Indiana school bus route bonds.
From $100.

An Indiana school bus route or fleet contractor must furnish a surety bond conditioned on faithful performance of the transportation contract, under IC 20-27-5-28. The school corporation’s governing body sets the amount, so it varies by district. Pricing is 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum.

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Required of a school bus route / fleet contractor under IC 20-27-5-28 — conditioned on faithful performance of the contract

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Amount is set locally by the school corporation’s governing body — it varies from one district to the next

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1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — a one-time soft credit pull affects approval only, and it never affects your score

1% of amount$100 minimumSoft pullnever a hard inquiryNeveraffects your credit score

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How it works

Three steps to bonded.

Your transportation contract is waiting on this bond. Here is the entire process — no broker phone tag:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply once, online

Business details, the bond amount your school corporation set, and the effective date — plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The credit check is a soft pull that never affects your score. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

WHEN YOU PAY

E-sign & file with the school corporation

Pay online and receive the executed bond ready to file with the school corporation’s business office for your transportation contract. Wet-ink originals mailed on request.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the route bond actually guarantees

Indiana school corporations contract with route and fleet contractors to operate school bus service. Under IC 20-27-5-28, a driver or fleet contractor operating a transportation or fleet contract must furnish a surety bond conditioned on faithful performance of that contract.

The statute leaves the amount to the local governing body — the school corporation awarding the contract sets the bond figure, so it varies from one district to the next. The bond guarantees you perform the contract: running the routes, employing drivers who meet the standards of IC 20-27-8, and attending the required annual safety meeting.

Breach can mean termination and forfeiture of the bond. If you fail to perform and the school corporation is harmed, it can recover against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety. Pricing on the amount your contract names starts from $100, with one soft credit pull that never affects your score.

IC 20-27-5-28Under IC 20-27-5-28, a school bus driver or fleet contractor operating a transportation or fleet contract must furnish a surety bond conditioned on faithful performance of the contract, in an amount the local governing body (the school corporation awarding the contract) specifies. Failure to meet driver standards (IC 20-27-8) or attend the annual safety meeting is a breach that can result in termination and forfeiture of the bond. Confirm your amount with the school corporation.

You need this bond if you are

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A route contractor operating one or more school bus routes under a corporation contract

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A fleet contractor running buses for an Indiana school corporation

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An owner-operator who drives and contracts a route directly

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Renewing or bidding on a transportation contract that requires a performance bond

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Submit once and your bond is issued when you pay.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Indiana school bus route bond?Pricing is 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. The amount itself is set locally by the school corporation’s governing body, so it varies by district — enter the figure in your contract and your exact price appears.

Who sets the bond amount?The local school corporation awarding the transportation contract. IC 20-27-5-28 requires the bond but leaves the amount to the governing body, so check your contract or ask the corporation’s business office.

Is there a credit check?Yes — a quick soft credit check may apply. It is never a hard inquiry and never affects your score. It affects approval only — your price is 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum.

What does the bond guarantee?Faithful performance of your transportation contract — running the routes, employing drivers who meet IC 20-27-8 standards, and attending the annual safety meeting. A breach can mean termination and forfeiture of the bond; if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

When does it renew?The bond stays active for the term of your transportation contract. We send renewal notices 60 and 30 days out, with autopay available, so your contract never lapses over a missed email.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

Related bonds

Other Indiana bonds.

The school corporation is waiting on one document.

From $100, short application, bond issued when you pay. One soft pull, never a hard inquiry.

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