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Security Agreement and Financing Statement

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General Form of Security Agreement in Equipment

Security Agreement made the , between , of

hereinafter called Debtor, and , a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of , with its principal office located at

referred to herein Secured Party.

1. Security Interest

Debtor, for valuable consideration, grants to Secured Party a security interest in the following described equipment together with all additions, replacements, accessions, and substitutions (the Collateral):

 Make or trade name:

 Type of body:

 Year and model:

 Unit or serial number:

 Motor number or cabinet number:

 New or used:

This security interest is being granted to secure payment of the Promissory Note (the Note) of even date with this Agreement and any and all other liabilities of Debtor to Secured Party under this Agreement, all of which are in this Agreement referred to as Obligation.

2. Obligations

In addition to the Note, Debtor shall also pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney's fees, whether or not any suit is brought to enforce collection.

3. Debtor’s Rights in Collateral

Debtor warrants that he is the sole owner of Collateral and that there are no liens or encumbrances of any kind on Collateral or on any part of Collateral. Debtor further warrants that he has good right to grant a security interest in Collateral pursuant to Article 9 Uniform Commercial Code of the State of . Debtor warrants that Collateral will be used primarily for commercial and business purposes and not for personal or household use.

4. Location of Collateral

A. Collateral shall be kept at

and Debtor shall promptly notify Secured Party of any change in the location of Collateral. Debtor shall not remove Collateral from without Secured Party's written consent.

B. Collateral shall not be attached to or made a part of any real estate.

5. Protection of Collateral

Debtor shall:

1. Maintain Collateral in good repair;

2. Be responsible to Secured Party for any loss or damage to Collateral;

3. Keep Collateral free of all taxes, liens and other charges, and

4. Shall not illegally use or secrete Collateral.

6. Insurance

Debtor shall maintain the usual insurance coverage on Collateral, in a form satisfactory to and issued by an insurance carrier approved by Secured Party. Such policies shall insure both Debtor and Secured Party, as their interests may appear, against fire, theft and total or partial destruction of the Collateral. The loss shall be payable under each policy to Secured Party or assigns, per the amount of Obligation, and the balance under each policy to be payable to Debtor. Debtor requests all insurance carriers involved to pay all insurance claims, including premium refunds, directly to Secured Party, and Debtor appoints Secured Party attorney in fact to collect the same on Debtor's behalf. Debtor shall pay promptly all premiums on such policies. In the event of Debtor's failure to procure such insurance or to pay the premiums for the insurance, Secured Party may procure and pay for such insurance, and all sums advanced for such purpose shall be added to Obligation and secured by this Agreement.

7. Default

Any of the following shall constitute a default under this Agreement:

A. Debtor's failure to promptly make any installment payment under the Obligation.

B. Debtor's failure to promptly perform any of the provisions contained in this Agreement.

C. The making or levying of any attachment or execution on Collateral.

D. The filing of a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency, or for the appointment of a receiver in liquidation or a trustee, by or against Debtor or for any of Debtor's property.

E. Debtor's making any assignment for the benefit of creditors.

F. The filing of a petition or other proceeding by or against Debtor for reorganization, compromise, adjustment or other relief under the laws of the United States or of any state, relating to the relief of Debtors.

G. Secured Party's deeming itself insecure for any reason.

8. Remedies

A. In the event of any default by Debtor, Secured Party may take any legal action available to collect all sums owing under this Agreement, to enforce its right to possession of Collateral, and to enforce any and all other rights or remedies available to it under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of , or otherwise. No such action shall operate as a waiver of any other right or remedy of Secured Party under the terms of this Agreement, or by statute, or otherwise. All rights and remedies of Secured Party are cumulative and not alternative, and no waiver of any default shall operate as a waiver of any other default.

B. On any default under this Agreement, all remaining installments may be declared by Secured Party immediately due and payable. In the event of nonpayment, Debtor shall, on demand, deliver Collateral to Secured Party. Secured Party may without notice or demand and without legal process enter the premises of Debtor and take possession of Collateral on such premises or wherever found. Secured Party may require Debtor to assemble Collateral and make it available to Secured Party at a place to be designated by Secured Party that is reasonably convenient to both parties.

C. Secured Party, on obtaining possession of Collateral on default, may sell Collateral or any part of the same at public or private sale either with or without having Collateral at the place of sale. If lawful, Secured Party may be a purchaser at such sale. The net proceeds of such sale, after deducting all expenses of Secured Party in taking, storing, repairing and selling Collateral, including reasonable attorney's fees, shall be credited against Obligation in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Any surplus shall be paid to Debtor, or the person legally entitled to the surplus. In the event of a deficiency, Debtor shall pay such deficiency to Secured Party.

