You never want to find yourself in a position where you need a Santa Ana bail bonds company to assist you, but it’s sometimes unavoidable. You might have a family member who ends up in jail, rightfully or wrongfully, and in these situations, getting them out as quickly as possible should be a top priority.
However, the experience can be frustrating, especially since every bail bond company in Santa Ana, California, has different requirements and protocols you’ll have to follow.
It’s a good idea to take a minute or two to research your bond provider before trusting them because a lot of money and your loved one’s freedom are at stake.
Here are five tips to keep in mind as you look through the available bail bondsmen in Santa Ana, CA, and come to a final decision.
1) Look For a Local Company
First and foremost, you’ll want to look for a local company because it can significantly reduce your wait times. Bail bond providers in Santa Ana and its surrounding area are often easier to get in touch with because you can show up at their offices. They likely already have a relationship with nearby jails, too, helping streamline the release.
Out-of-state providers simply can’t match the speed of a local bail bond company, so it’s always a good idea to go with someone from the area.
2) Ask About Certification
Of course, selecting the first local company you come across isn’t always the best choice because you’ll want to make sure it has the necessary certification.
The California Department of Insurance issues licenses to all bail bonds companies, so you’ll want to ensure your selected provider has these documents in order. It’s illegal to accept money in exchange for providing bail money in the state without this license.
Keep in mind that each license expires after two years and requires renewal at that time. Every agent working for the company should also have the licensing to handle this type of work in Santa Ana legally.
3) Inquire About Payment Options
Does your bail bond provider offer multiple ways to pay the premium for the money you’re borrowing? It’s always a good idea to ask ahead of time because using a company with an online credit card option can streamline the entire process for you.
In these cases, you can make the payment and facilitate your loved one’s release without even visiting the bail bond office.
Remember, the faster you pay the premium, the quicker your family member can begin putting this experience behind them.
4) Make Sure It’s Fast
In theory, all local bail bond companies should be fast, but not all providers are equal. Look for bail bond agents with offices within minutes of most of Orange County’s major jails because that makes it more likely they can bail your family member out in a matter of minutes or hours.
The agent you speak with should have an estimate on how long the process generally takes. As a result, it’s worth asking ahead of time how long they think it’ll be until your loved one is free.
Bail bond providers who are open 24 hours per day, seven days per week, are also more likely to provide a speedy resolution to this problem for you. They can often provide bail in the middle of the night, which is a handy service to have available.
5) Learn the Company’s Policies
Some policies that Santa Ana bail bonds companies offer will be universal. For example, California state law governs the payment of premium fees and prevents service providers from making them refundable.
However, there is some freedom for these companies to offer perks like no collateral and lower premiums. The standard rate in California is 10%, but some providers will incorporate administrative charges into that amount to bring the overall costs down, too.
Ask about your bail bond provider’s rates and company policies before you begin to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
Contact Orange County Bail Bonds Today
Orange County Bail Bonds is a premier Santa Ana bail bonds provider that can assist as you secure the release of a family member who is behind bars. We have offices within minutes of most Orange County jails and provide bail services 24 hours per day.
We also operate at an 8% premium rate, which is below the state’s standard and can provide collateral-free bonds in some situations.
When you need reliable, discreet bail bonds services in Santa Ana, California, you don’t want to trust just any provider. Orange County Bail Bonds has been serving this area since 1963 and will ensure your loved one is out of jail as quickly as possible.
Be sure to contact us today for a free consultation.