Lost Instrument Bond

What Is a Lost Instrument Bond?

Financial institutions often require lost instrument bonds before issuing a duplicate of a misplaced financial certificate. A lost instrument bond guarantees that if the original lost instrument shows up in the future the bonded party will not be able to cash it.

Without a bond in place, the institution that issued the check would be responsible for paying duplicate funds if a lost or stolen check is deposited after a duplicate has been issued. 

How to Get a Lost Instrument Bond?

SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest lost instrument bonding process. Fill out our online bond request form, or call 1 (800) 308-4358 to start your application. 

This surety bond protects various types of lost financial instruments, including: 

• Cashier’s checks 
• Money orders
• Certificates of deposit
• Deeds
• Stock certificates
• Corporate bonds
• Promissory notes 

How Much Does a Lost Instrument Bond Cost?

The lost note bond amount is set by the financial institution and is typically 1.5 times the value of the lost or stolen check. Depending on the type of certificate, premiums are generally calculated at 1–2% of the bond amount, pending underwriter review.

Open Penalty vs. Closed Penalty Lost Instrument Bonds

Lost instrument bonds can be written for two different types of bonds:

• Fixed penalty surety bonds are required when the lost items have a fixed value, such as certified checks or certificates of deposit.
• Open penalty surety bonds have fluctuating market values and could be issued for lost items, such as stock certificates.

How Does the Bond Contract Work? 

Lost instrument bonds act as a legal contract between three parties: 

1. The principal is the individual purchasing the bond who lost the financial certificate.
2. The obligee is the financial institution that issued the original instrument.
3. The surety is the provider issuing the bond and backing the principal.

The surety guarantees money is available to the obligee in the event of wrongdoing by the principal. This protects financial institutions and other parties from financial loss.

Lost Instrument Bond Terms & Renewal 

• Term Length: Lost instrument bonds are generally issued for one year, but the financial institution requiring the bond may ask for a multi-year term. 
• Renewal: The bond does not renew past the initial term. 
• Cancellation: A lost instrument bond cannot be canceled or released by the surety during its term.