Washington ERISA Bond (3 Years)
Overview
ERISA plan fiduciaries in Washington are required by federal law to carry fidelity bond coverage on anyone who handles funds or property of an employee benefit plan. This three-year bond satisfies that requirement and includes an Inflation Guard provision, which automatically adjusts coverage to keep pace with rising plan assets over the bond term. Buying a multi-year bond means fewer renewals to track and continuous compliance without annual interruption. This is a federally driven requirement, not a Washington state license — it applies to any plan fiduciary operating anywhere in Washington.
Who Needs This Bond?
Employers who sponsor a 401(k), pension, profit-sharing, or other ERISA-covered employee benefit plan in Washington need this bond. That includes the small-business owner who manages the plan directly, the HR director or CFO who signs plan disbursements, and any trustee or plan administrator with authority to move plan funds. If you have signature authority over plan assets or physically handle plan property, you are required to be bonded under ERISA.
What is this Bond For?
Federal ERISA law requires that every person who handles funds or other property of an employee benefit plan be bonded against loss caused by fraud or dishonesty. This bond protects the plan — and by extension, your employees and their retirement assets — if a covered plan official commits a dishonest act. The Inflation Guard feature built into this three-year bond is specifically designed for growing plans: as plan assets increase, coverage adjusts so you don't fall out of compliance mid-term.
When is it Required?
Before a plan audit or the start of a new plan year, your plan administrator or legal counsel will confirm that all covered persons are properly bonded. The Department of Labor can flag missing or lapsed ERISA bonds during a routine plan audit, which puts the fiduciary — not just the plan — at risk. Purchasing this bond before that audit window closes or before a new plan trustee takes on handling responsibilities is the right time to act.
Where Does it Apply?
This bond is filed to cover ERISA plan operations in Washington state, but ERISA itself is a federal statute that travels with the plan. Coverage under this bond applies wherever plan-related activity occurs for Washington-based plan fiduciaries. The three-year term means a single purchase keeps your plan covered through multiple plan years without gaps.
How to Buy Online
Click 'Buy This Bond Online' on this page and the secure surety portal will open in a new tab. Complete the short application, review your bond details, and purchase — all in one session. Your bond documents are issued digitally so you can have them ready for your plan records or auditor immediately.
Why Bond Titan?
Bond Titan is powered by The Southern Agency and gives Washington plan fiduciaries direct online access to ERISA bonds without waiting on an agent callback or scheduling a meeting. Our nationwide catalog means this bond is available now, exactly as required. Buy it today, get your documents today, and move on.