
As an insurance agent, you're likely no stranger to the complexities of Oregon's auto dealer bond requirements. To get started, you'll need to understand the basics of what an Oregon auto dealer bond is and why it's necessary.
The Oregon auto dealer bond is a type of surety bond that requires auto dealers to be licensed and bonded in the state. This bond ensures that dealers will comply with state regulations and laws.
To obtain an Oregon auto dealer bond, you'll need to meet the state's minimum bonding requirements, which are $25,000 for dealers with a sales floor area of 5,000 square feet or less, and $50,000 for dealers with a sales floor area greater than 5,000 square feet.
The Oregon auto dealer bond must be issued by a licensed surety company and must meet the state's specific requirements, including a three-year term and a $25,000 to $50,000 bond amount.
Explore further: Federal Reserve Primary Dealers
What is an Oregon Auto Dealer Bond?
The Oregon Auto Dealer Bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the dealer breaks the licensing laws. It's a crucial requirement for dealers to purchase the bond as part of the application process for the Vehicle Dealer Certificate.
The bond ensures that the public will receive compensation for financial harm if the auto dealer fails to comply with the licensing regulations. This means that the dealer will be held accountable for any financial losses incurred by the public due to their non-compliance.
Dealers are required to pay all required taxes and fees to the State of Oregon, and the bond guarantees that this will be done. It's a safeguard for the state to ensure that dealers are meeting their financial obligations.
The bond is a critical component of the licensing process for auto dealers in Oregon, and it's essential for dealers to understand its purpose and requirements.
On a similar theme: Primary Dealers List
Obtaining and Maintaining a Bond
To obtain an Oregon auto dealer bond, you'll need to apply online through a streamlined bond process, which can be completed in just a few minutes. This process will give you an instant quote and allow you to pay the premium online.
The bond amount required in Oregon is $50,000, which is a significant increase from the previous requirement of $40,000. You can find this information on Form 735-370B, which is included in the auto dealer application packet.
To maintain your bond, you must pay the annual premium to avoid cancellation. This payment can be made online, and you will receive payment instructions prior to the next premium payment's due date.
How Do I Get?
Getting an Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond is a straightforward process. You can obtain one through a reliable surety company, such as BondExchange, which offers a streamlined bond process.
To get started, simply fill out the online application to get an instant quote. Paying the premium online is equally easy, and you'll soon receive the bond via email.

You'll need to get a surety bond in the amount of $50,000, which is the current requirement in Oregon. Don't confuse this with the old requirement of $40,000, which is no longer in effect.
To prove to the DMV that you have the bond you need, you'll use Form 735-370B, which you can find on page 7 of the auto dealer application packet. Make sure the form has your bonding company's signature and seal, and that the information on the bond matches the info on the form exactly.
Here's a quick checklist to ensure you're on the right track:
- Get a surety bond in the amount of $50,000
- Fill out the online application to get an instant quote
- Paying the premium online is easy
- Use Form 735-370B to prove you have the bond
- Double-check that the form has the bonding company's signature and seal, and that the information on the bond matches the info on the form exactly
How to Renew and Maintain
Renewing and maintaining your motor vehicle bond in Oregon is a straightforward process. The bond runs continuously, so you'll need to notify Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services in writing at least 30 days prior to the cancellation date.
You'll need to make annual premium payments to keep the bond active. This payment can be made online, and you'll receive payment instructions from the surety company before the due date.

To renew your Motor Vehicle Dealer Certificate, you'll receive a renewal packet 60 days prior to expiration. This packet will include all the necessary steps to renew your certificate, and it will be mailed to the address listed on your certificate.
If you're late in submitting your renewal application, you'll face a $150 fine if you're more than 15 days late.
Here's what you'll need to provide when renewing your bond:
- Legal name of entity/individual(s) buying the bond
- Physical address where the business will operate
- Surety company’s name, address and signature
- Date on which the bond will be executed
Cost
The cost of an Oregon auto dealer bond can vary, but it's typically between $313 and $4,500 per year, or $31.30 to $450 per month. This is based on your credit score and experience.
If you have a good credit score, you can expect to pay less. With a credit score of 699 or higher, the bond cost is around $313 per year. If your credit score is 660-698, the cost is around $375 per year.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated bond costs based on credit score:
You can also expect to pay between 1% and 10% of the bond amount as a premium, depending on your credit score and experience. With a credit score of 700 or higher, the rate is 1% to 3%. A credit score of 600 to 699 qualifies for a rate of 3% to 5%. With a lower credit score, the rate will fall between 5% and 10%.
