How does a surety bond protect the obligee?

A surety bond serves as a financial guarantee that the principal (the party required to fulfill obligations) will meet their commitments outlined in the bond. If the principal fails to comply with these obligations, the surety company steps in to compensate the obligee. This financial backing is crucial for the obligee, as it provides assurance that they will not suffer financial losses due to non-performance or default. The surety bond essentially protects the obligee from the risk of the principal failing to complete the project or fulfill their contractual duties.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of a surety bond. Legal counsel is typically not provided by surety bonds, monitoring project progress is a separate activity and does not directly connect to the financial assurance aspect, and negotiating project costs falls outside the scope of what a surety bond is designed to do. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the assurance of financial security, which is the fundamental purpose of a surety bond for the obligee.