MO DIFP Will No Longer License Bail Bond Corporations

In a meeting held a few weeks ago, the Missouri Department of Insurance (DIFP) announced that they will no longer allow the licensing of general bail bond corporations. Deputy Director Doug Ommen explained that prior administrations had allowed the licensing of corporations and the current administration had decided it was not permissable under the current bail bond statutes and Missouri Supreme Court Rules. Ommen elucidated the department’s decision saying that Missouri Supreme Court Rule 33.17 only allows for the licensing of a natural person as a bail bond agent. Ommen also explained that rule 33.20, which addresses bail bond corporations, only allows corporations which are formed under the insurance statutes and have a certificate of authority issued in Missouri. The DIFP will continue to license general bail bond corporations who work under the authority of a licensed insurance company. All other bail bond companies who hold corporate licenses will be required to reapply as a general bail bond agent. The department met with companies affected by these changes and is assisting them with the licensing changes.