Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Calculators 1 through 4 are completely free for licensed bail bond agencies. There is no cost, no monthly fee, and no catch. Every free calculator includes a small credit line that reads "Courtesy of HowBailBondsWork.com" with a link back to our site. That credit line is the only thing we ask for in return.

The WordPress Plugin (Calculator 5) is a paid product at $99 per year or $299 for a lifetime license. It has a full settings page, shortcode support, and tiered rate capability that the free calculators do not include.

The calculators produce estimates based on the bail amount entered and the premium rate configured for your state. Results are accurate for standard flat rate states. For states with tiered rates the WordPress Plugin handles the rate tiers automatically.

All calculators include a disclaimer reminding visitors that results are estimates only and that exact premiums are confirmed when they contact the agency. Bail bond rates are set by state law and can change, so it is the responsibility of each agency to confirm their calculator reflects current regulations.

We build calculators for bail bond agencies in all states where commercial bail bonds are legal. Most states use a flat 10% premium rate which all four free calculators handle. States with tiered rates are supported through the WordPress Plugin.

When you submit your request form let us know your state and we will make sure your calculator is configured correctly for your local regulations.

Each request covers one calculator style for one domain. If you want a different style on a different page you are welcome to submit a second request. Just let us know in the notes which calculator goes where and we will build both.

We review every request personally and typically send your custom download link within one business day. We look at your website to confirm the right file format for your platform before building your calculator.

The download link is single use and expires in 24 hours so keep an eye on your inbox.

Every calculator is built specifically for your agency. Your phone number, your domain, and your unique serial number are baked into the file before we send it. The calculator will only work on your approved website. A generic download would not have any of that and would not work properly.

This also protects every agent using our calculators. We do not do bulk builds and we do not send files to SEO agencies or web designers to distribute across hundreds of sites.

The request form asks for your name, agency name, website address, phone number, email address, website platform, and preferred theme. Some calculators ask for additional details like your city, county, or emergency page URL.

That is everything we need to build and deliver your custom calculator.

Just select "Not Sure" in the platform dropdown on the request form. We will look at your website before sending anything and figure out the right format for your setup. This is especially common with GoDaddy, managed WordPress hosting, and website builders where file access can be restricted.

We would rather take the time to check than send you a file that does not work on your site.

The free calculators are PHP files, not WordPress plugins. WordPress does not run PHP code inside page content by default, so to use a free calculator on WordPress you need a small helper plugin that enables inline PHP. The most common one is called Insert PHP Code Snippet and it is available free in the WordPress plugin directory.

Once that helper plugin is installed you upload your calculator file to your server via FTP or the hosting file manager, then paste one line of code into a snippet and drop it on any page.

If you are on managed WordPress hosting like GoDaddy Managed WordPress, WP Engine, or Bluehost, some hosts restrict what plugins you can install or block PHP execution entirely. Select your platform in the request form and we will check your setup before sending anything. If the free calculator cannot run on your host, we will let you know and discuss your options including the paid WordPress Plugin which installs cleanly on any standard WordPress setup.

You receive a PHP file. Upload it to your server using FTP or your hosting file manager. Then add one line of code to any page where you want the calculator to appear:

<?php include 'bail-calculator.php'; ?>

That is it. The calculator appears wherever you place that line.

Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy Website Builder do not allow PHP file uploads or plugin installs. For these platforms we host your calculator on our server and give you an embed code instead. You paste one line of HTML into your page builder's custom code or HTML block and the calculator appears.

Just select your platform in the request form and we will send you the right version.

Every free calculator includes a small line at the bottom that reads "Courtesy of HowBailBondsWork.com" with a link back to our site. This is how we keep the calculators free. It is styled to look like a natural part of the calculator, not an advertisement.

The courtesy link cannot be removed from the free calculators. It is a required part of the free license and removing it will deactivate your calculator. If you prefer a version without the link, contact us about a custom paid build.

The free calculators are single file installs with a fixed design, your phone number, and your chosen theme. They do the job well and cost nothing.

The WordPress Plugin is a full featured product with its own settings page in your WordPress admin. You can change colors, premium rates, call to action type, business image, and more without editing any code. It also supports tiered state rates, Google Analytics tracking, and works as a shortcode, widget, or in any page builder. It does not include the courtesy link.

Yes. The plugin works with all major WordPress page builders including Elementor, Divi, Beaver Builder, and Gutenberg. You use the shortcode [bail_bond_calculator] inside a shortcode or HTML module in your page builder. It takes about 30 seconds to add to any page.

Each license covers one website. The annual license at $99 per year includes all updates and renews each year. The lifetime license at $299 is a one time payment that covers your site forever with no renewal fees. Both include email support.

If you have multiple agency locations or websites contact us and we can discuss a multi-site arrangement.

We configure each calculator with the correct rate for your state when we build your custom file. Bail bond premium rates are set by state law and we keep up with changes as best we can. However it is ultimately your responsibility as a licensed bail bond agent to verify that the rate in your calculator matches current state regulations.

If your state rate changes after we send your file just contact us and we will update it.

For free calculators the rate is set when we build your file. If your state uses a rate other than 10% just tell us in your request form and we will configure it correctly. If your rate changes later contact us and we will send you an updated file.

The WordPress Plugin lets you change the premium rate directly from the settings page without contacting us.

Bail bond companies are legally prohibited from charging interest in the United States. The premium is a flat non-refundable fee set by state law. No interest, no hidden fees.

The Slider Calculator (Calculator 3) does show an estimated monthly payment for the remaining balance after the down payment, but this is presented as a payment plan breakdown with a clear disclaimer that it is an estimate only and that no interest is charged.