Universal Service Agency

Surety service made simple.

PRIVACY NOTICE

Universal Service Agency – Privacy Notice

Last updated on May, 2025

PRIVACY NOTICE


This Privacy Notice describes the information collection, use, and sharing practices of R&P Surety, LLC d/b/a Universal Service Agency (collectively “Universal”, ”the business”, “us”, “we”, “our”) when users (“clients”,”you”,”your”) interact with us through the website, www.universalbonds.com (the “Website”).

 

PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

Universal collects personal information, which is information that identifies, relates to, describes, is capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, to a user, via:

  • Apply for a Free Quote. When users fill out the form to apply for a free quote, we collect personal identifiers(first and last name, telephone number, and email address), professional identifiers (company name), the type of bond you need, and the bond amount. We use this information to provide users with a free quote and to communicate with users regarding the quote.

  • Apply for a Bond. Universal provides various applications for the varying bonds offered on the Website. Universal collects personal identifiers (first and last name, address, telephone number, signature ), sensitive identifiers (Social Security number), professional identifiers(company name, company owners, address of the company, financial and legal information regarding the company), financial information (assets and liabilities, income, shares and bonds, real estate owned, life insurance, and any banks or financial institutions where credit has been obtained), government records (motor carrier number, FEIN number), and project information (owner/oblige name, address, and information regarding the project). Universal also collects the same information regarding the user’s spouse, if applicable, and any co-applicants. Universal uses this information to communicate with users, assess whether Universal can issue the user a bond, run a background check, run a credit check, and validate whether the information provided is accurate.

  • Contact us via the Website. When users contact us through the Website or via email, for example, to submit questions regarding bonds, Universal collects personal identifiers(first and last name, and email address), professional identifiers (company name), and any other information users wish to provide us regarding the nature of their inquiry. Universal uses this personal information to respond to user questions or inquiries, troubleshoot where necessary, and address any user issues.

  • Make a Payment. When users make a payment through the website, Universal collects personal identifiers (first and last name and email address), professional information (company name on the bond, if applicable), account information (bond number, invoice number, and amount of the bond), financial information (credit card number, CVC, expiration, billing zip code, or ACH information), userpreferences(option to save card or enroll in reoccurring payments). Universal also requests additional account information in the “Notes” portion  (agency identification number, policy number, quote number, or invoice number). Universal uses this information to process payments and manage payment preferences.

  • Aggregate data. Universal aggregates the data collected for benchmarking purposes and internal analytics.

  • Interact with the Website. In addition to the personal information provided directly to Universal, we also collect information automatically as users use our Website via “cookies” and similar tracking technologies (including pixel tags). This includes the following internet or other electronic network activity information.

 

Universal uses essential, performance, marketing, and analytics cookies to collect user usage, device, and location information when users interact with the Services. Universal uses this information to: (i) track users within the Services; (ii) enhance user experience; (iii) conduct analytics to improve the Services; (iv) prevent fraudulent use of the Services; (v) diagnosis and repair Services errors, and, in cases of abuse, track and mitigate the abuse; and (vi) market to users more effectively across different web pages and social media platforms based on your browsing habits and history.

Particular third-party cookies to note on the Website include: Google Analytics and DoubleClick. In general, users can also disable cookies by setting the browser to refuse cookies or indicate when a cookie is being sent. Please note, if opted out of these targeted advertising cookies, user opt-out will be specific to the web browser, app, or device from which you accessed the opt-out. If multiple devices or web browsers are used, users will need to opt out of each browser or device.

  • Google Analytics and Ads. Universal uses Google Analytics and Google Ads to collect information on the use of the Services for its improvement. To collect this information, Google installs cookies on the browser or reads cookies that are already there. Google also receives information about users from applications downloaded that partner with Google. Universal does not combine the information collected through the use of Google with personal information. Google’s ability to use and share information collected by Google Analytics and Google Ads about visits to the Website or to another application which partners with Google is restricted by the Google’s Terms of Useand Privacy Policy.  To prevent user data from being used by Google Analytics, download the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on, which can be accessed here.

  • DoubleClick. Universal utilizes DoubleClick by Google to serve ads based on a user’s prior visits to our Website. Each visitor to the Website receives a different cookie, and the information collected by the cookie is used to generate conversion statistics and allows Universal to see the total number of individuals who clicked on our ads. DoubleClick enables Google and its partners to serve ads to users based on visits to the Website and other websites on the Internet. Please review Google’s Privacy Policyfor additional information on how Google uses the information collected.

