A thoughtful, complete submission is more than just a paperwork checklist — it’s a fast pass to smoother quoting, faster turnaround times, and stronger relationships with underwriters. When it comes to liability insurance underwriting, brokers who consistently deliver clean, comprehensive applications stand out. And with Commodore Insurance’s focus on general liability, we make it easy to do business, but it starts with giving our underwriters the right information from the start.
Why a Strong Submission Matters
Underwriting isn’t guesswork — or at least, it shouldn’t be. A well-prepared general liability submission:
- Reduces delays from missing or unclear details
- Increases the likelihood of getting a fast, favorable indication of premium
- Reinforces the broker’s reliability and professionalism
- Provides a competitive edge in a market that demands speed and precision
Today’s market isn’t just competitive — it’s customer-driven. According to J.D. Power’s Insurance Digital Experience Survey, 80% of clients expect a seamless and simplified quoting process, and 88% want a clear, concise explanation of coverage options during that process. Brokers who submit complete, well-organized applications are better positioned to meet those expectations — and to help underwriters respond faster, with fewer questions. Especially when turnaround time is critical, brokers who anticipate what underwriters need become trusted partners, not just order-takers.
Top 5 Things Underwriters Look For
Want to make your next general liability insurance indication request a breeze? Here’s what Commodore’s underwriters prioritize and how brokers can deliver.
1. Clear Description of Operations
Here’s where many submissions go sideways. A vague description like “contractor” or “service provider” forces underwriters to guess, and guessing slows everything down.
Do this instead:
- “Residential remodeling contractor specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations. No structural changes. No work over three stories.”
Avoid: “Construction,” “Retail,” or “Miscellaneous service business” with no elaboration.
Clarity here sets the tone for everything else.
2. Accurate Classification and Payroll/Revenue Data
Proper class codes depend on clean data. Include clear breakdowns of:
- Employee payroll by role (e.g., field crew vs. clerical)
- Gross revenue projections
- Subcontractor usage, including percentage and responsibilities
This information helps the underwriter assess exposure accurately and avoid reclassification later — a common source of headaches for everyone involved.
3. Claims History and Loss Runs
Underwriters don’t just want to know if claims happened — they want context.
- Submit at least five years of loss runs if there have been losses
- Include explanations for major claims
- Outline what’s changed since — new training protocols, updated contracts, etc.
A history of zero losses is great. But when losses exist, transparency and proactive risk mitigation go a long way.
4. Risk-Management Practices
A strong risk profile is more than just clean loss runs. Share what your insured is doing to prevent issues in the first place:
- Written safety procedures
- Employee training programs
- Use of hold-harmless agreements or disclaimers
- Supervision and quality control protocols
Even small operations can shine here, especially if they’re thinking ahead.
5. Project Scope and Work Environment Details
Underwriters need to know where and how the work happens. Be sure to include:
- Whether projects are residential or commercial
- The number of stories involved (must be three or fewer for Commodore)
- Use of specific tools or materials with known exposures
- Potential for water damage, dust, or mold claims
Remember, the more specific the environment, the more tailored and accurate the quote will be.
Final Tip: Make It Easy for the Underwriter to Say Yes
Every submission reflects the broker who submitted it. Organized, complete applications save everyone time and get your clients covered faster.
- Use consistent formatting and include all required documents.
- Flag anything unusual with a short note.
- Communicate openly if you’re waiting on a missing piece.
At Commodore, we pride ourselves on being responsive, efficient, and easy to work with — and we value brokers who bring that same energy to the table. Contact us to learn how we can help you turn strong submissions into solid partnerships and faster approvals.
About Commodore
Commodore Insurance Services, Inc. (Commodore) is a California corporation that operates as a Managing General Agency and Program Manager. Since incorporating in 1990, Commodore has developed an expertise in the production and underwriting of insurance products for businesses across the West Coast. Our focus is on providing top-level insurance products to our clients while striving to make it easy to do business for our brokers. Try us and find out why we have continued to be successful for more than 27 years and are recognized as the trusted leader in small business insurance.
