There are plenty of ways to make a living within the judicial system, including starting a bail bond company. This key part of the legal system offers a vital lifeline to arrested individuals, and can be highly lucrative for go-getters willing to put in the time and effort required to make their business a success. 

With the number of annual arrests in the United States numbering in the millions, there’s plenty of scope for bail bondsmen to make a comfortable living. This is reflected by the average annual salary of bail bondsmen, which stands at $75,000. 

Of course, it’ll take work to reach that kind of profit. In this post, we’ll provide a wealth of information on how to start a bail bond company, including the basics, ensuring you’re fully compliant with the laws, and marketing your new business. 

Understand What’s Involved

Running a bail bond company is not like running a regular business. While there’s an entrepreneurial side to these types of operations, there are some key differences that set it apart from other businesses. For instance, the hours. Most bail bond companies offer round-the-clock service, making themselves available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. After all, people do get arrested outside of traditional business hours. 

There’s also a greater emphasis on the “human factor” when running a bail bond company. You’ll encounter people going through one of the worst experiences of their lives, and as such, a caring, empathetic attitude is key. 

While there are challenges to working in this industry, there are also plenty of benefits. For instance:

  • You’ll be your own boss.
  • You’ll help people.
  • It’s possible to make a lot of money.
  • No two days are alike. 

How to Start a Bail Bond Company: The Process

The Basics

The foundations of opening a bail bond company are much the same as getting any other type of business underway. That begins by registering your business, acquiring a business address and phone number, opening a business bank account, and getting any technological devices you may need (for instance, a work laptop, landline, and mobile device).

All of these are important, but especially the business address step. Having an office, even a small one, will help to keep you safe and make your business look professional, so don’t skip the process of finding a suitable space. 

Find a Reputable Bail Bond Insurance Company

As we mentioned above, there’s a lot of potential for bail bond companies to make money. However, they also put a lot of money on the line. You could earn $5,000 from posting a $50,000 bail on someone else’s behalf, but you’ll also be responsible for the payment of that $50,000 if the defendant doesn’t show up to their court appearance.

It’s necessary to have bail bond insurance in some jurisdictions, but it’s recommended even if it’s not a legal requirement. Your policy will be there to step in should you face any unexpected costs; in other words, it’s a smart way to protect your business. 

Fill Out All The Necessary Forms

It’s relatively straightforward for an individual to become a bail bondsman. While it varies from state to state, in general, the requirements are as follows:

  • Over the age of 18.
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED.

Still, you can’t just begin practicing as a bail bondsman. You’ll need to get your license first. Again, this process varies from state to state, but in general, you’ll need to fill out an application form, pass an exam, and undertake a background check. 

You’ll be able to operate once you’ve filled out all the necessary forms and been approved by your local state agency. However, it’s best to keep in mind that the bail bond sector is always evolving and developing, so committing to staying up to date with the industry is a key part of finding success.

Register On Jail Lists

It’s recommended to register your new business with the local courts, jails, and the county sheriff's department. Depending on the state, this may be a legal requirement, but even if it’s not, it’s best to do so — having your information held at the local jail will, among other things, help arrested individuals contact you for your services.

The process of posting bail on other people’s behalf will vary from jail to jail. Taking the time to learn how the process works in the jails in your local area will allow you to work quickly and efficiently. 

Marketing Your Business

It’s unlikely that yours will be the only bail bond company in the area. As such, it’s important to make it as easy as possible for clients to find and choose your business, rather than your competitors.

This will depend largely on the strength of your marketing, especially in the early days, when you cannot rely on word-of-mouth as a source of new customers. Marketing your bail bond company is a multi-pronged process that involves ensuring the following boxes are ticked:

  • Having a professional, well-designed, informative website.
  • Investing in SEO for high ranking on search engine websites.
  • Claiming your Google My Business page.
  • Listing your contact information on business directory websites.

Answer the Phone 

This one may sound simply, however The nature of arrests is inherently unpredictable, occurring at any hour and most oftern late at night and on holidays and weekends, times when most people are asleep or enjoying time with their families. Such a landscape demands the support of a dedicated Legal Answering Service, designed to ensure that you can enjoy your essential rest without the worry of missing bail client calls. Working within the bail industry means stepping outside the traditional workday boundaries, often at the expense of personal time, from missed family dinners to unattended birthday parties, and a constant attachment to your phone. For those seeking the structure of a 9-5 job, the dynamic and demanding environment of the bail industry may not align with your expectations.

Make it Easy for Clients To Choose You 

Once you’ve made it possible for your potential clients to find your business, you’ll need to ensure that they like what they see. Having eyeballs on your business counts for little if potential clients decide against getting in contact.

As such, work to make it as easy as possible for potential clients to choose you. This can involve outlining your expertise, offering a variety of payment methods (including financing), and responding promptly to queries. 

Black Flag AI: Here to Help Your Bail Bond Business Grow

Need help growing your bail bond business? Get in contact with the team here at Black Flag AI. We have experience of working in the bail bond industry and offer a wide variety of expert digital marketing services that can increase your brand’s online visibility.