Insurance renewal reminders for small businesses
Upload a policy and we read the dates on Starter.
Most small businesses hold several insurance policies with different insurers and different renewal dates. Brokers usually send renewal notices, but not always in time, and not always to the right person. A lapse can leave you uninsured, break a lease or contract that requires cover, and make the next policy harder or more expensive to buy.
Policies to track
- General liability
- Commercial property or business owner's policy
- Commercial auto
- Workers' compensation
- Professional liability or errors and omissions
- Cyber liability
- Product liability
- Umbrella or excess liability
- Equipment breakdown or inland marine
- Business interruption, if separate
- Bonds, such as license or performance bonds
What to record for each
- Policy name and number
- Insurer and broker, with contact details
- Effective date and expiry date
- Premium and payment schedule
- Coverage limits and deductible
- Who in your business owns the renewal
- Where the policy documents and certificates are stored
- Any contracts or leases that require this policy
When to start
For most commercial policies, start reviewing 60 to 90 days before expiry. That gives time to:
- Update your broker on changes, such as new staff, vehicles, locations or revenue
- Get competing quotes if you want them
- Answer underwriter questions
- Arrange new certificates for landlords and clients before the old ones expire
Set follow-up reminders at 30, 14 and 7 days, in case quotes are late.
What to review before renewing
- Has the business changed? New services, bigger premises or more vehicles may need higher limits or different cover.
- Are limits still right for your contracts? Client and lease contracts often require specific minimums.
- Payment method: if the premium is on a card or direct debit, is it still valid?
- Claims history: be ready to explain any claims in the past year.
- Certificates of insurance: who needs updated certificates after renewal?
Your broker or insurer can advise on coverage. This page is about not missing the date.
The certificate knock-on effect
When a policy renews, certificates of insurance you've given to landlords, clients or general contractors show the old dates. They'll ask for new ones. Keep a list of who holds your certificates, and send updated copies as soon as the renewal is confirmed.
Payment lapses
Policies can lapse even when you meant to renew, because a card expired or a payment bounced. Keep payment details current and watch for missed-payment notices.
Using Renew Clock for insurance
Upload each policy's declarations page or certificate. On Starter and above, Renew Clock reads the insurer, policy type and dates for you to confirm. Assign an owner, choose reminders such as 90, 60, 30, 14 and 7 days, and attach the documents. When the renewal arrives, upload it and mark the item renewed; it rolls forward to the new expiry date. Pro adds escalation so a second person is told if the owner doesn't respond.
Questions
My broker reminds me. Do I need this?
A good broker helps a lot. Your own list protects you if a notice goes astray, the broker changes, or you hold policies with several brokers.
Does Renew Clock give insurance advice?
No. We track dates and documents. Coverage questions belong with your broker or insurer.