A cosigner, called the The legal word for a cosigner. The indemnitor signs the indemnity agreement and promises to cover the bond if the defendant misses court., promises to make sure the defendant goes to court and agrees to cover the bond and the costs of recovering the defendant if they do not. You are also responsible for any unpaid premium.
- You sign the bail application and an indemnity agreement
- You are responsible for any unpaid premium balance
- If court is missed, you can owe the bond amount and recovery costs
- Stay in touch with the agent through the whole case
What you sign
Most bail bonds have two main papers for the cosigner. The bail application collects contact details for you and the defendant. The indemnity agreement is the promise. It says that if the The insurance company that backs a bail bond. The licensed bail agent writes the bond on its behalf. has to pay the court, you will pay the surety back. If there is Property pledged to secure a bail bond, such as a vehicle, real estate equity or cash., a third agreement describes it.
Your duties while the case is open
- Help the defendant know every court date and get there on time.
- Tell the bail agent when the defendant moves or changes phone numbers, and when you do.
- Make premium payments on time if you are on a payment plan.
- Call the agent right away if you think the defendant may not go to court.
If the defendant misses court
The judge can order a What the court orders when the defendant misses a required court date. The full bond can come due unless the person returns in time.. California Penal Code section 1305 then gives a period, generally 180 days, during which the forfeiture can be set aside if the defendant returns to court or is taken back into custody. During that time the agent will try to get the defendant back to court. If the period runs out, the surety can owe the full bond and look to the cosigner under the indemnity agreement.
Most missed dates are mistakes, not escapes. A wrong date, a ride that fell through, a hospital stay. Call the agent the same day. The faster everyone moves, the easier it is to fix.
Questions to ask before you sign
- How much is the premium and how much is due today?
- Is collateral needed, and exactly what?
- Are there any expenses on top of the premium?
- What happens if I can no longer vouch for the defendant?
- Who do I call, at any hour, if there is a problem?
At Jane Un Bail Bonds the answer to the last one is always the same. Call (800) 351-8911, 24 hours a day.
Who makes a good cosigner
Agents look for someone with steady income and local ties who knows the defendant well. Usually that is a parent, spouse, adult child or close friend. Being employed matters most for Jane's Bail Today, Pay Later® plan. If you are not sure you can carry the responsibility, it is fine to say so. A clear no is better than a promise you cannot keep.
Questions
Can a cosigner back out?
Talk to the bail agent right away. A cosigner who loses confidence that the defendant will go to court should say so before a court date is missed, while there are still options.
Does cosigning affect my credit?
Signing does not by itself report to credit bureaus, but an unpaid premium balance or a forfeited bond can become a debt that is collected like any other.
Need help tonight? Call or text (800) 351-8911, 24 hours a day.
Sources
- California Penal Code section 1305, forfeiture and exoneration
- California Department of Insurance, Bail Bonds
Sources checked October 27, 2026.
Keep reading
- Bail Bond Collateral in CaliforniaWhat collateral is, when an agent asks for it, and the two things that must happen before you get it back.→
- What Happens After Release on BailThe first night home is a relief. These are the things to handle in the first week so the case stays on track.→
- Bail Forfeiture and ExonerationThe two words that decide how a bail bond ends. One means it is over and you are clear. The other means move fast.→