Oklahoma Septic Tank Installer Bond: A Comprehensive Guide
January 22, 2021
This guide provides information for insurance agents to help contractors on Oklahoma Septic Tank Certified Installer bonds
At a Glance:
- Average Cost: $100 per year
- Bond Amount: $10,000
- Who Needs It: All individuals and businesses seeking to obtain a Septic Tank Installer Certification in the State of Oklahoma
- Purpose: To ensure the public will receive compensation for any damages should the septic tank installer fail to comply with certification law
- Who Regulates Septic Tank Installers in Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Background
Oklahoma statute 59-30-1158 requires all septic tank installers operating in the state to obtain a certification with the DEQ. The Oklahoma legislature enacted the certification laws and regulations to ensure that installers engage in ethical business practices. In order to provide financial security for the enforcement of the certification law, installers must purchase and maintain a $10,000 septic tank certified installer surety bond to be eligible to receive a certification.
What is the Purpose of the Oklahoma Septic Tank Certified Installer Bond?
Oklahoma requires septic tank installers to purchase the Septic Tank Installer Bond as part of the application process to obtain a septic tank installer certification. The bond ensures that the public will receive compensation for financial harm if the installer fails to comply with the certification regulations. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the contractor breaks certification laws
How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain an Oklahoma Septic Tank Installer Surety Bond?
BondExchange makes obtaining an Oklahoma Septic Tank Certified Installer 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 Septic Tank Installer Bond?
No, a credit check is not required for the Oklahoma Septic Tank Certified Installer Bond. Because this bond is considered relatively low-risk, the same low rate is offered to all septic tank installers in Oklahoma.
How Much Does the Oklahoma Septic Tank Certified Installer Bond Cost?
The $10,000 Oklahoma Septic Tank Certified Installer Bond costs just $100 per year.
How Does Oklahoma Define “Septic Tank Installer”?
The Oklahoma DEQ considers any individual or business entity who installs 10 or more onsite sewage facilities per year to be a septic tank installer.
How Do Septic Tank Installers Apply for Certification in Oklahoma?
Septic Tank Installers in Oklahoma must navigate several steps to secure their certification. Below are the general guidelines, but installers should refer to the DEQ’s Certification Page for details on the process.
Certification Period – The Oklahoma Septic Tank Installer Certification is valid for one year and must be renewed before the expiration date
Step 1 – Meet the Experience Requirements
Applicants for the septic tank installer certification must have successfully installed at least 5 on-site sewage treatment systems within the two years leading up to submitting their application. Applicants must have had at least 90% of systems installed within the past year approved on the first inspection. Applicants must provide documentation verifying their installations with their application.
Step 2 – Purchase a Surety Bond
Septic tank installers must purchase and maintain a $10,000 Septic Tank Certified Installer surety bond
Step 3 – Complete the Application
All septic tank installer regulatory certificate applications should be mailed to:
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
Accounts Receivable
PO Box 2036
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-2036
Septic tank installers must complete the application, including the following steps:
3.a Affidavit Form – Installers must submit an Affidavit Form with their application verifying their citizenship and immigration status
3.b Fees – Installers are required to submit a $227.03 application fee and $178.28 examination fee for each exam the installer plans to take (more on this topic below)
Step 4 – Complete the Certification Course(s)
Applicants for the Septic Tank Installer Certification must complete a certification course for each examination they plan on taking. The schedule for all septic tank installer certification courses can be found here. Applicants can contact the DEQ to register for courses.
Step 5 – Pass the Exam(s)
After completing their certification course(s), septic tank installers are eligible to take the septic tank installer certification exam(s). Below are the different exams septic tank installers may take:
How Does an Oklahoma Septic Tank Installer Renew Their Certification?
Prior to their certification’s expiration date, septic tank installers should be contacted by the DEQ with instructions on how to renew their certification. Septic tank installers will need to complete two hours of renewal training each renewal period and submit a $227.03 fee with their renewal application. The Oklahoma Septic Tank Installer Certification is valid for one year and must be renewed before the expiration date.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for the Oklahoma Septic Tank Installer Certification?
The State of Oklahoma does not require certified septic tank installers to obtain any form of liability insurance. Certified septic tank installers will need to purchase and maintain a $10,000 surety bond.
How Do Oklahoma Septic Tank Installers File Their Bond With The Oklahoma DEQ?
Septic Tank Installers 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 septic tank certified installer surety bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and the installer. 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 Septic Tank Installers Do to Avoid Claims Against the Oklahoma Septic Tank Certified Installer Bond?
To avoid claims on the Septic Tank Installer Bond, installers must follow all certificate regulations in the state, including some of the most important issues below that tend to cause claims:
- Properly install all onsite sewage facilities
- Repair and replace any improperly installed systems
What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Certified Septic Tank Installers in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma does not require certified septic tank installers to obtain any form of liability insurance. However, many installers 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 Certified Septic Tank Installer Customers?
Oklahoma conveniently provides a public database to search for active septic tank installers 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
- Soil Profiler – $10,000 bond limit
