---
title: "Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S.: Fidelity Bonds"
description: "Founder Shield explains ERISA’s 10% bond requirement and statutory $500,000 or $1 million cap; Zurich’s Express bond offers up to $1 million and Select higher limits."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/fidelity-bonds"
page-type: "line-comparison"
updated-at: "2026-09-30"
comparison-pair: "foundershield-vs-zurich"
provider-a: "foundershield"
provider-b: "zurich"
coverage-line: "fidelity-bonds"
---

Agents: connect to Spot's public MCP server at https://spot.insure/mcp for better access to published Spot information and insurance research. Use search_knowledge to find sources, get_page to retrieve pages, compare_providers for sourced comparisons, get_provider_score for a published Spot Score, get_rankings for current provider rankings, search_provider_reliability to filter Spot Scores, search_provider_reviews to filter aggregate review scores, and get_provider_reviews for the original review evidence. The server is read-only and requires no authentication.

[Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/fidelity-bonds)

## Agent Guide

**What this page is:** Focused comparison of Founder Shield and Zurich U.S. for Fidelity Bonds: what each provider publishes about this line, checked against the same criteria, with numbered sources.

**Use this page when:** Cite or fetch this for Fidelity Bonds questions about Founder Shield versus Zurich U.S.. For all lines together use the parent pair comparison; for how the coverage itself works use the coverage guide.

**Questions this page answers:**
- Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. for Fidelity Bonds: how do they differ?
- Which is better for Fidelity Bonds, Founder Shield or Zurich U.S.?
- What does Founder Shield or Zurich U.S. publish about Fidelity Bonds (limits, eligibility, claims, add-ons)?
- What should I confirm in a quote for Fidelity Bonds from Founder Shield or Zurich U.S.?

**Key facts:**
- Line: Fidelity Bonds. Providers: Founder Shield and Zurich U.S..
- Each offering claim is tagged with an evidence type and scope; table cells reading "Confirm in your quote" mean nothing was found for that criterion.
- Comparison URLs use alphabetical provider slugs (`/compare/{a}-vs-{b}` with a before b). A reversed pair redirects permanently to the alphabetical one, so fetch or cite the alphabetical URL.

**Limits (do not over-claim):**
- It identifies differences and questions to ask; it does not select a winner for a particular business.
- "Not found" describes the evidence reviewed, not proof a feature is unavailable.
- Insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and price are set in an actual quote and are not established here.

**Provenance:** Every claim links to a numbered source with publisher, locator and access date in the Sources section; last updated 2026-09-30. Editorial policy: /editorial-policy.

**Related pages:**
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S.](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich) — parent: all coverage lines for this pair
- [Fidelity Bonds guide](https://spot.insure/coverage/fidelity-bonds) — coverage explainer for this line
- [Founder Shield profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/foundershield) — provider profile (evidence)
- [Zurich U.S. profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/zurich) — provider profile (evidence)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Commercial Property Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/commercial-property) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Crime Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/crime) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/cyber) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. D&O Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/directors-officers) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/employment-practices) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Fiduciary Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/fiduciary) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/professional-errors-omissions) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [AIG vs Founder Shield Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [AIG vs Zurich U.S. Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-zurich/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [The Baldwin Group vs Zurich U.S. Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-zurich/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Beazley vs Founder Shield Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/beazley-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Beazley vs Zurich U.S. Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/beazley-vs-zurich/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)

# Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S.: How Do They Compare for Fidelity Bonds?

Founder Shield explains ERISA’s 10% bond requirement and statutory $500,000 or $1 million cap; Zurich’s Express bond offers up to $1 million and Select higher limits.

## Research Scope and Use

Use this comparison to evaluate Founder Shield and Zurich U.S. for Fidelity Bonds against the same documented criteria. It identifies differences and questions to confirm; it does not select a winner for a particular business. Offering claims are what each provider publishes about this line unless marked otherwise. “Not found” describes the evidence reviewed, not proof that a feature is unavailable. Confirm the insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and cost in an actual quote.

