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Bond Claim Calculator

Calculate your construction bond claim with real-time analysis of potential recovery. Understand your claim amount, prejudgment interest, attorney fees, and see how Legal Collects compares to traditional recovery options.

Project Information

Payment Bond (Public Works)

California Civil Code §9550-§9566 provides payment bond coverage for public works projects.

Stop Payment Notice: Civil Code §8500-§8538 (within 30 days before bond claim period expires)

Covers unpaid wages, materials, and equipment furnished to the project.

Claim Analysis

Principal Claim Amount
$0.00
Prejudgment Interest (Accrued)
$0.00
Estimated Attorney Fees
$0.00
Total Potential Recovery
$0.00

Net Recovery Comparison

Legal Collects
$0.00
15% Fee
Traditional (33%)
$0.00
33% Fee
Traditional (40%)
$0.00
40% Fee
$0
Legal Collects
$0
Traditional 33%
$0
Traditional 40%

Critical Deadlines

Payment Bond Claim Deadline Safe
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6 months from date of completion or cessation of work (Civil Code §9558)
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Stop Payment Notice Deadline Safe
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30 days before expiration of bond claim period (Civil Code §8502)
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Contractor License Bond Claim Deadline Safe
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4 years from date of loss (B&P Code §7071.11)
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Claim Requirements Checklist

Submit Your Claim

Understanding Construction Bond Claims

California Bond Types

Payment Bonds (Public Works): Required on public projects over $5,000. Guarantees payment to suppliers, subcontractors, and laborers.

Contractor License Bond: $25,000 surety bond required for all licensed contractors. Protects the public from fraud and non-compliance.

Performance Bonds: Guarantees completion of work. Common on large contracts and government projects.

Key Deadlines Summary

Notice/Claim Deadline
Preliminary Notice 20 days from start of work
Stop Payment Notice 30 days before claim period expires
Payment Bond Claim 6 months from completion
License Bond Claim 4 years from loss

When to Escalate to Legal Action

After filing a bond claim, if the surety does not respond within 30 days or disputes your claim:

  • File an action against the surety and its bonds
  • Serve notice of the lawsuit on the contractor
  • Pursue damages for unpaid amounts plus prejudgment interest
  • Seek recovery of attorney fees and court costs
  • Consider additional claims for mechanic's liens if timely filed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a payment bond claim? ▼
A payment bond claim is a legal claim against a surety bond posted to guarantee payment to construction creditors. Under California Civil Code §9550-9566, payment bonds provide protection when the contractor fails to pay suppliers, subcontractors, or laborers on public works projects.
What is the deadline to file a payment bond claim? ▼
California Civil Code §9558 requires payment bond claims to be filed within 6 months from the date of completion or cessation of work on the project. This deadline is strict and cannot be extended, making it critical to act quickly.
Do I need to serve preliminary notice? ▼
Yes. California Civil Code §8200 requires preliminary notice to be served on the project owner, contractor, and surety within 20 days of first furnishing labor, materials, or services. Failure to serve preliminary notice can result in loss of lien rights and bond claim rights.
What is prejudgment interest on a bond claim? ▼
Prejudgment interest accrues on construction contract claims at 10% per annum under California Civil Code §3289, calculated from the date payment was due until judgment is rendered. This can significantly increase your total recovery.
Can I recover attorney fees on a bond claim? ▼
Yes. California Civil Code §8558 provides for recovery of reasonable attorney fees on bond claims. Additional fees may be available if the original contract contains a prevailing party clause under Civil Code §1717.
What is a stop payment notice? ▼
A stop payment notice under California Civil Code §8502 stops progress payments to the contractor. It must be served within 30 days before the expiration of the bond claim period and is a powerful tool to force resolution of payment disputes.
What is the difference between payment bonds and performance bonds? ▼
A payment bond (Civil Code §9550) guarantees payment to creditors, while a performance bond guarantees completion of work according to contract specifications. Payment bonds are more relevant for unpaid invoice claims, while performance bonds address incomplete work.
What is a contractor license bond? ▼
A contractor license bond under California B&P Code §7071.5-7071.11 is a $25,000 surety bond required for all licensed contractors. It protects the public from fraud and unpaid debts. Claims must be filed within 4 years from the date of loss.