Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agent Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain an Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agent Bond

At a Glance:

• Lowest Cost: $100 per year or $10 per month
• Bond Amount: $1,000
• Who Needs it: All Alabama individuals and businesses that issue hunting and fishing licenses
• Purpose: To ensure the agent’s county probate judge or license commissioner receive compensation if the agent fails to remit all licensing fees
• Who Regulates Hunting and Fishing Special Agents in Alabama: The agent’s county probate judge or license commissioner

Background

Alabama Statute 9-11-38 requires all hunting and fishing special agents operating in the state to become appointed with their county probate judge or license commissioner. The Alabama legislature enacted the appointment requirement to ensure that agents remit all licensing fees collected to the proper authorities. To provide financial security for the enforcement of the appointment requirement, hunting and fishing special agents must purchase and maintain a $1,000 surety bond to be eligible for appointment.

What is the Purpose of the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agent Surety Bond?

Alabama requires all sellers of hunting and fishing equipment to purchase a surety bond as part of the application process to become appointed as a special agent. The bond ensures that the agent’s county probate judge or license commissioner will receive compensation for financial harm if the agent fails to comply with the regulations set forth in Alabama statute 9-11-42. Specifically, the bond protects the probate judge or license commissioner in the event the agent fails to maintain licensing records or does not remit all required fees. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the county probate judge or license commissioner if the special agent break licensing laws.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain an Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agent Surety Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining an Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agent bond easy. Simply log in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “special agent” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Gain access now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone at (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.

At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.

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Is a Credit Check Required for the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agent Bond?

No, a credit check is not required for the bond. Because the bond is considered relatively low risk, the same low rate is offered to all Alabama special agents, regardless of their credit history.

How Much Does the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agent Bond Cost?

The Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agent Bond cost just $100 per year or $10 per month.

Who is Required to Purchase the Bond?

Alabama requires all hunting and fishing special agents to purchase a $1,000 surety bond before obtaining a license. To paraphrase Alabama statute 9-11-38, a hunting and fishing special agent is any individual or business entity that issues Alabama hunting and fishing licenses. The agent must sell hunting and fishing equipment to be eligible for licensure.

BondExchange now offers monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions for surety bonds. Your customers are able to purchase their bonds on a monthly basis and cancel them anytime. Learn more here.

How do Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agents Obtain Their Appointment?

Hunting and fishing special agents in Alabama must navigate several steps to become appointed. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should contact the office of their local county probate or license commissioner for details on the process.

Step 1 – Purchase a Surety Bond

Hunting and Fishing Special Agents must purchase and maintain a $1,000 surety bond.

Step 2 – Complete the Application

Agents should contact their county probate judge or licensing commissioner to obtain an application to become appointed as a special agent. All Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agent applications must be completed in writing. Agents must submit all required documents and pay all applicable fees when submitting their applications.

How Do Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agents File Their Bond?

Hunting and fishing special agents should submit their completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to their county probate judge or license commissioner. The surety bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and from the special agent. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• The legal name of entity/individual(s) buying the bond
• Surety company’s name and state of incorporation
• Name of the obligee
• Bond amount
• Date the bond goes into effect
• Date the bond is signed

What Can Alabama’s Hunting and Fishing Special Agents Do to Avoid Claims Against Their Bonds?

To avoid claims on their bond, special agents in Alabama must ensure that they:

• Keep track of license records
• Pay all funds owed to their county probate judge or license commissioner

What Other Insurance Products Can Insurance Agents Offer Special Agents in Alabama?

Alabama does not require hunting and fishing special agents to purchase liability insurance as a prerequisite to obtaining their special agent appointment. However, most reputable agents will purchase this insurance anyway. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue liability insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.

How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for Alabama Hunting and Fishing Special Agent Customers?

Alabama conveniently provides a public database to search for active hunting and fishing special agents in the state. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.