If you have ever found yourself in need of a bail bondsman than you may have surely come across some adds in a phonebook or online indicating rates varying from 3% to 10%. In your haste you may have called that company’s advertisement claiming to offer bail for 3% and no more. After you call you find out that you have been bated into calling someone offering not 3% in total but 3% down.

Maybe this is the scenario you have been faced. You go down to the local jail to check on a loved one who is being held and come across a shady character lingering around the entrance and as you approach the individual ask you if need a bail bondsman and he or she offers a bail bond for as little as 5%.

“WOW” sounds like a good deal!

Buyer beware!

Bail is regulated in all states that offer private bail service. In order to sale bail bonds one must be a licensed bail agent and must stick to the legal rates that are offered in that state.

Here in California the legal bail bond percentage rate is 10% and under some circumstances one may qualify for a rebate of 20%, reducing the bail bond premium percentage to 8%.

So how do these characters offer bail bonds for as low as 5%?

Often when you come across that shady character pushing that low percentage rates you’re not even talking to a licensed bail agent but in fact you’re talking to someone who has been hired by shady bail bonding company to illegally solicit.

Even worse the individual you may be speaking maybe nothing more than a criminal trying to trick you into giving them your money with no bail bond in return.

Work with someone you can trust!

You may have heard the line, “If it sounds too good to be true than it probably is”, this line holds true in every aspect of life and it’s no different in searching for a bail bondsman.

If you ever find yourself in need of a bail bondsman and don’t have the means to pay the full 10%, don’t fret, many legitimate bail bonding companies will offer you an interest free payment plan for the legal amount.

What to ask for when talking with whom you believe to be a bail bondsman

1. Ask to see the person’s state issued license.
2. Check to see if the company the agent works for is a Better Business Bureau approved company.
3. Have the agent thoroughly explain the bail bonding process and cost of the bail bond.
4. Make sure the agent gives you copies of all the paperwork you have signed.

Verified by MonsterInsights