The standard method of complying with the bond requirement is to purchase a surety bond through a licensed surety company, as we just discussed. However, there are alternative methods of compliance that some dealers use.
One alternative is to deposit cash or a certificate of deposit with DMV in the full bond amount. So instead of buying a surety bond, you could deposit $50,000 in cash with DMV. This money is held by DMV and serves the same purpose as a surety bond — it’s available to pay claims if you harm a consumer. The advantage is that you don’t pay annual premiums. The disadvantage is that you’ve tied up $50,000 in capital that you could otherwise use in your business.
Another alternative is to file an irrevocable letter of credit from a bank in the full bond amount. This functions similarly to a cash deposit — the bank guarantees that the funds are available to pay claims. The bank will charge you fees for the letter of credit, and you’ll typically need to maintain a corresponding deposit or credit facility with the bank.
For most dealers, particularly those just starting out, the surety bond is the most practical and cost-effective option. The annual premium is typically much less than the cost of tying up $50,000 in cash, and it preserves your working capital for inventory, rent, and other operating expenses.