Quote preparation

How to prepare for an insurance quote.

Better inputs make it easier to compare like with like. Prepare a factual operating brief before contacting a licensed broker, agent, carrier, or marketplace.

Build a one-page operating brief

Describe what the business does in plain language, who it serves, where work occurs, and what could create a claim. Avoid broad labels that hide important details, such as whether work is advisory, physical, product-related, customer-facing, or dependent on technology.

Legal business name, entity type, locations, and years operating. Clear description of services, products, customers, territories, and contracts. Revenue, payroll, employee roles, subcontractors, and classification details. Vehicles, drivers, equipment, property, inventory, and security controls. Prior claims, incidents, cancellations, current policies, limits, and deductibles.

Prepare the comparison assumptions

Write down the desired effective date, limits, deductibles, locations, policy period, and contract requirements before requesting proposals. If one proposal uses different assumptions, mark that difference rather than treating the result as a price comparison.

Ask questions that expose differences

What is covered, and what exclusions are most relevant to this operation?
Which limits are aggregate, per occurrence, per claim, or sublimits?
Are defense costs inside or outside the limit?
What notice, security, documentation, or risk-control conditions apply?
Who handles claims and what service standards should be expected?

Accuracy matters. Never alter or omit material information to make a quote appear cheaper. A licensed professional should review suitability and current state requirements.