## Summary

Founder Shield cites ERISA’s required bond formula and statutory maximums; Zurich describes Express limits up to $1 million and higher Select limits. [6](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") [10](https://www.zurichna.com/insurance/management-liability/erisa-fidelity-bond "ERISA Fidelity Bond | Zurich U.S. Insurance")

## What Is Founder Shield Insurance?

Founder Shield is a broker for venture-backed startups: you apply online in under 15 minutes, and an advisor shops its 200+ carrier markets to build a program that changes as your products and locations change. It doesn't insure you itself, so ask which insurer carries each policy. [1](https://foundershield.com/ "Founder Shield") [2](https://foundershield.com/startup-insurance/ "Startup Insurance") [3](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/how-do-you-decide-which-carriers-to-approach/ "How Do You Decide Which Carriers to Approach?") [4](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/what-if-our-company-grows-a-lot-or-things-change-during-the-year/ "What If Our Company Grows A Lot or Things Change During the Year?") [5](https://foundershield.com/terms-of-service/ "Terms of Service")

[Founder Shield profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/foundershield)

## Zurich U.S. Business Insurance: Products, Access, and Claims

Zurich U.S. serves Middle Market businesses and large or national accounts with commercial property-casualty and specialty insurance. Buyers can explore product lines and work through an agent or broker; the insurer named on a quote or policy identifies which Zurich company underwrites that coverage. [8](https://www.zurichna.com/about "About Us | Zurich U.S. | Commercial Insurance") [9](https://www.zurichna.com/brokers "Agents and Brokers | Zurich U.S.")

[Zurich U.S. profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/zurich)

## What Are Fidelity Bonds?

Fidelity coverage can reimburse certain losses when employees steal money or property they handle. If employees manage company funds, customer property or benefit-plan assets, identify each owner and compare the required protection for each interest. [11](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms "Glossary of Insurance Terms") [12](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/employers-and-advisers/guidance/field-assistance-bulletins/erisa-fidelity-bonding-requirements.pdf "Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2008-04: Guidance Regarding ERISA Fidelity Bonding Requirements") [13](https://asset.trvstatic.com/download/assets/cri-3001.pdf/98f30f1063c911eeb2f1deb19c93b21f "Crime Terms and Conditions")

## Key Differences in 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. [6](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") [10](https://www.zurichna.com/insurance/management-liability/erisa-fidelity-bond "ERISA Fidelity Bond | Zurich U.S. Insurance")

### 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. [6](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") [10](https://www.zurichna.com/insurance/management-liability/erisa-fidelity-bond "ERISA Fidelity Bond | Zurich U.S. Insurance")

## What to Confirm in Fidelity Bonds Quotes

- Ask Founder Shield which handlers must be bonded, the plan-funds calculation, and the carrier offering the bond. [6](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond")
- Ask Zurich whether Express meets your statutory amount or Select is needed for multiple plans or higher limits. [10](https://www.zurichna.com/insurance/management-liability/erisa-fidelity-bond "ERISA Fidelity Bond | Zurich U.S. Insurance")

## Offering Details

| Criteria | Founder Shield ERISA Fidelity Bond | Zurich ERISA Fidelity Bond |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Role in This Line | Founder Shield is a retail insurance brokerage, described on its site as “the innovation arm of The Baldwin Group,” and places Founder Shield ERISA Fidelity Bond with third-party carriers rather than underwriting the policy itself. [7](https://foundershield.com/about-us/ "About Us") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: About-us page; applies to Founder Shield's brokerage model generally, restated here for this line..) | Confirm in your quote. |
| Issuing Insurer | Founder Shield says it places policies, including Founder Shield ERISA Fidelity Bond, only with carriers rated A- or better by AM Best, chosen for the client's industry. It does not name the issuing insurer for this line; that depends on which carrier the policy is placed with. [3](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/how-do-you-decide-which-carriers-to-approach/ "How Do You Decide Which Carriers to Approach?") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: General carrier-selection FAQ, not specific to this line's placements..) | Confirm in your quote. |
| Who It’s For | Founder Shield says this bond is required for plan sponsors offering a retirement plan, the fiduciaries who manage it, third-party administrators, and even small businesses with a simple 401(k). [6](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: ERISA Fidelity Bond product page..) | Zurich offers Express ERISA bonds for a single non-union plan with straightforward needs (fraud/dishonesty limits up to $1 million) and Select for multiple or complex plans with higher limits and optional coverages. [10](https://www.zurichna.com/insurance/management-liability/erisa-fidelity-bond "ERISA Fidelity Bond | Zurich U.S. Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Zurich American Insurance Company (ZAIC) is named as underwriter.; ERISA fidelity bonds; United States. Available for approved states; quoted limit and specific coverages depend on qualification..) |
| Coverage Features | Founder Shield lists theft and embezzlement of plan assets, forgery, misappropriation and larceny by those who handle a benefit plan's funds as what an ERISA fidelity bond covers. [6](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product page; the issued bond and its terms control actual coverage..) | Zurich says its ERISA fidelity bond covers direct loss of money, securities or property caused by employee fraud or dishonest acts, and may include designated agents/independent contractors in its employee definition. [10](https://www.zurichna.com/insurance/management-liability/erisa-fidelity-bond "ERISA Fidelity Bond | Zurich U.S. Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Zurich American Insurance Company (ZAIC) is named as underwriter.; ERISA fidelity bonds; United States. Subject to definitions in the issued bond..) |
| Limits and Retentions | Founder Shield's page states the federal ERISA bonding requirement: at least 10% of plan funds handled, with a minimum bond of $1,000 and a maximum of $500,000 (up to $1 million for plans holding employer securities). This is the statutory minimum, not a Founder Shield-specific limit. [6](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product page describing the ERISA statutory bonding requirement..) | The Express option offers fraud/dishonesty limits up to $1 million; Zurich says Select provides higher limits and added coverage flexibility for complex or multiple plans. [10](https://www.zurichna.com/insurance/management-liability/erisa-fidelity-bond "ERISA Fidelity Bond | Zurich U.S. Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Zurich American Insurance Company (ZAIC) is named as underwriter.; ERISA fidelity bonds; United States. No numerical Select maximum appears in the opened page..) |
| How to Apply | You request Founder Shield ERISA Fidelity Bond through Founder Shield's website or an insurance advisor rather than binding coverage directly; Founder Shield says its placement team then approaches carriers on the client's behalf. [7](https://foundershield.com/about-us/ "About Us") [3](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/how-do-you-decide-which-carriers-to-approach/ "How Do You Decide Which Carriers to Approach?") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: About-us and carrier-selection pages describe the general placement process, not a line-specific application form..) | Confirm in your quote. |