If you have excellent credit, you can expect to pay as little as 1% or less of the total bond amount. Other factors that may impact the cost of your bond include your industry experience and business and personal financials.
You can get an Oregon auto dealer bond for as low as $400 for a $50,000 bond, or $100 for a $10,000 bond.
Insurance Agent's Role
As an Oregon auto dealer, you'll need to work closely with an insurance agent to ensure you're properly covered. They'll help you understand the specific requirements for your business.
Insurance agents play a crucial role in helping auto dealerships obtain the necessary insurance coverage, including the Oregon auto dealer bond. They'll guide you through the process and make sure you have the right policies in place.
How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain Coverage for Their Customer?
Obtaining coverage for your customer can be a breeze. BondExchange makes it easy to find the right bond for your customer's needs.
You can simply login to your account and use the keyword search to find the specific bond required.
The "auto dealer" bond is available in their database, making it easy to find and obtain.
If you don't have a login, you can gain access now and let BondExchange help you satisfy your customers' needs.
Their friendly underwriting staff is available by phone, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.
For another approach, see: Credit Counseling Certificate Chapter 7 Free
Other Insurance Products for Agents
As an insurance agent, you can offer dealers in Oregon a range of insurance products beyond the required comprehensive liability insurance.
In Oregon, dealers must obtain comprehensive liability insurance on all vehicles with dealer plates, with limits of $25,000 single and $50,000 aggregate for bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage.
You may not be able to issue liability insurance yourself, but you can utilize brokers for this specific line of business.
For another approach, see: Small Broker Dealers
How Insurance Agents Can Find Customers?
Finding customers as an insurance agent can be a challenge, but there are ways to make it easier. Oregon motor vehicle dealers are a great target market, and the state makes it convenient to find them.
You can access a public database of active motor vehicle dealers on the DMV site. This database is a valuable resource for agents looking to prospect for new customers.
By leveraging this database and other marketing resources, agents can increase their chances of finding potential customers. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources and discounted mailing services.
Discover more: Get to Know Your Customer Day
License and Certification
To get your Oregon auto dealer license, you'll need to submit a comprehensive application packet. This includes an application form, supplemental application if applicable, city or country location approval, DMV dealer location exemption if applicable, surety bond, liability insurance certificate, proof of dealer education course completion, and government-issued photo IDs for all corporate officers, owners, partners, or LLC members. You'll also need to pay the required fees.
A fresh viewpoint: Location Efficient Mortgage
The fees for an Oregon auto dealer license vary, but here's a breakdown of the costs: the original certificate costs $1,188 and includes one plate, while additional locations cost $350 each and additional plates cost $55 each.
To get started, fill out the application form, include the required documents, and send the packet by mail or deliver it in person to the DMV headquarters. This process typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete, so plan accordingly.
Get Your License
To get your auto dealer license in Oregon, you'll need to submit an application form, which includes your completed application, plate billing list, surety bond, liability insurance certificate, education certificate, and required fees.
The application process can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks to process, so be sure to plan ahead. You can submit your application by mail or deliver it in person to the DMV headquarters.
The surety bond required for Oregon auto dealers is $50,000, which is a significant amount, but don't worry, you won't need to come up with the full amount as cash. Instead, you'll pay a small percentage of the bond amount as a premium to your bond company.
Intriguing read: Disburse Amount Meaning

To obtain a dealer license, you must also provide proof of dealer education course completion, government-issued photo IDs for all corporate officers, owners, partners, or LLC members, and city or country location approval.
Here's a breakdown of the auto dealer license fees in Oregon:
You'll also need to obtain 8 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider, which will help you understand the requirements and regulations for auto dealers in Oregon.
Their Needs
Oregon auto dealers need to get a surety bond in the amount of $50,000 to ensure they operate ethically and legally.
To get this bond, you'll need to pay a small percentage of the bond amount as a premium to your bond company, not the full $50,000.
You'll also need to fill out Form 735-370B, which you can find on page 7 of the auto dealer application packet, and make sure it has your bonding company's signature and seal.
Take a look at this: 50,000 Colombian Peso Note
The information on the bond should match the info on the form exactly, and you should sign the bond to complete the process.