 

Universal will also use the personal information collected as described in this section to comply with the law, to efficiently maintain our business, and for other limited circumstances as described in HOW WE SHARE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. 

HOW WE SHARE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

 

  1. General Sharing

Universal shares personal information in the following instances:

  • Within Universal.The business may share personal information among affiliated entities for the legitimate business purposes of efficiently and effectively providing bonds to our customers. Access to personal information is limited to those on a need-to-know basis.

  • In the event of a corporate reorganization. In the event that Universals enters into, or intends to enter into, a transaction that alters the structure of the business, such as a reorganization, merger, acquisition, sale, joint venture, assignment, consolidation, transfer, change of control, or other disposition of all or any portion of our business, assets or stock, Universal would share personal information with third parties, including the buyer or target (and their agents and advisors) for the purpose of facilitating and completing the transaction. Universal will also share personal information with third parties if the business undergoes bankruptcy or liquidation, in the course of such proceedings.

  • With Third Parties. Universal may need to disclose personal information to third parties, such as legal advisors, law enforcement agencies, or governmental/regulatory bodies, to protect the business’s legal interests and other rights, prevent fraud or other illegal activities, prevent harm, for risk management purposes, and to comply with our legal obligations.

  • With Service Providers. Universal may share personal information with service providers that help us conduct our business, such as a background check provider, credit check provider, third-party payment processor, and storage provider.

  • For legal purposes. Universal may share personal information where legally required to do so, such as in response to court orders, law enforcement or legal process, including for national security purposes; to establish, protect, or exercise the business’s legal rights, as required to enforce terms of service or other contracts; to defend against legal claims or demands; to detect, investigate, prevent, or take action against illegal activities, fraud, or situations involving potential threats to the rights, property, or personal safety of any person; or to comply with the requirements of any applicable law.

YOUR INFORMATION CHOICES

 You have the following choices with respect to your personal information:

  • Opt Out of Google Analytics.To prevent your data from being used by Google Analytics, you can download the Google Analytics opt-out browser, which can be accessed here.

  • Opt Out of DoubleClick.To opt out of targeted advertising by Google, you can go to Google’s ad settings. You may also install the DoubleClick opt-out add-on.

  • Opt Out of Advertising All session cookies are temporary and expire after you close your web browser. Persistent cookies can be removed by following your web browser’s directions. To find out how to see what cookies have been set on your computer or device, and how to reject and delete the cookies, please visit: https://www.aboutcookies.org/. Please note that each web browser is different. To find information relating to your browser, visit the browser developer’s website and mobile application. If you reset your web browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent, some features of our website may not function properly. If you choose to opt out, we will place an “opt-out cookie” on your device. The “opt-out cookie” is browser specific and device specific and only lasts until cookies are cleared from your browser or device. The opt-out cookie will not work for essential cookies. If the cookie is removed or deleted, if you upgrade your browser or if you visit us from a different computer, you will need to return and update your preferences. By clicking on the “Opt-Out” links below, you will be directed to the respective third-party website where your computer will be scanned to determine who maintains cookies on you. At that time, you can either choose to opt out of all targeted advertising or you can choose to opt out of targeted advertising by selecting individual companies who maintain a cookie on your machine.
  • Association of National Advertisers opt-out registration: https://dmachoice.thedma.org/
  • Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) Opt-Out: https://www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp
  • Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) Opt-Out: https://optout.aboutads.info
  • European Union (EU) /European Economic Area (EEA) Opt-Out: http://www.youronlinechoices.eu
  • In general, you can also disable cookies by setting your browser to refuse cookies or indicate when a cookie is being sent.

 

EUROPEAN UNION (EU) AND CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS

  • Right to Delete. Users have the right to request that the business delete any personal information that collected from the user and retained, subject to certain exceptions. Once the verifiable consumer request has been received and confirmed, Universal will delete (and direct service providers to delete) the users personal information from Universal records, unless an exception applies, such as information the business is required to retain by law.

 

There are exceptions to the right to delete, which include:

    • If the information is exempt from the CCPA and GDPR. This includes:
      • Publicly available information (such as addresses, names, phone numbers, and email addresses, which are often in public real estate/property records).
      • Certain types of information, such as medical information or consumer credit reporting information.
    • The user’s identity or request could not be verified
    • To complete a transaction, provide a reasonably anticipated product or service, or for certain warranty and product recall purposes
    • To comply with legal obligations, exercise legal claims or rights, or defend legal claims
    • See California Civil Code sections 1798.105(d) and 1798.145   for more CCPA exceptions.