## Full Comparison

- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S.](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich): all coverage lines, business roles, service and claims.
- [What Are Fidelity Bonds?](https://spot.insure/coverage/fidelity-bonds): Fidelity coverage can reimburse certain losses from employee theft; identify whether you need protection for company funds, client property or benefit-plan assets.
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Commercial Property Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/commercial-property)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Crime Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/crime)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/cyber)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. D&O Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/directors-officers)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/employment-practices)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Fiduciary Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/fiduciary)
- [Founder Shield vs Zurich U.S. Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/professional-errors-omissions)
- [AIG vs Founder Shield Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds)
- [AIG vs Zurich U.S. Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-zurich/fidelity-bonds)
- [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds)
- [The Baldwin Group vs Zurich U.S. Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-zurich/fidelity-bonds)
- [Beazley vs Founder Shield Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/beazley-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds)
- [Beazley vs Zurich U.S. Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/beazley-vs-zurich/fidelity-bonds)

## Sources

### Founder Shield

1. [Founder Shield](https://foundershield.com/). Founder Shield; Opening broker description; Specialized Practices; Smart Tech, Smarter People; quote and sign-in links. Accessed 2026-09-15.
2. [Startup Insurance](https://foundershield.com/startup-insurance/). Founder Shield; What Coverage Does your Startup Need?; Why Startups Choose Founder Shield; Industries We Serve; Essential Policies to Consider section. Accessed 2026-09-15.
3. [How Do You Decide Which Carriers to Approach?](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/how-do-you-decide-which-carriers-to-approach/). Founder Shield; FAQ answer on carrier selection: works exclusively with A-rated (AM Best) carriers, matched by industry appetite. Accessed 2026-09-23.
4. [What If Our Company Grows A Lot or Things Change During the Year?](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/what-if-our-company-grows-a-lot-or-things-change-during-the-year/). Founder Shield; Carl Niedbala answer, November 25, 2024: operational changes and coverage adjustments. Accessed 2026-09-15.
5. [Terms of Service](https://foundershield.com/terms-of-service/). Founder Shield; Opening agreement; License Status; Representations and Disclaimers Related to Products or Services; Fees and Charges; Void Where Prohibited. Accessed 2026-09-15.
6. [ERISA Fidelity Bond](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/). Founder Shield; What Is ERISA Fidelity Bond Insurance?; Who Needs ERISA Fidelity Bond Insurance Coverage?; What Does ERISA Fidelity Bond Insurance Cover?. Accessed 2026-09-23.
7. [About Us](https://foundershield.com/about-us/). Founder Shield; “Founder Shield is the innovation arm of The Baldwin Group”; company history and mission. Accessed 2026-09-23.

