PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: September 25, 2025

This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) describes how Merchants Bonding Company (Mutual) and Merchants National Bonding, Inc. dba Merchants National Indemnity Company in California, (collectively, "Merchants," “we,” “us,” or “our”) collect, use, and disclose personal information when you interact with us. This includes when you use our websites, digital platforms, insurance and bond products, or other related services (the “Services”), or engage with us as a bond/policyholder, claimant, producer, job applicant, employee, contractor, vendor, or temporary worker. This Policy applies to personal information collected by us both online and offline in connection with the Services.

If you are a California resident, please refer to our California Consumer Privacy Act Notice for detailed information about your rights and choices under California law.

By using the Services, you agree to this Policy and our Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please do not use the Services.

1. Information We Collect

“Personal information” means information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could reasonably be linked with a particular individual, consistent with definitions under applicable privacy laws. We may collect personal information as outlined below.

  • Sources may include:
    • You (e.g., via forms, phone, email, or chat)
    • Agents and brokers
    • Service providers and vendors
    • Consumer reporting agencies and insurance support organizations
    • Public records and government agencies
    • Social media platforms
    • Your employer or business partners
    • Other insurance companies
    • Our affiliates and subsidiaries
  • Categories of personal information may include:
    • Identifiers (e.g., name, address, phone number, email)
    • Sensitive identifiers (e.g., SSN, driver’s license)
    • Professional and employment data (e.g., job title, work history)
    • Health and benefit information (e.g., disability status, health plan enrollment)
    • Background check data (e.g., criminal history, references)
    • Emergency contact and dependent information
    • Union membership (if applicable)
    • Transaction and payment data (e.g., balances, payment method, transaction details)
    • Internet activity data (e.g., browsing history, IP address)
    • Geolocation data (approximate location based on IP address)
    • Audio, visual, and similar data (e.g., call recordings, website interactions)
    • Survey and communication data (e.g., opinions, feedback, comments)
    • Social media data, based on your privacy settings and interactions
    • Information about others, when you provide it to us (with proper authority)

2. How We Use Personal Information

We may use personal information for business purposes including, but not limited to:

  • Providing quotes and servicing bonds or insurance products.
  • Underwriting, processing applications, and issuing policies or bonds.
  • Processing and investigating claims.
  • Preventing fraud and maintaining security.
  • Communicating with you and responding to inquiries.
  • Meeting legal and regulatory obligations, including labor and employment requirements, investigations, and dispute resolution.
  • Conducting internal analytics, reporting, and research.
  • Personalizing content and improving your user experience.
  • Informing you of job opportunities or assessing applications.
  • Enforcing terms and policies and protecting our rights and assets.
  • Operating and improving the Services.
  • Administering payroll, benefits, and leave.
  • Conducting background checks and verifying qualifications.
  • Ensuring workplace safety and security.
  • Monitoring performance and compliance with policies.
  • Managing internal investigations and dispute resolution.

We use AI-enabled tools solely to assist with data capture from business financial documents. These tools do not process personal information and are not used to make underwriting or eligibility determinations.

We may also use personal information as otherwise permitted or required by law.

3. Disclosure of Personal Information

We disclose personal information only as permitted or required by law, including to:

  • Service providers and contractors who support our operations.
  • Insurance agents, brokers, and underwriters.
  • Regulatory authorities and government agencies.
  • Consumer reporting agencies and insurance support organizations.
  • Third parties involved in legal or regulatory proceedings.
  • Other users via public forums or social media (when you post or interact publicly).
  • Successors to our business, in the event of a reorganization, merger, or sale.

4. Use and Disclosure of Sensitive Personal Information

We collect and use sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers, only as necessary to provide our services, fulfill legal obligations, or support legitimate business operations (e.g., underwriting, claims, or employment). We do not use or disclose sensitive personal information for marketing or for purposes that would trigger a right to limit under applicable law. Safeguards are implemented to protect this information. We do not use sensitive personal information to infer characteristics about individuals, and we do not process it for profiling or targeted advertising.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, pixel tags, and similar technologies to collect data about your interactions with our Services. This includes:

  • Identifiers, geolocation, and internet activity
  • Usage and performance metrics
  • Website navigation behavior

We may also use third-party tools, such as Google Analytics, to help us understand and improve user experiences. For more information, visit:

You may manage your cookie preferences via your browser settings or by clicking the “Manage Cookies” icon on our website.

6. Children’s Privacy

Our Services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information. If you believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately so we can take appropriate steps to delete it.

7. External Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing information.

8. Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information, consistent with applicable data protection laws and industry standards. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted at www.merchantsbonding.com, and the updated Policy will reflect a new “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of our Services after any change constitutes your acceptance of the revised Policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:

Merchants Bonding Company
Attention: Compliance Officer
P. O. Box 14498
Des Moines, IA 50306-3498
Telephone: 1-800-678-8171

Email: privacy@merchantsbonding.com

11. Consent

By using the Services, or submitting information through available consent mechanisms, you agree to the terms of this Policy and our Terms of Use. If you do not agree, do not use the Services. The Services are not intended for use in jurisdictions where such use is prohibited by law.

12. State-Specific Rights

Some states provide residents, including employees and job applicants, with rights regarding their personal information. If you reside in such a state (e.g., California), you may have the right to access, correct, or delete certain personal information or to limit the use of sensitive personal information.