What is a guarantee?
A guarantee, sometimes called a guaranty, is a contract where one party agrees to be responsible for another party’s debt or obligation if that party fails to pay or perform.
In a loan, for example, the guarantor promises to repay the lender if the borrower, also called the debtor, defaults on the loan. This gives the lender extra assurance that their loan is secure as the guarantor agrees to repay the loan.
A Personal or Corporate Guarantee may also be called a:
What is the difference between a personal guarantor and a corporate guarantor?
The difference between a personal guarantor and a corporate guarantor is who agrees to take responsibility for the debt:
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A personal guarantor is an individual who agrees to be responsible for the borrower’s debt or obligation if the borrower defaults.
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A corporate guarantor is a corporation or business entity that agrees to take responsibility for the borrower’s debt or obligation if the borrower defaults.
For example, an individual business owner may act as a personal guarantor, while a parent company may act as a corporate guarantor for a subsidiary's debt.
What are the benefits of a guarantee?
A guarantee can benefit both borrowers and lenders by reducing lending risk and clarifying repayment obligations.
Common benefits of a guarantee include:
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Better access to loans: Borrowers with lower credit scores, limited credit history, or insufficient collateral may be more likely to qualify.
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More security for lenders: Lenders receive additional protection if the borrower defaults.
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Improved loan terms: The guarantee may reduce the lender’s risk, helping borrowers secure more favorable terms.
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Customizable terms: The guarantee can be limited or unlimited, depending on the parties’ needs.
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Clearer repayment expectations: A written guarantee helps define the point at which the guarantor becomes responsible for the debt.
Who are the parties in a guarantee?
A guarantee generally involves three parties:
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The debtor is the party primarily responsible for the underlying obligation, such as repaying a loan or fulfilling another contractual commitment.
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The lender or creditor is the party to whom the obligation is owed.
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The guarantor is the party that agrees to satisfy the debtor’s obligations if the debtor defaults.
The identity of the guarantor can also vary slightly depending on the type of guarantee. In a personal guarantee, the guarantor is an individual who assumes personal liability for the debtor’s obligations. In a corporate guarantee, the guarantor is a corporation or other legal entity that agrees to be responsible for the debtor’s obligations in the event of a default.
What is a limited guarantee?
A limited guarantee is a guarantee that limits the guarantor’s responsibility to a specific amount, obligation, or time period.
In LawDepot’s questionnaire, you can set a maximum dollar amount the guarantor may be required to pay. Other limits, such as limits based on a specific obligation or time period, can be added in the additional clauses section.
For example, a guarantor may agree to be responsible for only a set amount of the borrower’s debt, rather than guaranteeing the full loan balance. If the guarantee is limited, the maximum amount or any additional limits should be clearly stated in the document.
A limited guarantee may specify:
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The maximum amount the guarantor must pay
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The debts or obligations covered
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The time period the guarantee applies to
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Whether the guarantee applies to one transaction or ongoing obligations
This type of guarantee is common in Mortgage Agreements where, instead of leveraging their entire property as security, the guarantor is only liable for a portion of the repayment outlined in the guarantor’s Loan Agreement.
What is an unlimited guarantee?
An unlimited guarantee is one in which the guarantor may be liable for the full amount of the borrower’s debt or obligation if the borrower defaults.
Unlike a limited guarantee, an unlimited guarantee does not cap the guarantor’s responsibility at a specific amount. Depending on the terms, the guarantor may also be responsible for related costs, interest, fees, or other amounts owed under the original agreement.
Because an unlimited guarantee can create significant financial responsibility, the guarantor should carefully review the agreement before signing. For extra peace of mind, they can also have their agreement reviewed by a lawyer.
What information should I include in my guarantee?
A Personal or Corporate Guarantee should include:
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The debtor's name
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The guarantor's information (name, contact info, etc., of the individual or corporation)
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The lender or creditor's information (name and address)
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A statement of any limits to the guarantee, should they exist (i.e., a maximum amount that the guarantor is required to pay)
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The guarantor’s signature and, if required, a witness signature or notary acknowledgement.
How do I create a Personal or Corporate Guarantee?
LawDepot’s easy-to-use Personal or Corporate Guarantee template guides you through each step and customizes your document based on the information you provide.
Complete the following steps to have a valid guarantee in minutes:
1. Input guarantee details
Detail who is providing the guarantee (i.e., an individual or a corporation) and a limit to the guarantee, if applicable. Then add the location of the debtor.
2. Fill in parties’ details
Provide key information about the debtors, guarantors, and lenders or creditors.
Required party information includes:
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Debtors: Name only
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Lenders or Creditors: Name and address
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Guarantors: Name, address, phone number, and email address
3. Set the terms
A Personal or Corporate Guarantee form should state the priority of debts, including whether the guarantor agrees to give the lender priority over other debts the debtor may owe.
Our template can also include any additional terms or information needed to clarify the guarantee for your unique situation.
4. Provide signing details
Identify who will witness the guarantee, such as a witness or a notary public. If you’re creating a Personal Guarantee, you can also choose to receive a notary public certificate.
If you’re making a Corporate Guarantee, you can have an acknowledgement by corporation added to your agreement if required for your form.
Finally, if known, specify the date the guarantee will be signed.