West Virginia Commissioner Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a West Virginia Commissioner bond (otherwise referred to as a Public Official bond).

At a Glance:

• Lowest Cost: $100 per year or $10 a month
• Bond Amount: $1,000
• Who Needs It: All commissioners elected for office in West Virginia
• Purpose: To protect the public from financial harm if the commissioner commits fraud or otherwise abuses their position of power
• Who Regulates Commissioners in West Virginia: The West Virginia Secretary of State

Background

West Virginia Code 29-4-12 requires all commissioners elected for office to obtain a surety bond before being sworn in for their term. The West Virginia Legislature enacted the surety bond requirement to ensure that commissioners do not engage in unethical business practices. To provide financial security for enforcing such laws, commissioners must purchase and maintain a surety bond to be eligible for their elected position.

What Is the Purpose of the West Virginia Commissioner Bond?

West Virginia Code 29-4-12 requires all commissioners 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 commissioner fail to abide by the regulations outlined in the West Virginia Code Chapter 29, Article 4. Specifically, the bond protects claimants if the commissioner commits fraud or engages in unfair business practices. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the commissioner violates the terms surrounding their elected position.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a West Virginia Commissioner Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining a West Virginia Commissioner bond easy. Simply log in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “commissioner” 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 West Virginia Commissioner Bond?

No, a credit check is not required for the West Virginia Commissioner bond. Because the bond is considered relatively low risk, the same rate is offered to all commissioners in West Virginia, regardless of their credit history.

How Much Does the West Virginia Commissioner Bond Cost?

The West Virginia Commissioner bond costs just $100 per year or $10 per month.

How Does West Virginia Define “Commissioner”?

According to the West Virginia Secretary of State, commissioners develop and adopt county laws on a wide variety of topics such as public health, parks, solid waste management, roads and highways, zoning and land use. For the most part, commissioners work in or with county management to oversee the personnel system.

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.

Who Needs a Commissioner Bond in West Virginia?

In most states, many government positions require a surety bond before they may be sworn in for their elected term. The West Virginia Commissioner bond must be filed with the office of the Secretary of State before the officeholder may be officially sworn in. The surety bond will generally run concurrently with the commissioner’s term of office.

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Commissioners in West Virginia?

In most cases, West Virginia does not require public officials like commissioners to purchase any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to being sworn into office. However, commissioners must purchase and maintain a surety bond.

How Do Commissioners in West Virginia File Their Bonds?

West Virginia commissioners should submit their completed bond forms, including the power of attorney, to the office of the Secretary of State (see the mailing address listed below).

      Office of the Secretary of State
      State Capitol Building
      Charleston, WV 25305

The surety bond requires signatures from the surety company as well as the elected commissioner. 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 West Virginia Commissioners Do to Avoid a Claim Against Their Surety Bond?

To avoid claims against their bonds, West Virginia commissioners 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 Commissioners in West 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 West Virginia Commissioners Customers?

Unfortunately, West Virginia does not provide a public list of active public officials in the state. We suggest contacting the Secretary of State through this resource for a list of active public officials in the state. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.