California Performance & Payment Bonds
What these bonds are
A performance bond guarantees you complete the contract; a payment bond guarantees you pay your subcontractors and suppliers. In California, they almost always travel together on construction work — especially public projects — and they protect the project owner and the people below you on the job, not you.
When California requires them
On California public works, the awarding board or state agency requires both bonds by statute. Private owners and general contractors often require them by contract on larger jobs.
- Bakersfield Street Permit Performance and Labor & Materials Bonds
- California Public Works Payment Bond
- California Public Works Performance Bond
- Chula Vista Grading / Subdivision Improvement Performance Bond
- Fresno County Road Encroachment Permit Bond
- Huntington Beach Deferred Public Improvement Bond
- Los Angeles B-Permit Improvement Security Bond
- Los Angeles County Subdivision Improvement Bonds
- Sacramento County Street Improvement Bond
- San Diego Public Right-of-Way / Grading Performance Bond
- San Diego Subdivision Improvement Agreement Bond
- San Francisco Public Work Performance and Payment Bond
- San Jose Encroachment Performance and Labor & Materials Bonds
- San Jose Tract / Subdivision Public Improvement Bond
- Santa Clarita Subdivision Improvement Faithful Performance Bond
- Visalia Encroachment Performance and Maintenance Bonds
How underwriting works
Unlike a license or permit bond, a performance or payment bond is underwritten around a specific project. The surety looks at your financial statements, your work program and track record, and your single-job and aggregate capacity. There is no instant button — you request a quote and a licensed producer works the file with you.
Request a bond quote
Tell us about the bond and the project. A licensed producer follows up — these bonds are individually underwritten, so they are not issued instantly.
Frequently asked questions
- What are California performance & payment bonds?
- A performance bond guarantees you complete the contract; a payment bond guarantees you pay your subcontractors and suppliers. In California, they almost always travel together on construction work — especially public projects — and they protect the project owner and the people below you on the job, not you.
- When does California require a performance or payment bond?
- On California public works, the awarding board or state agency requires both bonds by statute. Private owners and general contractors often require them by contract on larger jobs.
- How do I get a performance and payment bond in California?
- Request a quote with your project and company details. These bonds are individually underwritten, so a licensed producer follows up — they are not issued from an instant portal.
- How is the bond underwritten?
- The surety reviews your financial statements, your work program and experience, and your single-job and aggregate capacity. Stronger financials and relevant experience generally mean easier approval and better terms.
- Is this bond insurance for me?
- No. It protects the obligee and the people on the job — not you. If a valid claim is paid, you repay the surety.
- Who is Wexford Bonds?
- Wexford Bonds is the surety bond brand of Wexford Insurance, LLC, licensed in 48 states. We write California contract surety bonds.
