Bonds and UndertakingsAdmitted Surety Insurers
Section § 995.610
Section § 995.620
This section allows multiple insurance companies that are approved to provide surety bonds to collectively cover the total bond amount needed. Each company is responsible for the portion of the bond they agree to cover, but they can also be held accountable for the whole amount if required.
Section § 995.630
If a surety company that's officially recognized issues a bond, the court automatically accepts it if the bond is signed under penalty of perjury or acknowledged officially. The surety must meet either of two conditions: filing proof of authority in the relevant county clerk's office or attaching a power of attorney to the bond.
Section § 995.640
This law says that if you request it, the county clerk must issue certificates about certain details of surety insurers. Firstly, they can confirm whether a surety is allowed to operate or if their permission has been revoked or any changes have been made to their status. They get this information from the Department of Insurance. Secondly, they can verify whether documents like power of attorney or other important records for a surety bond holder are on file and valid.
Section § 995.650
If someone thinks that a surety insurance company, which guarantees another's obligations, isn't strong enough or sufficient, they need to provide proof. This could be a certificate from the county clerk showing the insurer isn't officially admitted or their authority has issues, like being canceled or suspended. Alternatively, they could submit a sworn statement explaining why the insurer isn't adequate.
Section § 995.660
If there's a challenge to the legitimacy of an insurance company acting as a surety (a party that ensures obligations are met) on a bond, specific documents need to be given to the court. These include proof of authorization for those who signed the bond and certificates showing the insurer's authority and financial health. These documents should be submitted within 10 days of a request. If everything checks out, the bond is considered valid, provided the company is legally allowed to operate in California and has enough assets to cover its promises.
Section § 995.670
This section dictates that when a bond is given as security for a government-related requirement, a public agency cannot impose additional demands on an admitted surety insurer beyond what's stated in another specific section, 995.660, if there are objections to the insurer's adequacy or if the bond needs approval. It also clarifies that 'public agency' includes various state and local government entities.