 

  • Right to Know. Users have the right to request that the business discloses certain information about the collection and use of a user’s personal information over the past 12 months. Once the verifiable consumer request has been received and confirmed, Universal will disclose to the user:
  • The categories of personal information collected about the user.
  • The categories of sources for the personal information collected about the user.
  • The business or commercial purpose for collecting or sharing that personal information.
  • The categories of third parties with whom the business shares that personal information.
  • The specific pieces of personal information collected about the user.


There are exceptions to the right to know, which include:

  • The user’s identity or request could not be verified
  • The request is manifestly unfounded or excessive, or the user has already been provided personal information disclosure more than twice in a 12-month period
  • Certain sensitive information cannot be disclosed, such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, or account passwords, but UNIVERSAL must tell a user if that type of information has been collected
  • Disclosure would restrict the business’s ability to comply with legal obligations, exercise legal claims or rights, or defend legal claims
  • If the personal information is certain medical information, consumer credit reporting information, or other types of information exempt from the CCPA and GDPR
  • See California Civil Code section 1798.145 for more CCPA exceptions.

  • Right to Correct. Users have the right to request that Universal correct any inaccurate personal information maintained about the user. Once the verifiable consumer request has been received and confirmed, Universal will correct (and direct service providers to correct) the personal information on record.

    There are exceptions to the right to correct, which include:
    • The user’s identity or request could not be verified
  • The request is manifestly unfounded or excessive
  • The information is publicly available information, certain medical information, consumer credit reporting information, or other types of information exempt from the CCPA and GDPR


  • Right to Non-Discrimination. Universal cannot deny goods or services, charge a different price, or provide a different level or quality of goods or services because a client has exercised rights under the CCPA or GDPR.

However, if a client refuses to provide personal information or asks to delete personal information, and that personal information is necessary to provide goods or services, Universal may not be able to complete that transaction.

 

  • How to Exercise Your Rights. If a EU or California resident would like to exercise any of these rights, please follow the steps below to reach Universal:
    • Contact Us. Send an email to privacy@suretybond.com with the subject line “CCPA Request” for California resident requests and “GDPR Request” for European Union resident requests, or reach out to the privacy hotline toll-free at (833) 609-7550
    • Provide Details. In the email or message, include the specific nature of the request. If a user is making a request to correct information, include the specific information believed to be inaccurate and provide any supporting documentation if available.
    • Verification. Universal will respond within 10 days to verify the user’s identity and confirm the request.
    • Response Time. Universal will correct the inaccurate information, delete the requested information, or provide the information use disclosure within 45 days after receipt of the request. If the user’s identity cannot be verified within 45 days, we may deny the request.
    • Extended Response Time. If necessary, the business may take up to an additional 45 calendar days to respond for a maximum total of 90 days from the day the request was received, provided that Universal responds with an explanation of the reason more than 45 days are needed to respond.
  • For more information on California resident data privacy rights, visit https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa.
  • For more information on European Union (EU) data privacy rights, visit https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/information-individuals_en



DO NOT TRACK

Universal does not respond to Do Not Track requests. Do Not Track is a preference users can set in the web browser to inform websites and mobile applications that they do not want to be tracked. Users can enable or disable Do Not Track by visiting the Preferences or Settings page of their web browser.


INFORMATION SECURITY

Universal implements and maintains reasonable security measures, such as access controls and encryption, to protect the personal information collected and maintained from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. However, no security measure or modality of data transmission is 100% secure, and the business is unable to guarantee the absolute security of the personal information we have collected from a user. 

 

CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

The Website is not intended for individuals under the age of thirteen (13) years. If Universal learns that personal information has been collected or received from individuals under the age of thirteen (13), the business will delete the personal information. If a user believes Universal has personal information on individuals under the age of thirteen (13), please contact us at the contact information provided below.

CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY NOTICE

Universal may amend this Privacy Notice in the business’s sole discretion at any time. If updated, Universal will post the changes to this page, and will indicate the date the changes go into effect. The business encourages users to review the Privacy Notice to stay informed. If Universal makes changes that materially affect user privacy rights, notifications will be issued by prominent posting on the Website and/or via email, and will obtain user consent, if required.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Notice, please contact privacy@suretybond.com.