Oklahoma Soil Profiler Bond: A Comprehensive Guide
January 22, 2021
This guide provides information for insurance agents to help contractors on Oklahoma Soil Profiler bonds
At a Glance:
- Average Cost: $100 per year
- Bond Amount: $10,000
- Who Needs It: All individuals and businesses seeking to obtain a Soil Profiler Certification in the State of Oklahoma
- Purpose: To ensure the public will receive compensation for any damages should the contractor fail to comply with certification law
- Who Regulates Soil Profilers in Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Background
Oklahoma Statute 252:641-22-3 requires all soil profilers operating in the state to obtain a certification with the DEQ. The Oklahoma legislature enacted the certification laws and regulations to ensure that soil profilers engage in ethical business practices. In order to provide financial security for the enforcement of the certification law, soil profilers must purchase and maintain a $10,000 soil profiler surety bond to be eligible to receive a certification.
What is the Purpose of the Oklahoma Soil Profiler Bond?
Oklahoma requires soil profilers to purchase the Soil Profiler Bond as part of the application process to obtain a soil profiler certification. The bond ensures that the public will receive compensation for financial harm if the soil profiler fails to comply with the certification regulations. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the soil profiler breaks certification laws.
How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain an Oklahoma Soil Profiler Surety Bond?
BondExchange makes obtaining an Oklahoma Soil Profiler Bond easy. Simply login to your account and use our keyword search to find the “contractor” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Enroll now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (800) 438-1162, email or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.
At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.
Is a Credit Check Required for the Oklahoma Soil Profiler Bond?
No, a credit check is not required for the Oklahoma Soil Profiler Bond. Because this bond is considered relatively low-risk, the same low rate is offered to all soil profilers in Oklahoma.
How Much Does the Oklahoma Soil Profiler Bond Cost?
The $10,000 Oklahoma Soil Profiler Bond costs just $100 per year.
How Does Oklahoma Define “Soil Profiler”?
The Oklahoma DEQ defines a soil profiler as any individual or business entity who “identifies key soil characteristics for design and sizing of individual and small public on-site sewage disposal systems.”
How Do Soil Profilers Apply for a Certificate in Oklahoma?
Soil Profilers in Oklahoma must navigate several steps to secure their certification. Below are the general guidelines, but soil profilers should refer to the application form for details on the process.
Certification Period – The Oklahoma Soil Profiler Certification is valid for one year and must be renewed before the expiration date
Step 1 – Purchase a Surety Bond
Soil profilers must purchase and maintain a $10,000 soil profiler surety bond
Step 2 – Complete the Application
All soil profiler regulatory certificate applications should be mailed to:
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
Accounts Receivable
PO Box 2036
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-2036
Soil Profilers must complete the application, including the following steps:
2.a Affidavit Form – Soil profilers must submit an Affidavit Form with their application verifying their citizenship and immigration status
2.b Fees – Soil profilers are required to submit a $227.03 application fee and $178.28 examination fee with their certificate application
Step 3 – Complete the Training Course
The DEQ requires soil profilers to complete a training course and pass an examination prior to receiving their certification. Soil profilers can learn more about the certification course here
How Does an Oklahoma Soil Profiler Renew Their Certification?
Prior to their certification’s expiration date, soil profilers should be contacted by the DEQ with instructions on how to renew their certification. Soil profilers will need to complete two hours of renewal training each renewal period and submit a $227.03 fee with their renewal application. The Oklahoma Soil Profiler Certification is valid for one year and must be renewed before the expiration date.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for the Oklahoma Soil Profiler Certification?
The State of Oklahoma does not require soil profilers to obtain any form of liability insurance. Soil Profilers will need to purchase and maintain a $10,000 surety bond.
How Do Oklahoma Soil Profilers File Their Bond With The Oklahoma DEQ?
Soil Profilers should mail the completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to the following address:
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
Accounts Receivable
PO Box 2036
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-2036
The soil profiler surety bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and the soil profiler. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:
- Date the bond goes into effect
- Date the bond expires
- Legal name of the entity/individual(s) buying the bond
What Can Soil Profilers Do to Avoid Claims Against the Oklahoma Soil Profiler Bond?
To avoid claims on the Soil Profiler Bond, soil profilers must ensure that they provide an accurate soil description for the installation of onsite sewage treatment systems. Onsite sewage treatment systems improperly designed as a result of inaccurate soil descriptions may result in claims made against the bond.
What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Soil Profilers in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma does not require soil profilers to obtain any form of liability insurance. However, many soil profilers will seek to obtain this insurance anyway. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue liability insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.
How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for Oklahoma Soil Profiler Customers?
Oklahoma conveniently provides a public database to search for active soil profilers in the state. The database can be accessed here. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.
What other Contractor License Bonds are Required in Oklahoma?
Contractors in Oklahoma will need to obtain specific bonds correlating with their license type. Below are all the different contractor licensing bonds required by the State of Oklahoma:
- Electrical Contractor – $5,000 bond limit
- Mechanical Contractor – $5,000 bond limit
- Plumbing Contractor – $10,000 bond limit
- Septic Tank Installer – $10,000 bond limit
