training in finance and law. In fact, some Georgia counties require that bondsmen take a criminal justice class.
All candidates must complete the Georgia Property and Casualty Pre-Licensing course. This 40-hour course focuses on contract and insurance law. Afterward, one must pass the two-hour insurance exam. Those with a score of 70 or more may apply for a license. The application fee is $115 for a two-year license. Bonding companies are also regulated by the county sheriff. For instance, Douglas County’s sheriff oversees a Bail Bond in Douglasville GA. The sheriff makes sure bonding companies follow the law. Bonding companies can charge up to 12 percent for bonds of $10,000 or less. On the other hand, the charge is 15 percent for bonds of more than $10,000.
Individuals with a new license should work for an existing firm. On-the-job training is the best kind. Take the time to make contacts within the Sheriff’s Department and insurance industry. Finally, bondsmen must take eight hours of continuing education annually. This helps them stay on top of what is going on in the bail bonding industry. Learn the trade and hopefully you’ll be ready to open your own shop one day.
