Virginia Special Game Warden Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a Virginia Special Game Warden bond (otherwise known as a Conservation Police or Public Official bond).

At a Glance:

• Lowest Cost: $100 per year or $10 a month
• Bond Amount: $1,000
• Who Needs It: All special game wardens commissioned for office in Virginia
• Purpose: To protect the public from financial harm if the special game warden commits fraud or otherwise abuses their position of power
• Who Regulates Special Game Wardens in Virginia: The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Background

Virginia Code 29.1-201 requires all special game wardens commissioned for office to obtain a surety bond before being sworn in for their official term. The Virginia Legislature enacted the surety bond requirement to ensure that special game wardens do not abuse their position of power. To provide financial security for enforcing such laws, special game wardens must purchase and maintain a surety bond to be eligible for their appointed position.

What Is the Purpose of the Virginia Special Game Warden Bond?

Virginia Code 29.1-201 requires all special game wardens commissioned by the director of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to purchase a surety bond as part of the process of being sworn into office. The bond ensures that restitution is available to any damaged party should the special game warden fail to abide by the regulations outlined in the Virginia Code Title 29.1, Chapter 2. Specifically, the bond protects claimants if the special game warden commits fraud or otherwise abuses their position of power. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the special game warden violates the terms surrounding their commissioned position.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a Virginia Special Game Warden Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining a Virginia Special Game Warden bond easy. Simply log in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “special game warden” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Enroll now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (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 Virginia Special Game Warden Bond?

No, a credit check is not required for the Virginia Special Game Warden bond. Because the bond is considered relatively low risk, the same rate is offered to all special game wardens in Virginia regardless of their credit history.

How Much Does the Virginia Special Game Warden Bond Cost?

The Virginia Special Game Warden bond costs just $100 per year or $10 per month.

How Does Virginia Define “Special Game Warden”?

To paraphrase Virginia Code 29.1-100, a special game warden (otherwise referred to as a conservation police officer) is an enforcer of hunting and fishing laws, as well as an enforcer of the preservation and conservation of Virginia wildlife. Special game wardens are game wardens who have previously honorably retired but have come back on the job after being commissioned by the director of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

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 Special Game Wardens Become Appointed in Virginia?

Special game wardens must navigate several steps to obtain a commission for office by the director of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should refer to the Department’s Conservation Police Officer Recruiting Information webpage for further details on the process.

Step 1 – Purchase Surety Bond

Special game wardens in Virginia must purchase and maintain a $1,000 surety bond for the entirety of their commission term.

Step 2 – Complete Commission Application

Applications for a commission as a special game warden are provided by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. In addition, applicants must pass the initial screening, a physical agility course, a written test, a polygraph examination, a background investigation, a panel interview, a medical screening, and a psychological screening.

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Special Game Wardens in Virginia?

Virginia does not require special game wardens to purchase any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to obtaining a license. Special game wardens must purchase and maintain a $1,000 surety bond.

How Do Special Game Wardens in Virginia File Their Bonds?

Virginia special game wardens should submit their completed bond forms, including a power of attorney, when submitting their commission applications to the Department of Wildlife Resources(see the mailing address listed below).

        Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
        P.O. Box 90778
        Henrico, VA 23228

The surety bond requires signatures from the surety company, as well as the special game warden. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• The legal name of the individual buying the bond
• Surety company’s name 
• Date the bond is signed

What Can Virginia Special Game Wardens Do to Avoid a Claim Against Their Surety Bond?

To avoid claims against their bonds, Virginia special game wardens must follow all regulations regarding their commission position, including some of the most important issues below that tend to cause claims:

• Misrepresentation
• Negligence
• Misfeasance
• Malfeasance
• Fraud

What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Special Game Wardens in Virginia?

Most reputable special game wardens will purchase some kind of liability insurance for their elected office. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue any other types of 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 Special Game Warden Customers in Virginia?

Unfortunately, Virginia does not provide a public list of active special game wardens in the state. We suggest contacting the Department of Wildlife Resources here to obtain a list of commissioned special game wardens. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.