If a friend or loved one has been arrested and asked you to post their bail, you may be trying to find a way to secure the funds. Bail can be costly, and many people prefer to work with a bondsman instead of trying to pay for it all on their own. If your bondsman has asked for some form of collateral, you do have options. Here are some of the things you should consider to secure the bail bond you need.

Do You Have Equity In Your Home?

Whether you no longer have a mortgage or you have equity beyond the remaining balance of your existing mortgage, you may be able to use your home as collateral. Even if all you have is land that doesn't have a home on the property, you could still use the value of the land as your collateral. Just keep in mind that you'll have to have enough collateral in the property to cover the bail bond, and if the bondsman has to cash in that bond, you'll be on the hook for the money or you'll have to turn over your property.

Do You Own A Vehicle?

If you own a vehicle outright and the bail amount is less than the value of the vehicle, you can turn over the title of your car as your collateral. The bondsman will assess the value of the car based on the current market value as well as the condition of the car, but provided that there's enough value in it to cover the bond, you should be able to use it without a problem.

Do You Have Valuables?

Whether it's jewelry, fine china, or family heirlooms, if you have any valuables in your home, they can serve as collateral as well. Depending on the bond agent, you may have to turn over the items or just the certificates of ownership or appraisals. You'll have to talk with your bond agent to find out what he or she requires if you're using personal possessions like these as your collateral.

Do You Have Investment Accounts?

Even your investment accounts can qualify as collateral for your bond agent. You'll just have to show proof of the balances in the accounts and document that you can liquidate those accounts if need be. Your bond agent will tell you what he or she requires for documentation in the event that you want to use your investment account as your collateral to secure the bond.

Contact companies like Steele Boys Bail Bonds to learn more about bail bonds.