In fact, getting a $50,000 bond doesn't mean coming up with 50k cash, it's just a guarantee that you'll act lawfully and ethically as an auto dealer.
Most auto dealers don't end up using their bond, but it's there to give customers recourse if you don't act in accordance with Oregon motor vehicle dealer rules and regulations.
If a customer files a claim against your bond, the bond company will use the bond to pay what is essentially a settlement to that customer, and you'll be on the hook to pay that money back to your bond company.
To avoid this situation, it's essential to respond promptly to customer complaints and work to find a resolution.
Here are the key things to remember about Oregon auto dealer bonds:
- Amount: $50,000
- Purpose: To ensure dealers operate ethically and legally
- Process: Fill out Form 735-370B and get a surety bond from a bonding company
Filing and Claims
To file your Oregon auto dealer bond, you'll need to mail the completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to the Department of Transportation.
The address to send the form to is specified by the Department of Transportation, so be sure to check your documentation for the correct mailing address.
If someone files a claim against your business, it will be investigated by the surety company, and if it's not substantiated, the claim will be denied.
How Do They File with DOT?
Filing with DOT requires some paperwork and a specific mailing address. Dealers should mail the completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to the following address.
The completed form serves as proof of a dealer's compliance with state regulations. This is a crucial step in the filing process.
Dealers should keep a record of their mailed forms, as proof of submission is necessary for future reference.
Broaden your view: Do Bank Statements Count as Proof of Residency
Consequences of Filing a Claim
Filing a claim can have serious consequences for your business.
If someone files a claim against your business, you'll need to deal with the surety company directly.

The claim will be thoroughly investigated, and if it's not substantiated, it will be denied.
You could be liable for reimbursing the full amount to the surety company after the claim is paid.
The maximum compensation for a claim made by someone other than a retail customer is $10,000.
If the claim is validated, the claimant will receive compensation up to the full limit of the bond’s penal sum.
How to Prevent Claims
To prevent claims on your Oregon Auto Bond, following dealer regulations is crucial. This includes disclosing all required information when transferring ownership of a vehicle.
One of the most common issues that lead to claims is failing to acquire and maintain necessary vehicle permits. Make sure to stay on top of this to avoid any problems.
Dealers must also ensure all vehicles are properly registered. This is a simple step, but it's often overlooked, which can lead to claims.
Engaging in or allowing representatives of your business to engage in acts of fraud is a surefire way to end up with a claim. Be honest and transparent in all your dealings.
Explore further: B to B Lead Generation
Paying sellers of vehicles promptly and in full is also essential. This helps build trust and avoids any potential disputes.
To summarize, here are the key steps to prevent claims:
- Disclose all required information when transferring ownership of a vehicle
- Acquire and maintain all necessary vehicle permits
- Ensure all vehicles are properly registered
- Do not engage, or allow representatives of the business to engage, in any acts of fraud
- Pay sellers of vehicles promptly and in full
- Adhere to the dealer certificate plate regulations approved by the state
Purchasing and Buying
If you're ready to purchase your Oregon auto dealer bond, you'll want to know that you can get the lowest rates available. You can apply for bonds regardless of your credit type.
You can get a free quote on all applications, so there's no risk in inquiring.
General Information
In Oregon, auto dealers are required to obtain a surety bond to secure their obligations to customers. The bond amount is $75,000.
Oregon law requires auto dealers to obtain a surety bond to protect consumers from potential losses. This includes losses due to defective vehicles or failures to disclose important information.
The Oregon auto dealer bond is a type of surety bond that guarantees the dealer's compliance with state regulations. It's a critical component of the licensing process.
Dealers who fail to obtain the required bond may face fines or even have their licenses revoked. This can have serious consequences for their businesses.
In addition to the bond, dealers must also comply with other Oregon laws and regulations governing the sale of vehicles.
Intriguing read: Agency Workers Regulations 2010
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 20,000 auto dealer bond?
The cost of a $20,000 auto dealer bond can range from $150 to $2,000, depending on your credit score. The premium is typically between 0.75% and 3% of the bond amount.
How to make a claim against a car dealer bond?
To make a claim against a car dealer bond, file the claim with the surety that issued the bond, which will then investigate and potentially reimburse you for any losses if the claim is valid.
Featured Images: pexels.com


