5 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Bail Bond Company

When you need to bail someone out of jail, look for a company with years of working experience. The more experienced bail bond companies have better tactics and will help you get your loved ones out of jail faster. You should also check the company’s Better Business Bureau rating and if there are any complaints. You should also ensure that the company has insurance coverage.

Experience

A good bail bond company Allentown, PA, has extensive experience working with people in their most vulnerable time of need. This requires building trust and communicating effectively with clients, who often come to the company in high-stress or anxious situations. Besides helping individuals escape jail, some bail bond companies offer process serving and private investigations.

These services require a separate professional license. However, the skill set for these two trades overlaps, so many owners choose to offer both services. Unlike some industries, the bail bond business is relatively recession-proof. Rising per capita disposable income and declining crime rates support the demand for industry services. However, a purposeful violation of bail conditions or failure to attend court results in the forfeiture of the money used to post the bond.

Reputation

State laws heavily regulate the bail bond services industry, and owners must be able to demonstrate regulatory compliance at all times. Bail bond agents often work with various clients, including those guilty of a crime and those who don’t want to appear in court. They also have to be able to hire recovery agents, who are bounty hunters that track down fugitives.

Some bail bond companies require collateral, such as cash, jewelry, a car, or a house. Make sure to ask about the company’s collateral requirements before choosing them. Many bail bond companies offer discounts to military personnel, AAA members, and seniors. Ask about these options to save money on your bond. You should always be able to reach the company by phone or email.

Fees

Bail bond companies charge a fee, typically around 10% of the total bail amount. They also offer payment plans to ease the financial burden on clients and their families. In addition, they will often accept credit card payments. This is a great way to avoid the extra costs of paying with cash or using a single account.

Bail bonds have been around for centuries and are a vital service for those who cannot afford to post their bail. It allows them to keep their jobs and focus on court proceedings without the stress of waiting in jail. However, not all bail bond agents are created equal. Some will take a higher risk by requiring family members to put up their assets as collateral for the bond.

Insurance

Most bail bond companies will require a small percentage upfront and collateral from their clients. If the accused does not show up, the bondsman will use this collateral to cover the bail. Those assets may be anything from real estate to car loans. In extreme cases, family members will be forced to put up their assets. Bail-bond insurers earned nearly $15 billion in premium income last year.

They have stepped up spending to defeat proposals that weaken or end for-profit bail, a system that benefits them by targeting low-income families and people of color. When you need a bail bond company, the one you choose can make all the difference in your experience. Taking these tips into consideration can help you make the best choice.

Customer Service

A bail bond company must offer reliable customer service. Whether via call, message, or mail, a bail bond agent should respond to clients promptly. This will avoid misunderstandings and keep the client satisfied. Reading online reviews or asking for references is also a good idea. A reputable bail bond company will always offer 24/7 service. If they don’t, you should consider another one.

You should also check their availability and opening hours. Some companies are only open during the day, while others operate around the clock. In addition, you should look for a company that answers calls on holidays and scheduled days off. This will help ensure that you are not left unattended in need. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.