Business Insurance Quote Checklist

Information to prepare

Gather your legal business name, entity type, addresses, years in operation, detailed services, estimated annual revenue, payroll, employee count, subcontractor costs, claims history, and existing policy details.

• Copies of customer or landlord insurance requirements
• Vehicle, driver, and equipment schedules
• Property values and security protections
• Professional licenses and relevant training
• Five years of loss runs when available

Compare like with like

Create one row for each proposal and record the insurer, policy term, coverage form, each limit, deductible, important endorsements, exclusions, fees, payment schedule, and total annual cost. Confirm whether quoted taxes and fees are included.

Questions worth asking

Ask what is not covered, which activities were assumed, how subcontractors are treated, whether defense costs reduce the limit, and what happens when revenue or payroll is audited. Request answers in writing when they influence your decision.

• Does the policy satisfy the contract I provided?
• Are defense costs inside or outside the limit?
• Is coverage claims-made or occurrence-based?
• What must I report during the policy term?
• Are additional insured endorsements available?

Before you bind

Read the proposal and application before signing. Correct missing or inaccurate details. Confirm the effective date, payment schedule, cancellation terms, and process for obtaining certificates. The complete policy—not the marketing summary—controls coverage.