Market & Policy · Insurance Term
Submission
Definition
A submission is the package of information your agent sends to insurance companies to ask for a quote. It usually includes an application, property details, a schedule of values and several years of claim history. A complete, accurate submission tends to get faster answers and better terms.
In Plain English
Underwriters can only price what they can see. A typical submission for a commercial property owner includes completed ACORD applications, a statement of values listing each building, recent loss runs, photos, and notes on roofs, wiring, plumbing and safety upgrades.
Gaps slow everything down. When information is missing, an underwriter may decline, ask follow-up questions, or assume the worst and price for it. Updates you made, like a new roof or sprinklers, only help you if they are written into the submission.
Your agent markets the same submission to several insurers at once. That is why it pays to get it right the first time, before renewal deadlines are close.
Not sure how your policy handles this? Have us review it, or get a quote.
Example
Hypothetical: an owner of a 20,000-square-foot strip center replaced the roof two years ago but the submission still lists the roof as 18 years old. Adding the roof invoice and a photo before marketing gives underwriters a truer picture of the risk.
What to Watch For
- Review the statement of values before it goes out, especially building values and roof years.
- Gather loss runs from every current insurer, usually for the last five years.
- List improvements with dates: roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, sprinklers and alarms.
- Start the process 90 to 120 days before renewal so insurers have time to respond.
Last updated October 14, 2026 · Primesure editorial team · How We Write