What best describes a home inspector surety bond?

A home inspector surety bond is best described as a promise to pay if the home inspector does not pay a court judgment. This type of bond serves as a financial guarantee that helps protect clients from potential financial loss resulting from the inspector's failure to meet their contractual obligations, such as paying for damages awarded in a lawsuit.

Surety bonds are often required for home inspectors as a form of consumer protection and to ensure that they comply with local regulations and standards. When a claim is made against the bond, the surety company will cover the payment up to the bond’s limit, and then will seek reimbursement from the inspector. This mechanism builds trust in the profession and provides a level of security for clients engaging home inspectors for their services.

The other options reflect different types of insurance or liability that do not align with the purpose of a surety bond, which specifically addresses the obligation to pay legal judgments rather than issues like reporting defects, theft, or injuries occurring during the inspection process.