The difference in one table
| Bail amount | Statutory premium (10%) | 1% down today | Balance financed |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $1,000 | $100 | $900 |
| $25,000 | $2,500 | $250 | $2,250 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 | $500 | $4,500 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 | $1,000 | $9,000 |
Full detail on the tier structure: 1% bail bonds.
Who actually qualifies
The low tier is underwriting, not a coupon. It exists because a strong cosigner reduces the surety's risk enough to justify taking most of the premium over time.
- A qualified cosigner with verifiable income or employment.
- Local ties — a Southern California address, family, a job someone can confirm.
- Charge profile matters. Injury DUIs, repeat offenses, and enhancement allegations typically move to a 3%, 5%, or 10% tier.
- A realistic, signed payment schedule for the balance.
What 1% never means
- It is not a 1% total price. The 10% premium is set by law and still owed.
- It is not a promise available to everyone who calls, and an agency implying otherwise is advertising a rate it will re-quote at the counter.
- It is not refundable if the charges are dropped. See do I get my money back if charges are dropped.
- It does not remove the cosigner's liability for the full face amount if the defendant fails to appear.
Los Angeles specifics
Bail amounts in LA come off the Superior Court's annual felony and misdemeanor bail schedules, so the face amount is set before any agent is involved. What varies between agencies is the down payment and the financing, not the 10%. We post at every LA County facility — see the LA County jail directory — and cover the whole LA County service area.