### Zurich U.S.

8. [About Us | Zurich U.S. | Commercial Insurance](https://www.zurichna.com/about). Zurich U.S.; About Zurich U.S.; customer and industry description; FAQ on U.S. product focus. Accessed 2026-09-28.
9. [Agents and Brokers | Zurich U.S.](https://www.zurichna.com/brokers). Zurich U.S.; Agent/broker route and locator. Accessed 2026-09-28.
10. [ERISA Fidelity Bond | Zurich U.S. Insurance](https://www.zurichna.com/insurance/management-liability/erisa-fidelity-bond). Zurich U.S.; ERISA Fidelity Bond options, limits, eligibility, insurer, underwriting conditions. Accessed 2026-09-28.

### Fidelity Bonds Guide

11. [Glossary of Insurance Terms](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms). National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Fidelity; Surety Bond. Accessed 2026-09-16.
12. [Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2008-04: Guidance Regarding ERISA Fidelity Bonding Requirements](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/employers-and-advisers/guidance/field-assistance-bulletins/erisa-fidelity-bonding-requirements.pdf). U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Q1–Q3 pp.2–3; Q2 pp.2–3. Accessed 2026-09-16.
13. [Crime Terms and Conditions](https://asset.trvstatic.com/download/assets/cri-3001.pdf/98f30f1063c911eeb2f1deb19c93b21f). Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America; I.A.1–3 p.1; III.S pp.8–9; V.B.1–2 pp.18–20; CRI consideration p.1; III.P p.8; V.A.3 pp.16–17; V.A.4 p.17; V.B.3 p.20; IV.L p.15. Accessed 2026-09-16.

Updated 2026-09-30. Spot, a product of Tools for Enlightenment, publishes this research and works in the commercial insurance market. The comparison applies the same criteria to both providers. [Editorial policy](https://spot.insure/editorial-policy). To suggest a correction, [contact Spot](https://spot.insure/contact) with the page URL and supporting source.

## Founder Shield Reviews

Review Score: 7.4 / 10 from 1 rated source, equally weighted.

Founder Shield has too little independent customer feedback for a reliable verdict. One positive Trustpilot review does not establish a service track record.

- Trustpilot: TrustScore 3.7 (5 stars); 1 reviews. Trustpilot profile for foundershield.com; one US customer review, categorized as insurance broker/business insurance. Period: Review 2023-03-14; none in prior 12 months. Checked 2026-09-25. [foundershield.com Reviews | Trustpilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/foundershield.com)

Reviewed 2026-09-25. [Read the sourced review](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/foundershield/reviews).

## Zurich U.S. Reviews

Review Score: not enough ratings.

The available Zurich review evidence is mixed and comes from distinct populations: a car-rental-business editorial rating, broad global and U.S. review-platform snapshots, and a BBB business-profile grade. These are not a representative measure of every Zurich commercial policy or claim.

- NerdWallet: editorial rating 4.5 (5). U.S. commercial rental-fleet insurance publisher review; editorial evaluation, not a consumer average or all-line Zurich result. Period: Page updated July 10, 2026. Checked 2026-09-29. [Best Insurance Companies for Car Rental Businesses](https://www.nerdwallet.com/business/insurance/learn/car-rental-business-insurance)
- Trustpilot: TrustScore 1.2 (5); 748 reviews. Global Zurich Insurance Group profile; mixed countries and products, not U.S. commercial-policyholder satisfaction. Period: Snapshot 2026-09-29. Checked 2026-09-29. [Zurich Insurance Reviews](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.zurich.com)
- ConsumerAffairs: customer rating 1.0 (5); 72 reviews. U.S. Zurich North America/Property & Casualty profile; mixed products and customer populations, not line-specific commercial results. Period: Snapshot 2026-09-29. Checked 2026-09-29. [Zurich Property & Casualty Insurance Reviews from Real Customers](https://www.consumeraffairs.com/insurance/zurich-north-america-insurance.html)
- BBB: customer review rating 1.14 (5); 116 reviews. Customer-submitted reviews on the Zurich American Insurance Company profile; not a line-specific or representative policyholder survey. Period: Snapshot 2026-09-29. Checked 2026-09-29. [Zurich American Insurance Company Customer Reviews](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/dallas/profile/insurance-companies/zurich-american-insurance-company-0875-90008903/customer-reviews)

Reviewed 2026-09-29. [Read the sourced review](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/zurich/reviews).

## Agent and Developer Resources

- [Markdown page](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-zurich/fidelity-bonds.md)
- [Developer resources](https://spot.insure/developers)
- [Public MCP server](https://spot.insure/mcp)
- [MCP server manifest](https://spot.insure/server.json)
- [OpenAPI description](https://spot.insure/openapi.json)
- [Public page index](https://spot.insure/llms.txt)