How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost in Your State?

Every state in the U.S. has different rates for bail bonds costs. Most are a fixed rate of 10% of the bond, while others are tiered according to the amount. For instance, Montana bail is a straight 10% of the bond with no variance while California can be as low as 5%. Meanwhile, in Connecticut, they have a staggered (or tiered) bail cost where the larger the cost the lower the percentage.

One thing most people do though, is to call around asking bail companies to get the lowest rate possible. If your state does not offer reductions in bail costs, you can always ask the bondsman to waive the paperwork fee. This “paperwork fee” is often used by the bondsman to cover travel and expenses to write the bond.

There are bail amounts that bondsman must charge according to state regulations. As well, bondsmen must also pay their insurance companies a portion of the bail premium. You can find the amount of your bail premium using this bail bonds calculator.

Bail Bond Costs Per State

STATE BAIL PREMIUM % SOURCE|LAW
Alabama 10% mandated Alabama Department of Insurance
Alaska No maximum set but company rates must be filed with the state’s Division of Insurance Alaska Division of Insurance
Arizona 10% mandated with special exception at 8% Arizona Department of Insurance
Arkansas 10% Maximum with $50 Minimum Bond Payment Arkansas Bail Bonds Code
California 10% Maximum California Department of Insurance
Colorado 15% Maximum Colorado Division of Insurance
Connecticut TIERED: $50.00 of bonds up to $500; 10% of the bond face value for bond amounts from $500 to $5,000; 7% of the bond of bond amounts in excess of $5,000 Connecticut Bail Bonds Statutes
Delaware No Maximum Delaware Department of Insurance
Florida 6.5% Minimum Florida Bail Statute 624.4094
Georgia 12% of bail $10k or less | 15% on bail more than $10k Georgia Bail Title 17
Hawaii No Maximum Hawaii Bail DCCA
Idaho No Maximum set Idaho Statute § 41-1042
Indiana 10% Maximum Indiana Department of Insurance
Iowa No Maximum Iowa Insurance Department
Kansas No Maximum Kansas Insurance Department
Louisiana Cannot exceed 12% or $120, whichever is greater. Louisiana Premium RS 22.1443
Maryland 10% Maryland Insurance Administration
Michigan 10% Maximum Mich. Stat. § 750.167b
Minnesota No Maximum Minnesota Department of Commerce
Mississippi Cannot exceed $50 or 10%, whichever is greater; for defendants charged with a capital offense or residing out-of-state, greater of $50 or 15% Miss. Code § 83-39-25
Missouri No Maximum Missouri Department of Insurance
Montana 10% Maximum with Office Fees Montana Bail Laws
Nevada Cannot exceed $50 or 15%, whichever is greater. NRS § 697.300
New Hampshire 10% Maximum New Hampshire Insurance Department
New Mexico 10% Maximum New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
New York 10% up to $3000, 8% for $3000-$10000, 6% for the amount over $10000. New York Insurance Department
North Carolina 15% Maximum NC Stat. § 58-71-95(5)
North Dakota Cannot exceed 10% or $75, whichever is greater. Summary of Insurance Legislation, North Dakota Department of Insurance
Ohio 10% Maximum ORC Chapter 3905
Oklahoma No Maximum Oklahoma Insurance Department
Pennsylvania Up to 10% for the first $100 and up to 5% for each additional $100 42 Pa. Stat. § 5748
Rhode Island Bail bonds regulated by the courts pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-21 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-21
South Carolina 15% Maximum, not less than $25 South Carolina Department of Insurance
South Dakota No Maximum South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Tennessee 10% Tenn. Code § 40-11-316
Texas Each County Bail Bond Board regulates fees Texas Insurance Department
Utah 20% Maximum with 10% Minimum UT Administrative Rule R590-196-4
Vermont 10% Vermont Department of Financial Regulation
Virginia 15% Code of Virginia § 9.1-185.8
Washington No Maximum with $50 Minimum Washington Department of Licensing
West Virginia 10% West Virginia Office of Insurance
Wyoming No Maximum Wyoming Insurance Department

Saving Money on Bail

Saving money on bail costs can be difficult if you don’t know the laws in your state or have a bondsman you know and trust. Look, an arrest can happen to anyone. Having a bondsman on speed dial like you do a lawyer or plumber makes getting out of jail quick. Bail bond costs vary so it’s simply a good idea to get to know the people in the bail industry near you. Some bondsmen offer financing, but you won’t know unless you ask. Saving money on bail is simple as asking a question to the bondsman, knowing your bail bond costs is even simpler using this handy guide.