Key points
- Start 60–90 days ahead. Most renewal problems are timing problems.
- Gather loss runs, payroll, vehicle and driver lists, and contract requirements early.
- Compare coverage and endorsements, not just premium.
90 days out
Request loss runs from your current insurance companies for the past five years. They show your claim history and are required for any serious review of other options.
Update your numbers. Payroll by type of work, revenue split between residential and commercial, subcontracted costs, and number of employees.
Update your vehicle and driver lists. Remove sold vans and former employees. Add new units and new drivers.
Collect your contracts. Pull the insurance requirements from your largest general contractor, builder, and property management agreements.
60 days out
Decide whether to review other options. Good reasons: a large increase, service problems, a contract your program can’t meet, a non-renewal, or a business that has outgrown its policies.
Prepare explanations for any significant claims: what happened and what changed afterward.
Review limits against your contracts and your fleet.
30 days out
Compare proposals carefully. Limits, completed operations, water damage terms, pollution exclusions, endorsements, auto symbols, deductibles, and payment terms all matter.
Check coordination. Does the umbrella schedule every underlying policy? Do the renewal dates line up?
Update your TSBPE certificate. If your general liability renewed or changed, the Responsible Master Plumber certificate needs updating. See the RMP certificate checklist.
Questions to ask at every renewal
- Why did the premium change, and how much is rate versus growth?
- Are any drivers excluded or flagged?
- Do my policies meet every contract I currently hold?
- What would improve my account next year?