Surety is not insurance! While some insurance agencies which handle contractors may have an in-house Surety Dept., most insurance agents are not familiar with what is needed to obtain and maintain a surety line for their contractor clients. Negotiating a surety line requires specific knowledge of financial analysis, a thorough knowledge of the surety companies operating within a specific geographic area, good relationships with the surety underwriters and knowledge of what their appetites and criteria may be, and an understanding of how the contractor operates and runs his/her company. A surety agent will work together with your insurance agent and other financial consultants to provide your company with the tools you need to prosper.