How to Choose a Bail Bond Company in Orange County
When your loved one is incarcerated, it's not the right time to research different types of bail bond companies. However, with all the frustrations you're going through, you shouldn't also have to worry about falling victim to fraud.
To avoid a bad outcome, here are three factors you should consider as you choose a bail bond company.
1. Certification
Your first concern should be whether the company is licensed to operate in the state. The California Department of Insurance licenses bail bond companies in Orange County and every license has a term of two years. Check to see if the company has a valid certification.
Besides corporate certification, all bail agents should have their insurance license to practice within the state.
Choosing a licensed company with licensed agents guarantees you quality service on behalf of the judicial system, professionalism, and peace of mind knowing the company follows statutes as prescribed by the law.
Besides certification, you could also look up if the company has a BBB accreditation. Companies don't need to be accredited because it's a sought-after service, but such accreditation can boost a company's reputation and doubly assure you that you'll get quality service.
2. Company Policies
State law lays down regulations that state companies must follow, for example, the payment of premiums fees on a bail bond amount which are non-refundable. However, these laws also give companies leeway to implement their policies within the law. For example, in Mississippi, a bail company may ask for additional fees to pay for court-approved electronic monitoring.
Additionally, not all bail bond companies will offer you a no-collateral (also known as an unsecured or signature) bail bond; meaning, you'll likely have to provide collateral of equal value so that the company can bail you or your loved one out. Moreover, the company may not offer a signature bond if you're not a resident, have poor credit scores, or if your case is a federal case.
Be sure to go through the company's policies to make sure you agree with their terms and conditions.
3. Convenience
A bail bond company should offer you convenience in three ways: location, payment options, and time.
Location
A local company can respond to your needs faster than out-of-state companies. In fact, the nearer the company is to the holding location, the better, as this will reduce your waiting time significantly.
Payment Options
A good bail bond company will offer you excellent value at an affordable price. If you choose a bond, you will often pay a fee of 10 percent of the bail amount plus additional fees. If you can't afford to pay this fee, some companies will offer you payment plans that are affordable and convenient, so you don't have to break the bank trying to pay bail.
Moreover, there are multiple forms of payment you can use. For example, cash, check, debit or credit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, money order, and Bitcoin. As you search for your preferred bail bond, ensure you get a payment option suitable for you.
Time
Time is of the essence when your loved one is arrested, so choose a bond company that operates 24 hours, seven days a week. 24/7 availability means you won't have to wait for opening hours or convenient times or wait needlessly for help; this is especially true for holiday arrests.
Conclusion
Paying keen attention to these four factors above, choose a local bail bond company that puts your needs first. Go for convenience, experience, and reputation; that will assure you excellent service.
For quality and professional service, contact Don's Bail Bonds today, and we'll guide you through this stressful and unfamiliar time. You can also stop by our primary office, which is located across from the Orange County Jail.
