Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Bond
What is the PA motor vehicle sales finance (MVSF) bond?
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities requires car sales finance companies to post a $10,000 surety bond as part of the business licensure process. The MVSF bond provides protection to the state and to your customers should they suffer losses as a result of misconduct by your company.
Why do I need a sales finance company bond?
The purpose of the bond is to encourage sales finance companies to adhere to all laws, rules, and statutes pertaining to the financing or purchase of installment contracts for motor vehicle sales, as stipulated by the Motor Vehicle Sales Finance act. That's why, when you apply for a business license to operate a motor vehicle sales finance company in Pennsylvania, your application must be accompanied by a surety bond in the amount of $10,000.
How much does a motor vehicle finance company bond cost?
In the case of Pennsylvania, the state sets the bond amount at $10,000, but your annual premium would be only a small percentage of that. Applicants with good credit scores can pay as little as $100 for their MVSF bond.
How can I get licensed as a motor vehicle finance company in PA?
If you want to start a MVSF company in Pennsylvania, here are some of the key requirements listed in the Application for Licensure as a Sales Finance Company from the PA Department of Banking and Securities:
- Your $10,000 surety bond.
- A criminal record check.
- An operating agreement stating how the business is organized.
- The addresses of business locations.
- An explanation of how the business will be conducted via the Internet.
- The contact information and social security numbers for owners, officers, and partners.
- A $500 initial licensing fee (then $350 annually).
- You must mail the application with the required documents and check to:
Pennsylvania Department of Banking & Securities
Non-Depository Licensing Office
17 North Second Street, Suite 1300
Harrisburg, PA 17101-2290
What else should I know about this surety bond?
A surety bond is a binding legal contract among three entities:
- The principal (your MVSF company).
- The obligee (in this case the PA Department of Banking and Securities).
- The surety (the company backing the bond, such as NNA Surety Bonds).
You can avoid claims by not defaulting on any judgments rendered against you. However, in the event of a default, the plaintiff will file a claim against the surety bond, and the surety company will pay the obligation. You must then repay that amount to the surety.