An appeal buys you time — the bond is what stops the clock on collection.
The bond that stays a judgment while you appeal
When you lose a money judgment and want to appeal, the winning side can normally begin collecting right away. An appeal bond — also called a supersedeas bond — stays (pauses) enforcement of the judgment while the appeal is decided, guaranteeing that if you lose, the judgment plus interest and costs will be paid.
What an appeal bond guarantees
Posted by the appellant (the party who lost and is appealing), the bond guarantees that if the appeal fails, the original judgment — plus interest accrued during the appeal and any costs from the delay — will be paid to the judgment creditor. In exchange, enforcement is stayed, so the creditor cannot garnish, lien, or seize while the appeal is pending. (Note: a small “cost bond” guaranteeing only appeal costs is a narrower, related instrument.)
Amount, collateral, and cost
Courts set the amount — commonly the judgment plus estimated interest and costs, often a rule of thumb of 100%–150% of the judgment (some states cap it). Appeal bonds are among the most heavily underwritten court bonds: the surety typically requires collateral up to the full bond amount, because the risk is a known, adjudicated judgment. Premium generally runs around 1%–3% per year of the bond amount, with cash collateral lowering the effective cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an appeal bond do?
It stays enforcement of a money judgment while you appeal, so the other side can’t collect in the meantime. It guarantees the judgment plus interest and costs will be paid if your appeal fails.
How much collateral does an appeal bond require?
Usually substantial — often collateral up to the full bond amount — because the underlying judgment is already decided. This is why large appeals can be difficult to bond without significant assets.
How is the amount set?
By the court, generally the judgment plus estimated interest and costs — often roughly 100%–150% of the judgment. Some states cap the amount to keep large judgments appealable.
How do I get a appeal bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.