8. Can I become a bondsman without obtaining a license from the Department of Insurance?
Yes, you can become surety on a bond and act as an accommodation bondsman without being licensed by the Department of Insurance. However, you must be eighteen (18) years of age, a resident of the State of South Carolina, provide satisfactory evidence of ownership, value, and marketability of real property by pledging your collateral with the Clerk of the Court. You cannot receive or promise money or other things of value for this pledge.
[SC Code 38-53-10(1)]
9. What is the fee for a bondsman license?
The fee for a Professional Bondsman's license is $400. The Surety Bondsman's license is $40, and a Runner Bondsman's license is $200.[SC Code Section 38-53-100(A)(B)]
10. What fee may a bondsman charge to the public?
The fee that a bondsman can charge to the public may not be less than twenty-five ($25) and may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the face amount of the bond.
[SC Code 38-53-170(E)]
11. Can a bondsman accept collateral?
Yes, a bondsman is permitted to accept collateral security or other indemnity from the principal, which must be returned to the principal once the case has been disposed of by the court. A written receipt (full description) for the collateral taken must be given.
[SC Code Setion 38-53-170(E)]
12. Is it required that a bondsman furnish a listing of bail bonds written to the Clerk of the Court?
Yes, each Professional Bondsman is required to furnish his/her home county Clerk of the Court and any other county where he/she is doing business, a written report of all bonds he/she is liable for as of the first day of each month. This report must be submitted to the County Clerk of the Court by the 15th day of each month.
[SC Code Section 38-53-230]
