Getting a Business Insurance Quote
Everything you need to quote your small business
Few things are as frustrating as starting a small business insurance quote and not having the information you need. Avoid wasting time by gathering all essential information beforehand.
To get an accurate business insurance quote you’ll need:
The basics
Most commercial insurance quotes require basic information, including:
- Business location and industry
- Owner information and experience
- Details of business operations
- Gross annual sales
Your insurer will consider the details of your daily operations and where you conduct business when assessing your exposure to various risks. For example, a residential cleaning business operates differently from a commercial cleaning business. A residential cleaning business may specialize in cleaning bedrooms, bathrooms and floors, whereas a commercial cleaning business may focus on offices, machinery and retail spaces. Despite operating in the same industry, you can expect their small business quotes to differ.
Employee information
You’re generally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees. Be prepared to provide:
- Number of employees
- Annual payroll
- Subcontractor cost
It’s important to note that owners and partners are not considered employees.
Tools and equipment specifics
You can protect your building materials and equipment by adding an inland marine endorsement to your business liability insurance quote. A licensed commercial agent may request details regarding:
- The various types of building materials you use
- Tools and equipment valued over $1,000
- Portable computer equipment
Properly valuing your assets is crucial in case you’re involved in a claim. Listing expensive tools and equipment will likely require the make, model and serial number specifications.
Claims history
When receiving a commercial insurance quote, be prepared to discuss your claims history, including:
- Number of claims in the past 5 years
- Date of claims
- Amount paid to settle each claim
- Any E&O or monetary demands
You may be able to request a copy of your claims history from your insurance company if you’re missing information.
Property details
When insuring your commercial property through a business owners policy (BOP), you’ll need to provide:
- Age of building
- Square footage
- Building construction type
- Building safety features
- Other occupants
- Mortgage company information
Details of both the construction and use of your building can influence the price of your commercial insurance quote. For example, a fire-resistant building with automatic sprinklers typically has lower exposure than a building lacking these features.
Additional insureds
An additional insured is a person, entity, city or corporation who is listed on an insurance policy and shares many of the same rights as the policyholder. For example, they may receive a copy of any notifications you receive about your policy, such as a cancel notice.
You may be required to list an additional insured on your small business insurance quote. Be prepared to provide each entity’s name and address. Four organizations that usually require being listed as an additional insured include:
- Vendors who sell your products
- Lessors for equipment you lease or rent
- Lessor of space where you operate business
- Scheduled contracts or organizations
An additional insured can be added any time during your policy period. However, having this information available when you quote can help notify all affected parties once your policy is active.
The nature of your business will ultimately determine what you’ll need for a small business insurance quote. Don’t worry if you don’t initially have all necessary information. We can securely save your profile until you’re able to provide any remaining details. Complete an online business insurance quote or call us directly to speak with a licensed commercial agent.
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