The day-to-day operations and challenges of running a business can often overshadow the importance of reviewing your insurance coverage. Updating your insurance may not be at the top of your priority list, what with work, home, and personal obligations. Have you ever wondered when you should update your insurance policy? We recommend your take the time to review your business insurance program before each renewal.
The length of time it takes to renew your policy is determined by the size of your company, the complexity of your risk, and the insurance carriers you use. However, starting conversations two to four months ahead of time has a significant advantage. We have discovered that it allows you to communicate with your insurance broker about various difficulties and ideas. You can talk about potential company developments as well as the various insurance options.
A good market strategy can be condensed to five simple criteria regardless of an organization's size, complexity, or risk profile.
- Evaluate Your Agent Choices, knowledge of your industry, their ability to develop a relationship or partnership with you and reference checks.
- Start the process 90 days in advance.
- Review your risks in relation to your coverage. Are there any gaps in coverage that need to be addressed?
- Recognize that a low price may not be the best option.
- Be prepared to negotiate.
Evaluate Your Agent Choices
To begin with, how responsive is your insurance agent? Is it common for you to be left hanging or suffering in the dark for weeks while waiting for a response to your insurance details? Of course, top-tier brokers are also quite busy. A little common sense goes a long way. People who want your business, on the other hand, are more likely to work hard for it.
Consider the following items when selecting your agent
- How many insurers do they represent?
- Are they experienced?
- Look for an agent with whom you can develop a good rapport. If you have an effective working relationship with your provider, you will likely have a better experience purchasing comprehensive coverage.
- Do they have experienced staff?
- Look for a partner not just a vendor.
Start The Process Early
Some agent like to start 120 out from the renewal date, and other say 90 days is ok. We think the more time you have, the better. This gives you plenty of time to plan your strategy and goals, gather data, create attractive underwriting submissions, engage underwriters to consider your options, and get post-binding papers like ID cards, certificates of insurance, and invoices. The idea is never to give an insurer a reason to deny participation because "there isn't enough time.
Review Your Risks In Relations To Your Coverage
The process of risk and coverage review can be important to ensure your proposed coverage meets your goals. If you have an uncured loss due to a lack of understanding of your risk is never acceptable. This gives you and your agent an opportunity to thoroughly review your risks and design a program to meet your needs.
Recognize That Low Price May Not Be The Best Option
Often businesses will look to the lowest cost as the main factor in considering which program to select. This may not be in your best interest. Low-cost insurance can mean that there are coverages missing, restrictive terms, or exclusion you may not want to be included in the quote.
There are cost-saving options when purchasing or renewing company insurance coverage to help you save a large amount of money. If you can persuade your insurance that your risk exposure is modest, for example, your premium can be lowered.
Be Prepared To Negotiate
While a small business doesn't have the same bargaining power as a firm that pays a six-figure premium, there are a few things you can ask for, including:
- Multi-year policies. These are helpful from a budgeting standpoint.
- Can the carrier assist with loss control? Identifying dangers in the workplace, advocating better controls, giving staff training materials, and developing best practices for a safer work environment are just a few examples. Mock Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) inspections help ensure the business is OSHA compliant.
- Deductibles. As a result, assuming more significant risk in the form of a higher deductible should lower your premium. Determine how much your company can afford to pay if you need to file a claim while contemplating this choice.
Yes, the renewal procedure can be time-consuming and complicated, with many loose ends. That does not have to be the case. Not if you follow the correct procedures and have a well-defined strategy. A qualified insurance broker specializing in commercial insurance plans may make things a lot easier and more cost-effective.
Commercial business insurance is an important aspect of any business that cannot be ignored, especially if the business premises are leased or rented and even otherwise. Whatever your commercial insurance needs, we can design a protection program that’s right for you.