Top Mistakes to Avoid When Contacting a Bail Bond Company
When someone you love is arrested, the stress can be overwhelming. It’s common to act quickly and emotionally, but that can often lead to costly missteps when reaching out to a bail bond company. The decisions you make in those first few hours can significantly affect the speed and ease with which your loved one is released from custody.
At
PG-13 Bail Bonds, we’ve worked with countless families throughout Van Nuys, CA, and surrounding areas. We’ve seen firsthand the most common mistakes people make when trying to get someone out of jail. This article is here to help you avoid those missteps by being informed and prepared. Whether you’re searching online for a
bail company near me or simply want to be ready for an emergency, this guide will help you make smart decisions under pressure.
1. Not Collecting Essential Information Before Calling
One of the most frequent errors people make is contacting a bail bond agency near you without having the proper details about the person in custody. Bail agents rely on key information to locate a detainee and begin the release process. If this information is missing or incorrect, the process may be delayed by several hours or more.
Before reaching out to a bail bond company, make sure you have the following information:
- The full legal name of the defendant
- Their date of birth
- The jail or detention center they’re being held at
- Their booking number (if available)
- The charges they’re facing
The more accurate and complete your information is, the faster the bail bond process can begin. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—just gather what you can and be honest with the agent.
2. Picking a Bail Company Solely Based on Price
It’s natural to look for the best price in any service, but when it comes to hiring a bail bond company, cheaper doesn’t always mean better. In California, bail bond fees are set by law, meaning the amount a bail bond company can charge is regulated. Reputable bail bond companies charge 10% of the total bail amount as a standard fee. If someone offers you a significantly lower rate, it should raise a red flag.
Some disreputable companies will lure you in with lower rates and then spring hidden fees later. Others may operate without the proper licensing, leaving you legally vulnerable. Always make sure that the bail bond agency near you is:
- Licensed by the California Department of Insurance
- Transparent about all costs
- Willing to explain the entire process upfront
- Backed by positive customer reviews or testimonials
PG-13 Bail Bonds prides itself on honest pricing, fast service, and licensed, experienced professionals ready to assist you 24/7.
3. Misunderstanding the Responsibilities of Being a Co-Signer
When you sign for someone’s bail, you’re not just doing them a favor—you’re accepting a legal and financial responsibility. Many people co-sign a bail bond without understanding the full implications. If the person you’re bailing out doesn’t show up to court, you could be held accountable for the entire bail amount, as well as other legal or recovery costs.
Being a co-signer means you’re guaranteeing that the defendant will follow all court instructions and appear at every required hearing. If the person skips bail, you could also lose any collateral you put up, such as property or cash.
Before you sign, ask the bail bond company to walk you through the legal responsibilities. At PG-13 Bail Bonds, we take time to ensure all co-signers are informed and comfortable with their role before proceeding.
4. Delaying the Call to a Bail Bond Agency
Time is crucial in the bail process. The longer someone stays in jail, the more their life is disrupted—work, family, reputation, and emotional well-being can all be negatively impacted. Yet some people delay contacting a bail bond company out of fear, embarrassment, or confusion.
By waiting too long, you might also miss the window for faster processing. Jail facilities have schedules, shift changes, and high-volume periods that can slow down the system. Acting quickly improves the chances of a speedier release.
If you’re hesitant, remember that a bail company near you, like PG-13 Bail Bonds, is not here to judge—we’re here to help. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start working on your loved one’s release.
5. Not Verifying the Bail Bond Company’s Credentials
In times of crisis, people often go with the first name they find online without verifying its legitimacy. However, not all companies advertising as a “bail bond agency near me” are trustworthy. Some operate illegally, while others may have poor customer service, hidden fees, or a history of complaints.
To avoid falling into a trap, always take a few minutes to do your homework:
- Verify licensing on the California Department of Insurance website
- Read online reviews from real clients
- Check their availability—24/7 service is a must
- Ask questions about fees, timelines, and policies
PG-13 Bail Bonds in Van Nuys, CA, is fully licensed and experienced, with a reputation for dependable, compassionate, and professional service.
Need Assistance with Bail? Contact PG-13 Bail Bonds Today!
When your loved one is in jail, you don’t have time to deal with confusion, poor communication, or shady business practices. You need a bail bond company that’s honest, fast, and reliable. That’s exactly what we provide at
PG-13 Bail Bonds.
Serving Van Nuys and the surrounding Los Angeles area, we’re your trusted local partner in securing fast and affordable bail. Our agents are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and get your loved one home.
Call us now at
(818) 373-4444 to speak with an expert. We’re here when you need us most.
FAQs
How do I know if a bail bond company is licensed in California?
You can verify a bail bond company’s license by visiting the California Department of Insurance website. Legitimate companies will have their license number readily available upon request.
What happens if I co-sign and the person skips court?
If the defendant misses their court date, you (as the co-signer) could be held responsible for the full bail amount and any associated costs. An arrest warrant will be issued for the defendant as well.
Can I make bail bond payments instead of paying all at once?
Many bail bond agencies offer flexible payment plans. At PG-13 Bail Bonds, we work with clients to create payment solutions that fit their financial situation.
What forms of payment do bail bond companies accept?
Most companies accept cash, credit/debit cards, checks, and in some cases, collateral such as property. PG-13 Bail Bonds accepts multiple forms of payment for your convenience.
How quickly can someone be released after bail is posted?
Once bail is posted, the release time depends on the facility. It could take anywhere from one to six hours, depending on how busy the jail is and what time of day it is.