9. Care of Collateral

Debtor will keep the Collateral free from adverse lien, security interest or encumbrance and in good order and repair and will not waste or destroy the Collateral or any part of it. Debtor will not use the Collateral in violation of statute or ordinance. Secured Party may examine and inspect the Collateral at any time.

10. Taxes

Debtor will pay promptly when due all taxes and assessments upon the Collateral or for its use or operation or upon this Agreement or upon any note or notes evidencing the Obligation.

11. Secured Party’s Payment’s and Expenses

At its option, Secured Party may discharge taxes, liens, or security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied or placed on the Collateral, may pay for insurance on the Collateral and may pay for the maintenance and preservation of the Collateral. Debtor agrees to reimburse Secured Party on demand for payment made or expense incurred by Secured Party pursuant to the foregoing authorization.

12. Attorney’s Fees

Expenses of retaking, holding, preparing for sale, selling, or the like shall include Secured Party's reasonable attorney's fees and legal expenses.

13. No Waiver

No waiver by Secured Party of any default operates as a waiver of any other default or of the same default on a future occasion.

14. Binding Effect

All rights of Secured Party inure to the benefit of its successors and assigns. All Obligations of Debtor bind his/her heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, or his/her successors, or assigns. If there is more than one Debtor their Obligations are joint and several.

WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated.

By:

 

Name and Signature of Debtor

Enter text✕

What a Security Agreement and Financing Statement Do

A Security Agreement and Financing Statement establishes a secured creditor's interest in a debtor's collateral and provides public notice of that interest. The security agreement is a contract between debtor and secured party describing collateral, obligations, events of default, and remedies. The financing statement (UCC-1) is filed with the appropriate state filing office to perfect the security interest, establish priority against competing creditors, and put third parties on notice. Together these instruments are central to secured lending, asset-based financing, and equipment financing transactions governed by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Why Accurate Security Documents Matter

Establishes priority of claim, reduces lender exposure, and creates clear remedies on default. Filing a financing statement perfects the secured party's interest and improves enforceability against third parties, lenders, and bankruptcy trustees under Article 9 and prevailing state law.

Why Accurate Security Documents Matter

Who Typically Prepares and Uses These Forms

Typical users include banks, equipment lessors, and companies that need to secure loans or vendor credit with collateral.

  • Banks and credit unions — use to perfect security interests and document loan collateral.
  • Equipment lessors and finance companies — file UCC-1s for leased equipment and priority control.
  • Commercial borrowers — protect financing terms and clarify collateral obligations for lenders.

Most transactions also involve legal or commercial counsel to confirm naming, jurisdiction, and any required supporting corporate or trustee authorizations.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

Lender — Institutional

Banks, credit unions, and finance companies act as secured parties; they require precise collateral descriptions, proof of signature authority, and monitoring to maintain perfected liens and priority.

Debtor — Business

Borrowers grant security interests to obtain credit; they must confirm organizational approvals, provide accurate legal names, and disclose encumbrances to avoid conflicts with existing creditors.

Essential Elements to Include in the Package

A complete Security Agreement and Financing Statement package includes party identifiers, a clear collateral schedule, grant language, secured obligations, default provisions, and the filing instructions required to perfect the security interest.

Parties

Identify debtor and secured party by exact legal name and organizational form; accuracy determines filing jurisdiction and is the single most common cause of filing defects.

Collateral

Provide a specific, unambiguous description; inventory lists, serial numbers, and categories are acceptable, but overly broad or vague descriptions risk being unperfected.

Grant Clause

Expressly grant the secured party an interest in the collateral; clear grant language aligns with UCC definitions and supports enforceability on default.

Obligations

Define secured obligations, including principal, interest, contingencies, and cross-default language so the security interest covers intended liabilities.

Default & Remedies

Specify events of default and remedies such as repossession or disposition; ensure compliance with UCC resale and disposition requirements to avoid claims.

Filing Details

Identify the filing office, financing statement duration, continuation process, and termination procedures to preserve perfection and priority.

Required Information at a Glance

Debtor Legal Name: Exact registered name and entity type
Secured Party: Lender or creditor legal name
Collateral Description: Specific goods, serials, or inventory categories
Filing Jurisdiction: State secretary of state office
Effective Date: Use MM/DD/YYYY date format
Signature Block: Printed name, title, signature, and date

Stepwise Process to Execute and Perfect

Follow a standard sequence: prepare the agreement, identify collateral, obtain signatures, and perfect by filing the financing statement with the state filing office.

