What Are the Key Differences Between Founder Shield and Zurich U.S. Fidelity Bonds?
Required bond amount and available tracks
Founder Shield explains the ERISA minimum as 10% of plan funds handled, with a $1,000 minimum and a $500,000 maximum, or up to $1 million for plans holding employer securities. Zurich offers an Express ERISA bond with fraud-and-dishonesty limits up to $1 million and a Select track with higher limits for complex or multiple plans. Founder Shield describes the statutory requirement, not a carrier-specific quote; plan sponsors should check the required amount and compare Zurich’s track against it. [2] [7]
Plan roles and issuing insurer
Founder Shield says the bond applies to plan sponsors, fiduciaries, third-party administrators, and small businesses with a 401(k); its brokerage places the bond with outside carriers without naming the issuer in advance. Zurich says its ERISA bond protects plan money, securities, or property from employee fraud and may include designated agents or independent contractors. Ask both quote teams how covered handlers are defined, and request the issuing carrier on the final proposal. [2] [7]