6 Most Common Submission Mistakes Brokers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Retail brokers are the driving force behind successful insurance placements. Your insights and client relationships shape coverage outcomes every day. But even experienced professionals can encounter avoidable submission missteps.
At best, these errors could lead to delayed turnarounds. Worst case scenario, mistakes could lead to coverage issues for your insured and E&O issues for your agency.
Here are the 6 most frequent submission mistakes we see, and practical ways to avoid them:
1. Incomplete Applications
The Mistake
Incomplete applications are the main reason why submissions stall once they’re sent to an underwriter. Missing responses or documents can cause extended turnaround times.
How to Avoid It
Before submitting, verify that every required field is addressed and all key documents are included – loss runs, financial statements, supplemental forms, and any industry-specific data. At 1Fort, we automatically check for app completion prior to submission.
2. Poorly Presented or Unorganized Documents
The Mistake
Disorganized, poorly labeled, or difficult-to-navigate submissions make the underwriter’s job harder, risking an oversight of critical details.
How to Avoid It
Present a polished package. Use clear file names and a logical structure (Application, Loss Runs, Financials, Narrative, etc.). 1Fort’s submission platform leverages AI to extract relevant data from any documents you upload, optimizing for underwriting efficiency.
3. Not Tailoring Submissions to the Underwriter’s Preferences
The Mistake
Generic submissions that don’t align with the underwriter’s appetite are likely to receive a quick decline.
How to Avoid It
Understand your underwriting partners. Highlight aspects of your client’s risk that align with their focus areas. When you submit on 1Fort, we help you align submissions with underwriters who are most likely to quote.
4. Failing to Address Previous Claims or Issues
The Mistake
Avoiding or omitting information about past claims can damage credibility. Underwriters will uncover this data, and lack of transparency can lead to distrust.
How to Avoid It
Be proactive. Clearly explain past claims, resolutions, and any measures implemented to mitigate future risk. This fosters trust and helps underwriters properly assess the submission.
5. Submitting Last-Minute
The Mistake
Last-minute submissions increase the likelihood of errors, incomplete details, and missed market opportunities.
How to Avoid It
Plan ahead. Begin the submission process well in advance of binding deadlines. Early, high-quality submissions give underwriters time to fully evaluate and respond. 1Fort automatically triggers reminders and sets due dates for your client to ensure submissions are completed on time.
6. Ignoring Feedback and Follow-Up
The Mistake
Failing to engage with underwriters post-submission can stall the process and harm relationships.
How to Avoid It
Respond promptly to requests for additional information. 1Fort automatically triages questions and feedback from all your underwriters so you can learn their preferences and earn preferred partner status with your markets.
Final Thoughts
At 1Fort, we’re committed to helping brokers succeed. Well-prepared, thoughtfully presented submissions not only secure better outcomes for your clients, but also build long-term trust with underwriting partners.
By avoiding these common mistakes and leveraging the right tools and insights, you can elevate your submission game and drive superior results. Let’s make every submission count.
Want to see how 1Fort can help you avoid these mistakes? Sign up for a demo today!
