What is a fundamental difference between an ordinary insurance policy and a surety bond?

The fundamental difference between an ordinary insurance policy and a surety bond lies in the number of parties involved in the contract. In an ordinary insurance policy, there are typically two parties: the insurer and the insured. The insurer provides coverage to the insured in exchange for a premium, protecting the insured against certain predefined risks.

On the other hand, a surety bond involves three parties: the principal (the party who is required to perform a contract), the obligee (the party who is protected by the bond), and the surety (the party that backs the bond and guarantees the principal's performance). This tri-party arrangement sets surety bonds apart, as the surety's role is not just to indemnify the obligee in case of a default by the principal, but also to ensure that the principal fulfills their contractual obligations.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping the additional responsibilities and expectations placed on parties involved in a surety bond compared to a traditional insurance policy.