If you have been arrested for a crime and need somebody looking out for your rights until you can get back on your feet, it’s important to know which bail bond company is the best and which to avoid. Sure, all bail bond companies are similar but there are a few sneaky tricks that some of them use – like trapping customers in long-term contracts. And if they don’t seem very forthcoming about what their rates are when you first call, they’re probably not the one to go with. You want to work with a company like Apex Bail Bonds in Yanceyville that has established a stellar reputation for providing exceptional services.
Not Working With A 24/Hour Bail Bond Company
You can never know when you or a loved one could be arrested. A good bail bond company should be available round the clock as such is the nature of service that they provide. Unfair office hours mean that the office may be closed on some days or even hours. This can be incredibly inconvenient for anyone looking for immediate assistance.
Not Doing Research
Not all bail bond companies are created equal. Doing research is imperative if you’re to get the right agency. Ideally, you should be looking for local companies. They’re likely to have established a reputation in the community and wouldn’t do anything that could jeopardize their brand.
Use the internet to research local bail bond companies and find out how they’re rated by current clients. Check with your local Better Business Bureau for any reports of wrongdoing and check with Yelp and Angie’s List for unbiased reviews from past customers. Look for a company that has been around for a long time, has a good track record, and is easy to deal with.
Ignoring What’s In The Fine Print
Just like with any service you buy, it’s important to read the fine print and know what you’re getting into before agreeing to use a bail bond company. You need to go through the contracts as the devil is always in the details. A good company won’t try to make you sign the documents hurriedly without going through the fine print.
Make sure to ask as many questions as possible, especially when there are a lot of things that are unclear. The amount you’re supposed to pay should be clear from the onset to avoid issues down the road. Most bail bond companies will not charge more than 10% of the total bail amount.
Don’t Choose A Company Based On Price Alone
The concept of price is one that many people find difficult to understand and manage. When faced with a decision between two products or services, their first thought isn’t “which product or service is best?” Instead, it’s “which product or service is least expensive?” And while this outlook makes sense in some situations, it can also be highly problematic when used in conjunction with the bail bonds process.
A bail bond is supposed to be a short-term loan. The money is returned once your friend or loved one completes their court-mandated requirements. This return is typically made through a small percentage of the total bail amount, which the person you’re bailing out pays in order to be released from jail.
No Collateral Deals
Beware of companies that offer “no down payment” or “no collateral required” deals. If you absolutely must choose a company with a lower price, try to avoid those that advertise cash-only deals. These bail bonds companies may promise you instant money but are often the ones that ask for your cash upfront.
What’s more, they may lure you in with claims like “no down payment necessary,” or “no collateral required.” But these companies can change their tune at any time and claim that your loved one requires some form of collateral. Jewelry, electronics, cars, property deeds; are all potential assets that could be used to collect the bail amount in the event of non-payment.
Lack Of Customer Support
Many of the bail bonds companies that advertise cheap prices are actually quite unprofessional and, even worse, maybe unfairly run by unscrupulous individuals who aren’t actually affiliated with the company they’re promoting. This means that you may contact them and actually be talking to a cold-caller or an automated system.
When choosing a bail bonds company, it is vitally important that you can speak with someone who can answer your questions. The company should also be willing to provide you with the correct contact information for the appropriate person if your request is one for which you don’t have the correct information.
