Surety bonds are a type of financial guarantee that has become increasingly important in the Greek market, particularly in the construction industry. In this article, we will analyze the numbers of the surety bond market in Greece, including the types of bonds offered and the major players in the industry.

Types of Surety Bonds Offered

In Greece, insurance companies offer a variety of surety bonds, including bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds, as well as maintenance bonds and advance payment bonds. Bid bonds are typically required during the bidding process for a project, and ensure that the contractor will enter into a contract if awarded the project. Performance bonds guarantee that the contractor will complete the project according to the agreed-upon terms, while payment bonds ensure that subcontractors and suppliers will be paid for their work on the project.

Market Size and Growth

According to a report by the Greek Association of Insurance Companies, the surety bond market in Greece has been steadily growing over the past few years. In 2020, the total amount of surety bonds issued in Greece was approximately €2.2 billion, which represents an increase of 10.5% compared to the previous year. This growth is expected to continue, as the construction industry in Greece continues to recover from the economic crisis and demand for infrastructure projects increases.

The Difference Between Insurance Companies and Banks

The main difference between insurance companies and banks in terms of surety bonds is the cost. Insurance companies generally offer lower premiums and require lower cash collaterals than banks. The premium for a surety bond is the fee paid to the insurance company or bank for the guarantee of performance. In Greece, insurance companies typically offer surety bonds at a lower premium than banks. This means that contractors can save a significant amount of money by obtaining a surety bond from an insurance company rather than a bank. Cash collaterals are another important factor to consider when obtaining a surety bond. A cash collateral is an amount of money that the contractor must deposit with the insurance company or bank as security for the surety bond. In Greece, banks typically require a higher cash collateral than insurance companies. Banks may require a cash collateral of 100% or more of the bond amount, while insurance companies may require a cash collateral of 10% to 50% or less.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the growth of the surety bond market in Greece, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. For example, there is a lack of awareness among contractors and subcontractors about the benefits of surety bonds, which can lead to reluctance to obtain them. Additionally, some insurance companies may be hesitant to offer surety bonds due to the perceived risk associated with the construction industry.

However, there are also opportunities for growth in the surety bond market in Greece. As the country continues to invest in infrastructure projects and as the economy recovers, demand for surety bonds is likely to increase. Additionally, insurance companies can work to educate contractors and subcontractors about the benefits of surety bonds and develop new products to meet their needs.

The surety bond market in Greece is growing, driven by increased demand for infrastructure projects and the need for financial protection in the construction industry. While there are challenges to be addressed, such as a lack of awareness among contractors and perceived risk in the industry, the overall outlook for the surety bond market in Greece is positive.