  • 01
    Draft Agreement: Complete contractual terms and collateral schedule
  • 02
    Review Legal Names: Confirm exact entity names and jurisdictions
  • 03
    Sign & Authenticate: Obtain signatures; notarize or witness if required
  • 04
    File UCC-1: Submit financing statement to state filing office

Configure an Online Execution Workflow

When customizing online, define template fields, signer roles, authentication, and automated filing options to streamline execution and reduce errors.

Field Configuration
Template Name Use clear naming for tracking
Signer Roles Assign debtor vs secured party roles
Authentication Email, SMS code, or KBA options
Auto-File Enable automated UCC filing where supported

Typical Digital Execution and Filing Flow

A typical e-execution flow: upload documents, place fields, send for signature, then file the financing statement and distribute executed copies to parties.

  • Upload Document: Add agreement and collateral schedules
  • Place Fields: Add signature, initial, and date fields
  • Send to Signers: Include authentication and signing order
  • File & Distribute: File UCC-1 and send executed copies

Platform Capabilities to Look For

Ensure the signing platform supports PDF or DOCX upload, audit trails, and integrations with storage or filing systems to capture chain-of-custody.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and HTML supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace support
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA, SSO options

Critical Timing and Filing Deadlines

Key timing rules cover perfection, statement duration, continuation windows, and termination filings; missing deadlines can cost priority or lead to lien disputes.

Perfection by Filing:

File financing statement promptly to establish priority

Duration of Financing Statement:

Generally effective for five years from filing

Continuation Window:

File continuation within six months before expiry

Amendments and Assignments:

File UCC-3 to amend name or collateral changes

Termination Statement:

File after full satisfaction to release public lien

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

  • Incorrect Debtor Name: Using a trade name or misspelling the debtor's legal name can make the financing statement seriously misleading and cause a loss of perfection or priority in a dispute.
  • Vague Collateral Descriptions: Descriptions like 'all assets' without appropriate categories or exclusions may be insufficient for specific asset classes, leading to challenges in enforcement.
  • Wrong Filing Office: Filing in the incorrect state or county for organized entities often renders a UCC-1 ineffective, leaving the secured party unperfected.
  • Failure to Continue: Neglecting to file a continuation statement before the five-year lapse causes the financing statement to expire, risking priority loss against later filers.

Consequences of Defective or Late Filings

Loss of Priority: Secured party becomes unsecured
Enforcement Barriers: Court may limit remedies
Fraud Risk: Debtor disputes validity
Statutory Penalties: Potential state fines
Bankruptcy Exposure: Trustee avoidance possible
Reputational Harm: Transaction delays and disputes

Practical Examples from Real Organizations

Two real-world examples show how organizations document collateral, execute electronically, and maintain priority through precise filings and clear contract language.

Tech Data

Tech Data centralized contract execution and collateral filings using an e-signature workflow to reduce turnaround on security agreements.

  • Streamlined internal approvals and tracking.
  • Bob Dutkowsky, CEO of Tech Data, said: 'Tech Data uses airSlate SignNow to improve our internal and external customer service while increasing our speed to revenue.' The workflow preserved priority and reduced filing delays.

Optica Ventures

A small equipment lender standardized security agreement templates and UCC filing checklists to avoid naming errors.

  • Faster closing on equipment loans.
  • Brian Fitzgibbons, COO of Optica Ventures LLC, said: 'The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.' The process reduced refile incidents and clarified remedies.

Practical Controls to Reduce Risk and Rework

Adopt standardized templates, validate legal names, and automate filings where possible; these practices reduce defects and preserve secured-party priority in contested situations.

Standardize template language
Use a consistent security agreement template reviewed by counsel that contains precise grant language, collateral schedules, and clear default provisions. Standardization reduces drafting errors and accelerates filing and enforcement processes while maintaining evidentiary consistency across transactions.
Validate debtor identity and name
Confirm the debtor's exact legal name using formation certificates, driver's license, or secretary of state records. When dealing with individuals, use the name on government ID; for entities, use the filed corporate or LLC name to prevent filing defects.
Describe collateral precisely
List serial numbers, VINs, or specific inventory categories rather than generic phrases. For tangible goods, include location and access instructions where necessary; precise descriptions reduce disputes over what is subject to the security interest.
Track filings and expirations
Maintain a calendar for financing statement expiry and continuation deadlines, and document all UCC-3 amendments. Missed continuation filings are a common cause of priority loss and can be expensive to correct.

eSignature Vendor Pricing and Key Feature Overview

Vendor pricing and feature comparison for e-signature services used in executing and managing Security Agreements and Financing Statements; signNow listed first per available platform data.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions and Quick Answers

Common technical, legal, and filing questions about Security Agreements and Financing Statements with concise answers and references to statutory rules where relevant.


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